Football: Cory Watkins leads second-half surge for Chaminade
After falling behind, 21-0, and trailing at halftime, 33-28, Chaminade dominated in the second half behind Cory Watkins and pulled away to a 57-33 victory over Venice in a season opener in West Hills on Friday night.
Watkins, getting playing time in the second half because starter Donovan Lee was cramping, scored on touchdown runs of 1, 5, 1 and 1 yard. He finished with five touchdowns on the night and nearly 100 yards rushing. Robert Hernandez had an interception and the Eagles recovered a fumbled kickoff on the three-yard line to highlight a 22-point outburst in the third quarter.
Brad Kaaya, who started slow, completed 20 of 31 passes for 269 yards and one touchdown with two interceptions. Watkins rushed for 96 yards.
Alexander Diamont of Venice completed eight of 19 passes for 155 yards and one touchdown. Alijah Lee rushed for 102 yards.
Venice got worn down in the second half when Chaminade started focusing on its running game. The Eagles made four turnovers in the first half. Joseph Dews had a 12-yard interception return for a touchdown.
Sophomore Dymond Lee caught five passes for 120 yards for Chaminade. Sophomore Blake Rutherford had a 51-yard reception.
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