There has been significant debate as to whether the Morningside vs Inglewood football rivalry should even take place this year.
When to the two schools do compete on Friday Oct. 29 at El Camino College in the final game of the regular season it will be a mismatch of gigantic proportions. Inglewood is ranked top 25 in the state and will bring an undefeated 8-0 record to the field, while Morningside is 2-7 and has been shut out five times by a combined score of 176-0.
The Sentinels have already captured another Ocean League title under brilliant head coach Mil’Von James and is expected to compete for a CIF Southern Section championship when it’s all said and done.
However, if you only focus on the game itself than you totally miss the bigger picture.
“I’ve had seven students whose parents went to Morningside and one them didn’t even want their son to play for Inglewood,” James told Inglewood Today during the week of the rivalry.
“It’s a city rivalry. Inglewood is over 100 years old and Morningside is over 50 and this is the game that unites the two schools. It’s what unites all of us. It’s an honor to play this game.”
James added that the fact that it hasn’t been played in more than a year because of COVID-19 restrictions has added to the anticipation.
Morningside head coach Brian Collins agrees with James about the significance of the history of the rivalry.
“It’s a great tradition. The kids have grew up together through elementary and middle school. Inglewood is riding high and we are rebuilding our program, but this is a good situation for us and it’s a good event for the City of Inglewood, said Collins.
The Monarchs couldn’t beat a Compton Centennial team that only dressed 13 players last week and Inglewood boast a squad that is loaded with Division I College football talent.
“People like to talk about the players that are signed and going to D-I programs, but we would not be where we are without players such as Charles Deloach, a defensive end whose tough or Chris Nelson, a physical freak or Saadite Green, Kaylin Bryce and Tyler Green who day in and day out dominate,” added James.
Last week was senior night for Morningside where their seniors Adraian Vasquez-Romero, Korie Dixon, Jaion Dunn, Damien Scruggs, Ricardo Espinoza, Hector Rodas, Silvo Garcia, Joseph Hamilton Mekhi Metoyer, Nick Watson, Jordan Faison and Tauakitangata Baker were escorted onto the field at El Camino College at halftime.
This week will be Inglewood’s turn for the honor, but the rilvary will make it all the more special.