Venice started league play with a dominating 55-6 win over University High on Oct. 4. 

Senior running back Everson Bozeman led the way with the first three touchdowns of the game and later added one more on a 52-yard touchdown reception. He has 14 touchdowns through the first six games. The Gondoliers’ record is 3-3. 

“It was my last, first league game so it meant a lot to start off with a big win and have four touchdowns,” Bozeman said. “We expect to be league champions and after league champions city champions.”

Senior quarterback Luca Diamont completed 11 of 15 passes for 259 yards and two touchdowns. Diamont has thrown for ten touchdowns and run for another six this season. 

It was a good game for Venice after a tough loss at Paramount. The highlight of the beginning of the season may have been the 49-12 win against Hawthorne. Bozeman ran for 224 yards and scored four touchdowns in that game.

The following week, they suffered a tough 63-56 loss at home to Newbury Park, but they didn’t give up. They were down 42-20 at half time, but tied the score at 56. 

“People thought we’d lose by halftime,” said sophomore fan, Aleea Bruno. 

Bozeman mentioned that the most important thing that happened during the game was the talk they had with Coach Angelo Gasca at halftime.

“It was encouraging for everyone to make that type of comeback, but we were giving too many points away.” said Coach Gasca.

After this talk, the team made important stops on defense to get back on offense. Diamont moved to defense and came up with an interception, which helped the team get the ball back on offense. Diamont then scored the tying touchdown with only a few minutes left. 

Newbury then got the ball back and scored the last touchdown with three minutes remaining. 

“It was a hard loss, but we fought the fight and that’s all that matters,” added senior Michael Martinez.

On Friday, Oct. 11, Venice plays at Palisades. Last year, the game was delayed by lightning and the Dolphins came back and defeated the Gondos.

Venice then has an away game at Fairfax before finishing the season with home games against Westchester and Hamilton.