Venice Offense Rolls in Opening-Day Win

The Venice High football team knew its veteran offense, led by quarterback J.P. Losman, would be tough to defend against this season.

And with the addition of Palo Alto transfer Sharif Rosales-Webb at receiver, the Venice offense may be unstoppable.

It looked that way Friday, when the Gondoliers defeated Eagle Rock, 48-27, in a nonleague game at Eagle Rock.

“A great combination,” Venice Coach Kirk Alexander said of his passer and top receiver. “Both are great athletes and [Rosales-Webb] completes us. [He] makes us balanced.”

The Gondoliers started slowly, but got going in the second quarter. By halftime, Losman had passed for five touchdowns and more than 200 yards in helping Venice to a 33-20 lead.

He wound up completing 13 of 22 passes for 297 yards, with two interceptions.

Rosales-Webb caught six passes--three for touchdowns--and had 162 receiving yards.

Senior running back Jaime Moreno rushed for 59 yards and two touchdowns.

Jorge Trejo scored two touchdowns and intercepted a pass for Eagle Rock, which led, 20-19, midway through the second quarter.

Losman, who has already made an oral commitment to UCLA, will graduate from Venice in February, making him eligible for spring practice with the Bruins.

For now, though, he is concentrating on leading a veteran Venice team to the playoffs.

“[I am working most on my] leadership,” Losman said. “I have to be positive. The coaches tell me that I have the tools, now I have to learn to be a leader on the field. Like they call it, it’s the final step.”