HS FOOT: Crespi's Washington trudges on with broken hand

Charles Washington, a starting defensive back for Crespi of Encino,
is like a one-armed bandit after being fitted for a bee-hive sized
soft cast because of a broken hand.

"Nothing is going to stop me from playing. I don't even feel it
because I have so much adrenaline," Washington said.
Washington, a junior transfer from Leuzinger of Lawndale who began
his prep career at national power Katy High in Katy, Tex., wore the
wrap for the first time Friday in a 23-21 loss at Notre Dame of
Sherman Oaks.

On a pass play in the second half, Washingon was in good position but
failed to catch what would have been an interception, though he
played well enough to remain in the game the entire night, as
high-powered Notre Dame was held to its second-lowest point total of
the season.

"You've got to respect Charles. He's a tough kid," Crespi coach
Jeremiah Ross said.

Meanwhile, two seasons after advancing to the 2007 Pac-5 final while
coming within a wisp of qualifying for a CIF State Bowl berth, Crespi
(4-4, 0-1) is in danger of not making the playoffs for the second
consecutive year.

To qualify, the Celts probably have to win their final two games,
beginning Friday at 7:30 p.m. against visiting Bishop Amat of La
Puente (8-0, 1-0), ranked No. 14 in the state by Cal-Hi Sports. Only
two of four Serra League teams qualify for the playoffs, and there is
one at-large berth to split between the entire division.

"Going back to last year, we've lost our last three league games by a
total of four points," Ross said. "That's why execution is so
important in the Serra League."

-- Gerry Gittelson