There was a freshness in the air at Westchester High School on Senior night with new head coach Tim Lenderman moving up from the Junior Varsity squad. The Comets had to wait a little while to start the game due to a late bus pick up for the visiting University Wildcats.
With a short warm-up, University imposed its will most of the night in a 30-14 victory and Western League opener win.
University looked to establish their running game with tandem running backs Jarrod Carter, who had two touchdowns on night (14 yard & 8 yard) and Tyrone Nelson, who also touched the endzone with a touchdown (13 yards). Their Wildcats rolled 80 yards on six run plays on its first offensive series, capped off with a 14-yard touchdown run by Carter at 9:47 mark.
Nelson came back a few series later to run in his touchdown with 4:01 left in first quarter to allow University to take a 14-0 lead into the second quarter.
Westchester was having a tough night between penalties and dropped passes. In the first quarter, a Comets’ wide receiver fumbled after a nice reception to turn over the ball on downs. As the game progressed, Westchester quarterback Aaron Greenfield frustrations began to show due to multiple drops throughout the night.
Westchester had a few less offensive series than the visiting team due to the fact that special teams play and University’s onside kicks during the night hindered its ability to make plays . With a bad snap in third quarter, Westchester gave University two more points with a safety, giving the Wildcats a 16-8 lead.
University was successful in getting the ball back a few more times after scoring to keep Westchester’s offense off the field and eat up clock. Lenderman said there were mistakes made that contributed to his team’s defeat at home.
“A lot of stuff worked tonight but drops (passes) and missed opportunities hurt us tonight,” Lenderman said.
So, with one week under his belt, look for more coaching and mentoring of the Comets from Lenderman.
With the win University recorded its fourth win of season. This is new heights for third-year coach Lee Low. It was a team win with great play from the defense, special teams offensive units stepping up. Low said he was excited about the league win and the way his team played.
“So proud of kids and our coaching staff,” Low said.
Next week will be a big test for University (4-2, 1-0). The Wildcats travel to Venice (4-2, 1-0), Westchester (2-4, 0-1) will travel to Palisades (4-2, 0-1) on October 18th.
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.