Football: Pride is on the line for Dorsey and Crenshaw

The annual Coliseum League clash between Crenshaw and Dorsey kicks off in 30 minutes and the stands are filling fast in anticipation of yet another exciting chapter in one of the most intense and competitive rivalries in Los Angeles.

The teams are warming up and a playoff atmosphere exists, as there’s a lot more than just pride at stake for both schools. The winner not only has the inside track to the league title but will likely get seeded higher and earn home field advantage should the teams meet again in the postseason.

Crenshaw beat Dorsey twice last season, including a 56-6 rout in the City Division I semifinals. The Dons will try to reclaim neighborhood bragging rights behind quarterback Noah Whitney, who has thrown for 1,405 yards and 16 touchdowns, and their trio of talented receivers in Jermel Jefferson, Daniel Lawson and David Williams. Dorsey (3-3) blanked Rancho Dominguez 39-0 last week.

San Diego State-bound quarterback Ajene Harris and running back Jacob Knight are the stars on a Cougars squad that survived one of the toughest nonleague schedules in the Southland, including Long Beach Poly, Loyola, St. John Bosco and Oaks Christian. Crenshaw (2-4) crushed Locke 42-0 in last Friday’s league opener.

Stay logged on for scoring updates throughout the game.