The Crenshaw football team and coaches pose with the City Section Championship trophy (photo by Rob Helfman)
The Crenshaw Cougars football team battled through adversity to go on a deep playoff run, leading them to the CIF Division 7-A State Championships. While only having around 20 players on their roster, they defeated Wilson Mules 49-14 in the Division III City Section Championships.
Although the Cougars lost to the Lincoln Mustangs of San Francisco 54-6 in the State championships, their skill and determination resulted in a successful 2022 season.
The Mustangs only relied on their rushing game throughout the contest and the Cougars struggled to defend it. Lincoln also effectively defended their endzone when Crenshaw had two first-and-goal situations.
The first time, Crenshaw turned the ball over on downs. A fumble by Lincoln gave the ball back to Crenshaw but the Cougars turned the ball over before they could score.
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Lincoln jumped to a 14-0 lead by the end of the first quarter and never looked back. Crenshaw ends their season with a 7-8 overall record.
The Cougars struggled to retain wins early in the season due to their starting quarterback Donce Lewis being sidelined with injury. Their 38-0 win over Locke was their only Coliseum League victory. After having a 2-7 overall record and a 1-3 league record, the Cougars earned the second seed in the City Section Division III playoffs.
By the end of their season, Lewis recovered from his injury to boost the Crenshaw offense with his passing and scramble plays.
Damarion Keyes-White (13) during the CIF City Section Championship game against Wilson (photo by Rob Helfman)
They started their playoff run with a bang by committing a 51-0 victory over the L.A. High Romans. In the second round, they only allowed the Verdugo Hills Dons one field goal. In the Semifinals, the Cougars battled the third-seeded Manual Arts Toilers to win 66-20.
Crenshaw traveled to Birmingham to battle the Wilson Mules in the City Section Championship. The Cougars struck early, scoring two touchdowns in the first quarter and taking a 34-7 lead at halftime. The victory marked their sixth City Section title.
Despite Crenshaw facing issues of low enrollment, the athletics continue to contend in the City Section.
