Football: Lawndale pulls off a shocker with win over Crespi
Why would Travis Clark, a successful head coach at Santa Monica, his alma mater, leave for a job at Lawndale High?
It was because of nights like Friday night, when unheralded Lawndale rallied from a 19-7 halftime deficit to stun Mission League power Crespi, 35-19, in what is probably the greatest win in school history.
“Our defense stepped up and they believed,” Clark said.
Leading the surge on offense was senior quarterback Chris Murray, who completed eight of 10 passes for 136 yards and one touchdown and ran for 158 yards and two touchdowns.
“He’s special,” Clark said.
As for leaving his alma mater for Lawndale, Clark said, “I just felt I needed a change. I needed to challenge myself. I had gotten complacent.”
Crespi lost standout running back Jalen Starks to a shoulder injury in the second half. He’s expected to be sidelined for several weeks. The Celts have to play No. 2-ranked St. John Bosco next week.
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