TORRANCE — The Redondo Union football team seized a significant opportunity in the opening round of the CIF-Southern Section Division 5 playoffs on November 7, 2025. After suffering a defeat against Torrance in their first Pioneer League matchup earlier in the season, the Sea Hawks faced the Tartars once more in a rematch that proved to be just as thrilling.
The initial meeting between the two schools had been a fierce contest, with both teams exchanging momentum until Torrance ultimately emerged victorious, claiming the league title. This time, however, the Sea Hawks were bolstered by the presence of a healthy Bo Ausmus, who had been limited during their previous encounter due to injury. Ausmus made a substantial impact in the game, scoring a rushing touchdown and catching the decisive touchdown pass from quarterback Cole Leinart, leading Redondo to a 21-14 victory at Zamperini Stadium over the top-seeded Tartars, who boasted a record of 10-1.
Redondo Union Head Coach Keith Ellison praised Ausmus” performance, stating, “He makes a difference. Two touchdowns, huge run when we needed it, huge touchdown catch in the back of the end zone… He”s the difference in this game and the first.” In their first meeting, Ausmus had been limited due to a foot injury, which hindered his ability to contribute effectively. Despite trailing in that game, Torrance rallied to score the final 18 points, winning 34-24. Ellison felt that the first game was a hard-fought battle that Torrance managed to steal.
In this playoff encounter, Torrance wasted little time in asserting their dominance, scoring on their opening drive. Quarterback Gibson Turner connected with Elias Emerson on a short screen pass that turned into a 57-yard touchdown run. The Tartars seemed poised to extend their lead on their next possession, marching down to the Redondo 16-yard line. However, Ausmus intercepted a screen pass, returning it to midfield, which shifted momentum back to the Sea Hawks.
Redondo Union capitalized on the turnover, with Leinart passing to Tyler Harper for a 21-yard touchdown, leveling the score at 7-7. Just before halftime, Ausmus broke through the line and sprinted 66 yards for a touchdown, giving the Sea Hawks a 14-7 advantage at the break.
After halftime, Torrance regrouped and returned to their ground game, with Vaughn Reinert carrying the ball multiple times during a drive that culminated in a 16-yard touchdown pass from Turner to Emerson, tying the game again at 14-14. Torrance Coach Raymond Carter noted the need to establish their running game more effectively, which they managed to do in the second half.
Redondo Union responded decisively. Following a short punt, the Sea Hawks began their drive on their own 36-yard line. Leinart connected with Harper for a significant 52-yard gain down to the Torrance 12. Moments later, while scrambling, Leinart found Ausmus in the back of the end zone for the game-winning touchdown. Leinart remarked, “Nothing was open at first, but every day in practice, we work on, if nothing”s open the first time, get open and we trust each other.” Ausmus emphasized the significance of avenging their earlier loss, stating, “This is a team that came to our homefield and beat us, and it was great to see them again in the playoffs.”
As the game wound down, Torrance attempted a final drive beginning from their own 24-yard line, advancing to the Redondo 25. However, penalties pushed them back significantly, leaving them with a challenging 2nd-and-28 situation. On fourth down, Ausmus sealed the victory with another interception, ensuring Redondo Union”s advancement in the playoffs.
Redondo Union will now prepare to host St. Paul in the quarterfinals, looking to continue their playoff run and build on their momentum from this thrilling victory.
