Torrance, CA – Carson’s varsity squad left it all on the field, but a double-overtime thriller slipped away in heartbreaking fashion as the Colts fell 42–35 to North Torrance.
For a program still finding its rhythm under Head Coach William Lowe and his staff, this game showed grit, growth, and the sting of a winnable contest that got away.
Quick Overtime Rundown (California HS Football)
When a CIF-California game ends tied in regulation, they go into overtime using the “Kansas Plan.” Each team gets the ball at the 25-yard line. Coaches toss a coin — the winner picks offense or which end zone to attack. Both teams get one full shot to score. If they’re still tied after each gets a turn, you go to another OT. From the third overtime on, teams must go for a 2-point conversion after a touchdown instead of kicking the extra point.
How It Slipped Away
Carson came out sharp, putting points on the board early and riding the energy of their defense. At halftime Thursday night, they held a commanding 21–7 lead, thanks to disciplined execution and timely plays from receivers like Craig Walker and Eric Myers.
But North Torrance adjusted after the break. Their offense opened the second half with more balance, mixing short passes with ground-and-pound runs that wore down the Carson defense. By the fourth quarter, the Saxons had clawed back and forced overtime.
Both teams traded touchdowns in the first OT. By the second, North struck first. Carson had one final possession to answer, but disaster struck: a fumble ended their drive, sealing the win for the Saxons.
It would be unfair to pin the outcome on that one play. Penalties, silly mistakes that turned into lessons, and lapses in execution all added up across four quarters and two overtimes. Still, that final turnover — with the game hanging in the balance — was the gut punch that ended an otherwise inspired performance.
By the Numbers: Carson vs. North Torrance
According to MaxPreps, both teams entered evenly matched:
North Torrance Saxons: 191.8 rushing yards/game, 138.3 passing yards/game, 330 total yards/game, and averaging 35 points.
Carson Colts: 180.3 rushing, 135.5 passing, 315.8 total yards, with nearly 30 points/game.
Defensively, Carson actually had the edge in tackles per game (29.0 vs. North’s 27.8). But North’s offensive efficiency — a few yards and points more per outing — was the margin that mattered Thursday.
Carson leaned on key playmakers:
#0 Craig Walker: a reliable target in the air attack.
#17 Deshawn White: tough in critical downs.
#11 Eric Myers: delivered a spark with clutch catches and energy.
Each contributed, but late mistakes flipped momentum to the Saxons.
Coaching Presence: Phenomenal Hands Down
While the loss stung, Carson’s coaching staff proved why they’ve earned their players’ trust. Head Coach William Lowe and his assistants were vocal, passionate, and engaged all night — especially the defense, which kept players communicating and locked in.
At the end, as the Colts sat with heads bowed in frustration, the coaches stood above them, speaking one by one with urgency and care. They corrected mistakes, demanded more focus, and reminded players to keep moving forward.
Yes, there was disappointment. But there was also pride — pride in how far this group has come since last year’s 20–0 shutout loss to North, and pride in knowing this team can turn heartbreak into fuel.
From the Sideline: Coach Edward Humphreys
After the game, Offensive Coordinator Edward Humphreys put the night into perspective:
“I measure success differently than wins and losses. Carson hasn’t beaten North in three years. Last year, they shut us out 20–0. Tonight, we showed growth. We’re learning, and we want to peak at the right time.”
On his young roster — stacked with 2027 and 2028 talent — Humphreys added:
“We’ve got athletes. Now they have to learn how to play together. They’re receptive, they’re growing. Our job as coaches is to hold them accountable and show them how discipline changes games.”
What’s Next
The Colts now turn the page toward St. Pius next week. The message from the staff was clear: more focus, more effort, fewer distractions. If Thursday’s fight is any indicator, Carson’s ceiling is higher than the final score suggested.
For now, though, the sting of a double-overtime loss lingers — the kind of game that hurts in the moment but can forge a tougher, hungrier team down the stretch.
