WESTLAKE VILLAGE — Davon Benjamin wanted to make sure the Oaks Christian football team kept one of the most impressive streaks in the state alive.
The Lions have logged an interception in every game so far this season. Up until last week’s game against Bishop Diego, Oaks Christian had an interception returned for a touchdown in each of its games this year.
Leading 7-0 in the first quarter against visiting St. Bonaventure on Friday night, Benjamin read a Seraphs screen pass flawlessly, stepping in front of the intended receiver and taking the interception back for a 30-yard touchdown.
That play set the tone for Oaks Christian (6-2 overall, 3-0 Marmonte League), with the defense accumulating a handful of sacks, a blocked field goal attempt and another pick-six by Benjamin, on the way to a 35-0 victory over its league rival.
“It’s the whole defense, this is a great team. We’re all hungry to eat and make a name for ourselves,” Benjamin said. “Our coaches preach to us every week to keep setting the standard for ourselves. Right now if I’m not mistaken, this is the defense that’s put up the most points.”
“He always makes plays like that, I expect him to. He sets the tempo every time,” Hayden Lowe said about Benjamin. “This unit is special. It’s a real brotherhood, everybody wants to get better and we feed off each other’s energy. It’s something I’m going to remember for the rest of my life because everybody fights for their brother.”
While Benjamin made play after play in the secondary, Lowe starred on the defensive line, sacking St. Bonaventure quarterback Jaxson Carper and blocking a field goal attempt.
Along with Easton Thompson, Joseph Peko and Alifeleti Tuihalamaka, the defensive line made things difficult for Carper and the Seraphs’ offense all night.
Benjamin was impressive on offense too, recording a 45-yard catch and a 29-yard catch. His big catches helped set up running back Deshonne Redeaux, who rushed for 139 yards and three touchdowns on 15 carries, including a 54-yarder in the fourth quarter.
“I love coming out to the game because I get to watch him. It’s entertainment,” Lowe said about Redeaux.
St. Bonaventure (4-4, 1-2) was led by running back Koen Glover’s 71 rushing yards. The Seraphs will look to rebound against Bishop Diego next week.
Oaks Christian will look to remain undefeated in league play next week when it heads to Camarillo on the road.
But the ultimate goal for the Lions goes beyond the Marmonte crown.
“We don’t want to just win the Marmonte League, we want it all and we’re not going to back down from it. We’re going to embrace it,” Oaks Christian head coach Charles Collins said. “I told them good, better, best is what we’re looking for. We were okay tonight, but I want our best effort and when we get to that point we’re going to be tough to beat.”