South Gate- The year of the University Wildcats (0-1) road show started off with a punishing defeat 48-14 at the hands of the South Gate Rams (2-0). LAUSD has schedule field renovation at University’s home field so this is first of 10 road games for the 2014 season. The game was delayed due to late arrival team bus caused by good Los Angeles traffic. This allowed South Gate to be relaxed and not rushed like their opponent.
The Rams Wing T power offense started off rumbling right then left and into the end zone 7 times exposing the Wildcats defense. Antonio Washington broke the first large run for the Rams with a 50 yard sweep on left side making it 14-0 at 2:26 left in the first quarter. Being up two scores at home the Rams were pumped up on both sides of the ball. University started to stress earlier which is what Wing T offense wants so gaps begin to open and Rams 35-7 halftime lead.
There were a few bright spots for University’s coach Lee Low and his young squad. The Wildcat’s prime time player was Tyrone Nelson, who returned a squib kick 68 yards for their 1st touchdown. If you were at the game you definitely noticed him making plays rushing, catching, and tackling all over the field. Nelson was the heartbeat for the Wildcats but the body will need to show up at next week’s game at Banning.
The Rams largest touchdown run of the night was 73 yard off tackle sweep by James Shaw III followed by 21 yard touchdown reception to make his presence known. During the second half the reserves added two more touchdowns. University saw backup So. wide receiver Tariq Culpepper made two big catches on last drive one being 18 yard fade route for a touchdown. This game should serve both teams well Rams will have big confidence for its next game, while Wildcats remember this taste and not want it again.
Jevone Moore a writer, photographer by trade and a coach in life at heart. Former UCLA Bruin football player during the good years, City Champs 92-95.