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Ellison’s fight keeps play-off hopes alive
by Lenny Miller
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Thomas Brown almost loses the ball on this play. He scored the first touchdown of the game. Photo by Ray Vidal |
The Sea Hawks did something Friday night they had not been able to do all season — win their first home game of the season. Perhaps the fact it was homecoming provided the needed incentive.
Redondo evened their league record at 2-2 with the win, while continuing to keep their playoff hopes alive.
"It's been a long time since we have won at home," senior quarterback Keith Ellison said.
With all area defensive back/running back Eddie Topps lost before the season, it looked as if the idea of having shifty running back Thomas Brown run the outside and Topps muscle through the middle was out. That was before Ellison came into play.
Ellison racked up 220 yards on the ground and passed for 98 yards Friday night. He also caught two passes for 19 yards, one for a 17 yard touchdown.
With both running and now more consistent passing, the senior quarterback is closing in on 1,000 yards in rushing and passing.
After trailing 10-14 in the first half, the Redondo defense put the clamps on West, while the Sea Hawk offense soared to a 38-14 lead in the fourth quarter.
Thomas Brown got the first score of the game on a four yard touchdown run. West tied the game 7-7 after the quarterback avoided a rush and connected on a 28 yard pass for a score.
Penalties bogged the Sea Hawks early on. Still Redondo scored first again in the second quarter when kicker Mike Whitcher connected from 36 yards on a field goal.
Ellison showed his greatest determination on a 77-yard run by West. After missing the tackle and falling at midfield, Ellison continued pursuit to make the tackle at the 3 yard line.
Even though West scored on the next play, Redondo, which is noticeably outsized by most teams including West, played a tougher game after that.
After the game, Ellison said he should have made the tackle in the first place.
With 2:09 remaining after the West score, Brown provided a big return to the West 47 yard line. Ellison along with his line, which has not allowed a sack in two weeks, ran the ball down field. Then Ellison put the Sea Hawks ahead for good with an 11 yard touchdown run, giving his team an 18-14 lead at halftime.
"He (Ellison) took control of the game. That's what we need, somebody to lead our team," Brown said of Ellison. "I follow him and I'm sure everybody else follows him," added the junior, who had three touchdowns.
In the third quarter it was an Ellison to Brown. connection from one yard that again showed second effort. After getting hit initially trying to sneak the ball in the end zone, Ellison bounced back saw Brown to his left and passed off for the score.
Redondo went on to add a late touchdown catch by Ellison from Meadows. Ellison came out of the game as quarterback with just over sic minutes, then appeared suddenly on the play in the flat to make the reception. West added a late touchdown as well, making the final score 38-21.
"We're not done this season hopefully, we knew we had to win tonight to keep going."
The Sea Hawks play their final road game of the regular season Friday night at 7 against Hawthorne. ER