HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PLAYOFFS : Carson Defense Stops South Gate

While its high-powered offense remained off the field for most of the game, Carson High used its defense to defeat South Gate, 21-13, Wednesday night at South Gate in the quarterfinals of the City Section Division 4-A football playoffs.

After scoring on its first two possessions, South Gate (10-2) successfully controlled the clock, but failed to score five times inside the 25-yard line. The Rams missed field-goal attempts of 40 and 28 yards in the second half. They also had a pass intercepted in the end zone during the first quarter.

Joseph Redmond, who rushed for 94 yards in 15 carries, scored on a four-yard run to put Carson ahead, 14-13, in the second quarter. Quarterback Ramon Rodgers scored on a 12-yard scramble to give the Colts an eight-point lead with 11 minutes to play in third quarter.

South Gate running back Hoffman Cortes did most of the work, rushing for 266 yards and a touchdown in 30 carries. His 82-yard touchdown run in the first quarter gave South Gate a 13-7 lead.

“We had our opportunities, but we didn’t get the ball in (the end zone),” South Gate Coach Gary Cordray said.

Carson (4-8) qualified for the playoffs despite forfeiting three games for using an ineligible player.

“I’m elated to win because of all the controversy we’ve been through,” Carson Coach David Williams said. “It’s time to move forward.”