It’s easy to say that the 34-24 win, after three years of losses, against the Redondo Union Seahawks felt good for all of Torrance. “It was a must-win, and we executed it perfectly,” stated junior wide receiver Brandon Perez after the game.
It wasn’t easy. With four minutes left in the first quarter, the Seahawks completed a 10-yard pass into the goal line, to grab an early 7-0 lead.
In response, early into the second quarter, junior running back Vaughn Reinert evened out the score for the Tartars with a 4-yard rushing touchdown.
Only seconds later, the Seahawks scored again with a large 65-yard rushing TD to go ahead 7-14.
The Tartars responded with a touchdown and at the end of the first half, Turner threw a 24-yard pass to Reinert for a touchdown, gaining possession for the Tartars with a 16-14 lead.
Five minutes into the 3rd quarter, Redondo made it into the Tartars’ red zone, completing a short 1-yard dash into the end zone, continuing the back-and-forth battle against both teams.
Minutes later Gibson Turner responded by throwing a 56-yard pass to wide receiver Elias Emerson, setting the score to 22-24.
“Gibson Turner, he led the team,” said teammate Colin Tucker. Turner finished with 21 completions out of 16 attempts, covering an astonishing 201 yards for his team.
Reinert powered through Redondo’s red zone for a two-point conversion, evening the score once again at 24-24.
Reinert led the Tartars in all-purpose yards, rushing for a total of 157 yards, the most yards of the night.
Defensive back Colin Tucker started off the fourth quarter by intercepting Redondo’s pass on the 42 yard line, making the crowd go crazy.
According to teammate Vaughn Reinert, “He got the momentum in our way and we sealed the game after that.”
Early into the fourth quarter, Turner was back again, throwing for 18 yards to receiver Isaac Mora, who caught the ball for the final touchdown for Torrance, increasing the score to 31-24.
The Tartars finished off the night with a field goal from the 25-yard line, performed by senior Ioan Evans, who scored a total of nine points for the Tartars.
The chilly night at the Seahawks stadium ended with a win for Torrance. The Tartars are now undefeated, 6-0. “It means we’re a good team, and we could beat any team out here in the South Bay.” Said Junior Isaac Mora.
This Friday, the Tartars take on the Peninsula Panthers at home for their homecoming game. Come out and support Torrance High as they fight to remain undefeated.
