"Carson (8-2, 5-0) got contributions seemingly from everywhere.

It started when receiver Keenan Smith soared into the air and grabbed a pass away from a Banning defender for a 40-yard touchdown catch that salvaged a disjointed first half, giving Carson a 7-0 halftime lead.

Quarterback Dominique Blackman showed a smooth and steady hand, recovering from a slow start to throw two touchdown passes - to Smith and Morrell Presley.

Then there was the swarming defense, paced by Sula and David Sausau, that did not allow Banning (8-2, 3-2) much daylight. Sausau had an interception and a 12-yard fumble return for a touchdown, putting his stamp on the rivalry game.

"It was Banning-Carson, there's nothing quite like it, and it was more special because of the records both teams had," Carson coach Mike Christensen said. "Going undefeated in this league this year is quite an accomplishment.

"Carson leads the all-time series, 35-22, but this was quite a statement against a Banning team that reclaimed some of its lost glory, a team that stunned Venice in a nonleague game and came into this contest with a chance to win league.

Yet Banning had trouble getting anything started. The Pilots finished with 221 total yards, including 138 yards on 21 carries for Josh Limosnero, but had few scoring opportunities.

It did not help that Banning had six fumbles, including three by Limosnero, though the Pilots lost just one of those.

"It was a tough game. They beat us up really good. We had no answer for them," said Banning coach Chris Ferragamo, who is in his second season back after making the Pilots perennial City title contenders in the 1970s and 1980s. "We'll go to the seeding meeting on Saturday, see where we are for the playoff and move on, but right now we're not there yet.

"The first half was either a defensive duel or an offensive struggle, but neither team could move the ball.

Then the 6-foot-4, 184-pound Smith seized a moment of glory.

Smith jumped, wrested the ball from Michael Calloway and came down with a prodigious 40-yard touchdown catch from Blackman with 5:37 left in the first half that seemed to change the tone of the game.

"I saw the ball and knew it was mine, so I jumped up and got it. I guess I wanted the ball more," Smith said. "Dom made a nice throw like he always does, so I knew I had to make that play. I needed to show that I'm a playmaker.

"The Colts had just one first down in the game before Smith's touchdown. In fact, the Colts had a 20-yard run by Sula (134 yards, 18 carries) on the previous drive, but had a 14-yard scoring run by Sula nullified by one of two penalties in the series.

The Colts tried a 41-yard field goal by Juan Sanchez that fell short.

So with the Colts struggling, Blackman turned to his favorite target, Smith, a receiver whom his coach said is beginning to generate recruiting interest.

"All year long, it's been the Dominique-to-Smith -- I had to look for my playmaker," said Blackman, who was 10-for-15 for 173 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions after starting the game 1-for-4 for 1 yard.

"I was a little anxious on the first couple of throws. I was thinking too much. I just went out and got the ball to my receivers.

"The Carson defense forced Banning's hand by daring it to throw the ball.

Banning QB Anthony Rodriguez did his best, going 10-for-18 for 81 yards and an interception, but was under constant pressure.

Sausau, Sula and Chris Hill seemed to be in on most every tackle. MacKenzie Falo, Pati Amisone and Sula had sacks, and Carson celebrated a rare shutout of its bitter rival.

It was capped off when Sausau picked up a fumble by Limosnero and returned it 12 yards for Carson's last score with 3:57 left.

"That felt good. It just popped out in front of me, I looked up and saw open field," Sausau said. "The defense played great; all 11 guys were flying to the ball.

"Banning was supposed to be the team of the Marine League after they went 5-0, but we kept our mouths shut and did what we had to do in league. Coach C prepares us more than any other team, and we felt ready today."