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Jabari Minix keeps Carson in playoff mix with 23-7 win over Crenshaw

Carson wide receiver Jabari Minix gets set to warm up before the playoff game against Crenshaw on Friday night.
(Sean Ceglinsky / For The Times)
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Any discussion about the top players in the Los Angeles City Section would probably include the name Jabari Minix.

The senior wide receiver from Carson showed why on Friday night.

Minix played well from start to finish to power the Colts to a 23-7 victory over visiting Crenshaw in a Division I quarterfinal playoff game.

“He’s the top player in the City Section, hands down, no one is better,” Carson Coach Kevin McCall said. “You saw it tonight, when we needed a big play, he got the job done.”

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With the victory over No. 5-seeded Crenshaw, No. 4 Carson advanced to the semifinals against No. 1 San Pedro, a 42-13 winner over Arleta on Friday night

The Colts (9-3) were lifted again Friday by the performance of Minix, who finished with 185 all-purpose yards and had a 12-yard touchdown run in the first half.

“I know what my role is, but without my offensive line and defense, all of my teammates, I would not be able to get my job done, I think that’s what it all about,” Minix said.

In the first half, Minix touched the ball seven times, and four of them resulted in first downs.

The Cougars (8-4) had no answer for him, and as a result the Colts enjoyed a 12-0 advantage at halftime.

“Minix is a good player, he’s tough to stop,” Crenshaw Coach Robert Garrett said. “Really that whole team is good, they deserve to go all the way and win the City Section title.”

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Minix put the Colts in position to score in the first quarter with a 55-yard reception.

Minutes later, Brandon Hasson caught a 27-yard pass from Kiki Flores for a 12-0 lead.

It was more of the same in the second half. With the focused on Minix, Devonte King broke free on a 30-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter to provide the final margin of victory.

“Jabari is our star. When he’s on his game, it makes everything easier for all of us,” King said. “If we need a big play, he’s going to be part of making something special happen.”

Not surprisingly, given his performance this season, things have picked up on the recruiting front for Minix, who appears destined to play at the Division I level.

“I have schools from the Pac-12 Conference and some others from the Mountain West Conference looking at me, so I think things are heading in the right direction,” he said.

He has no plans to make a decision about his future any time soon. The focus for Minix appears to be on the playoffs and making a run toward to City Section championship.

“With him doing his thing, we have a chance against any team we face,” McCall said. “We have a lot of players who are good, but if you can’t stop him, you can’t stop us.”

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sports@latimes.com

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