> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.smdp.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Samohi hopes for a repeat - URL: https://www.smdp.com/samohi-hopes-for-a-repeat/ - Published: 2007-10-26T15:00:00.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-24T03:39:27.000Z - Author: Melody Hanatani - Tags: Education, Santa Monica, #archive-import *Vikings hope for another upset over undefeated Centaurs* CULVER CITY It was just about a year ago when a disappointing football season was salvaged with an explosive offensive effort and a heroic performance by a 200-pound running back. Santa Monica High School was just 3-4 and on the brink of a losing season when it headed into the Oct. 27, 2006 contest against an undefeated Culver City High School squad. But 60 minutes filled with a slew of blitzes and an incredible performance by then-senior running back Louis Adeyemi, who ran for 338 yards and scored six of the team’s nine touchdowns, reversed the Vikings’ fortunes, who built on the momentum of their 63-35 victory over Culver City by knocking off Inglewood and Hawthorne high schools. “We watched a lot of film on them and we saw the weaknesses,” said senior quarterback Ryan Katz.“We knew what we were strong at and we capitalized.” Not much has changed since last season. Culver City continues to maintain its dominance in the league, once again heading into tonight’s game against Samohi with an unblemished record. The Vikings, fresh off a close loss against Beverly Hills High last weekend,are currently 4-3 and will most likely have to win out to keep their playoff hopes alive. Once again, Samohi enters as the underdog, but Katz rejected the notion of Santa Monica not being the favorites tonight at Culver City. “We play the game just how it’s supposed to be played,” Katz said. “We know what we can do and we need to go out there and execute.” In order to maintain their winning record, the Vikings will have to figure out a way to contain Culver City quarterback Darius Banks, who led the state in passing yardage last year. According to Scout.com, Banks has received offers from several colleges, including Kansas State and San Jose State. The Vikings will also have their hands full trying to contain senior wide receiver Antwon Moutra, the league’s leading receiver. On paper,the teams’quarterbacks have similar statistics on the year. While Katz, who has committed to play for Oregon State University next year, holds a higher completion rate at 63 percent, Banks has thrown five more touchdowns and two fewer interceptions. To Samohi Coach Zach Cuda, the key to winning last year’s contest was the team’s ability to play much more physical than Culver City. It also helped that the Vikings started quickly, outscoring Culver City 21-7 in the first quarter. “We ran the ball right at them and were able to consistently pick up yards, which kept the clock running, most importantly,” Cuda said. “Culver City is always putting a high flying offense on the field and can score points in a hurry. If we can go out offensively... and get the clock running with running games, that plays into our favor.” The void left by Adeyemi, who is now carrying the load at Villanova University, will be filled by tailbacks Vince Lawrence and Christian Ross. Still, the game could be decided by how Samohi’s offense deals with Culver City’s defensive unit. Culver City runs the 3-4 cover three scheme, protecting deep against the pass. Offensively, the Centaurs run a single back and four wide receivers, running the option frequently. “We have to be blue collar and physical and attack inside and out,” Cuda said. “Personnel hasn’t changed a lot in the last two years, it’s not surprising to find ourselves in a similar situation this year.” Last week, with just two minutes remaining in their game against Beverly Hills and the Vikings trailing 28-20, Samohi started a 60-yard drive down the field that ended with a touchdown pass from Katz to wide receiver Taylor Wright. The Vikings went for a two-point conversion in an effort to tie the game, but Katz was tackled a half-yard short of the goal line and the Vikings sustained their first loss in Ocean League play. Katz finished the night with 205 passing yards and two touchdowns, with one interception. The Vikings defense had trouble containing Normans running back Ramon Judkins, who ran for 279 yards, averaging more than 10 yards a carry. “For three years, he’s presented the same challenge,” Cuda said of Judkins. Katz’s interception came in the third quarter amid a blitz from the corner, which Cuda said the team hadn’t faced in quite some time. The loss was a result of an emotionless effort, the QB said. “We came out a little flat and,definitely this week, the team is going to be different,” Katz said. “It all rides on the games from here on out. It’s our attitude to go out there and win.” *Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on October 26, 2007.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/102607.pdf?ref=smdp.com)