The Forgotten Ones

There is no doubt what the game of the week is in L.A. City Section football this week, Carson vs. Narbonne. The two square off in a crucial game that will not only decide the Marine League Crown but will also have playoff seeding implications. Why are people counting both teams out for the running of City Section Champ? Everyone I talk to is saying that a Crenshaw vs. Venice championship is all but set and done. It seems people are forgetting about the Back-to-Back City Champions when 2013 title talks begin. If not for the Gauchos eliminating the Colts in the last two years, the Colts could have easily been in the Gauchos' shoes.

Title Contenders

Narbonne wants to remind everyone that the road to the championship runs through Harbor City. If the Gauchos beat the Colts they have a strong case to be seeded #1. They would be Defending Champs, League Champs, and undefeated in a very tough Marine League. If the Colts get the win, they can claim dominance over the toughest league in the City Section and also boast about a tough non-league schedule. There aren't any two hungrier teams in the City Section which is why Friday's game should be a great one. Carson looks to regain the title of City Football Powerhouse and Narbonne looks to keep it.

Key Players

The Colts have players that have been spectacular all season long. DaJuan Lee, Kelvin Sadberry, T. J. Flowers, T. J. Flowers, Manuopuava Tui-Enesi, Manoah Pearson, Juan 'Kiki' Flores, Leonel Barrios, Bobby Johnson and Don'Yeh Patterson who is being recruited by USC, Colorado State and several Ivy League schools will all play a big role in Friday's game. The Gauchos, however, surprisingly have no players that have been putting up numbers like in years past. It has truly been a complete team effort for Narbonne in the 2013 season.

Carson Key Players

#1 DaJuan Lee (5'8, 165) Sr. - Best all around athlete on the team. Two year varsity performer. Plays defensive back, wide receiver, running back and also excels as a punt/kick returner.
#2 Don'Yeh Patterson, (6'2, 195) Sr. - Plays safety and wide receiver. Has made huge plays in the passing game and is a great downfield blocker in the run game. He has several colleges recruiting him (USC, Colorado State and Ivy league schools).
#3 Kelvin Sadberry (6'4, 185) Sr. A two-way player that is tough to stop in the red-zone. His leaping ability makes tough for defenses to stop near the goal line.
#4 T. J. Flowers (6'0, 200) Sr. - A tough play-making linebacker who has a knack for always being around the ball. He leads the team in fumble recoveries for touchdowns.
#5 Jabari Minix (6'0, 155) Jr. - Plays both running back and wide receiver. He was recently named player of the game versus rival Banning after scoring 3 touchdowns.
#8 Manuopuava Tui-Enesi (6'0, 225) Jr. - A 2 year varsity performer. He plays defensive end and is involved in almost every play. He makes life miserable for opposing qb's.
#11 Manoah Pearson (6'1, 220) Sr.- 3 year varsity starter as a middle linebacker. Team Captain. 2 time all-league performer. Led the team in tackles the last two years.
#12 Juan 'Kiki' Flores (5'9, 170) Jr.- Has filled in nicely when starter Justin Collins went down, at Quarterback. He possess the skills to read and pick apart defenses. He was a standout on the junior varsity team last season.
#37 Leonel Barrios (5'9,190) Sr.- Special teams weapon as the team's kickoff specialist. His kickoffs have helped the defense by making the opposing offenses have to go 80 yards. Among the league leaders in touchbacks on kickoffs.
#75 Bobby Johnson (6'5, 275) Sr.- A three year varsity starter at left tackle. An all-league performer who has garnered numerous scholarship offers. Great run blocker with good feet.

Narbonne Key Players

#1 Eban Jackson (6'3, 185) Sr. 976 Passing Yards, 8 TD's
# 6 Johnell Jackson (6'0, 180) Sr. 627 Rushing Yards, 7 TD's
#7 Uchenna Nwosu (6'3, 190) Sr. 52 Tackles, 2 Int's
#9 Dallas Lopez (6'5, 185) Sr. 319 Receiving Yards, 4 TD's
#21 Khalil Rashad-Brown 6'0, 190) Sr. 43 Tackles, 2 Int's