It was soccer media day for six West Valley League groups on Saturday at Granada Hills, and as a unit, the coaches and gamers are satisfied they’ve an opportunity to be the perfect league within the Metropolis Part by way of competitors.
Whereas defending league champion Birmingham has an general 49-game successful streak towards Metropolis Part opponents, Cleveland, Granada Hills, Chatsworth, Taft and El Camino Actual hope to be components within the playoffs.
Cleveland is making strides to problem for second place with a gaggle of gifted juniors, together with two Nigerian-born gamers, working again Moyosoreoluwa Odebunmi and linebacker Oluwafemi Okeola.
Odebunmi, in his first varsity carry in a scrimmage towards Van Nuys on Thursday, ran for a landing.
“When I scored, I was like, ‘Oh wow,’” he mentioned. “But I know it’s not going to be easy.”
Birmingham has an offensive line stuffed with 300 pounders, and when 6-foot-5, 260-pound quarterback Kevin Hawkins performs tight finish, the Patriots are really giants up entrance. Coach Jim Rose mentioned of Hawkins working the ball: “It’s like tackling a lineman. He’s a huge guy out there.”
Birmingham held a pizza consuming contest this previous week, and the winner was lineman Pablo Granados, who ate 10 slices in seven minutes. Hawkins was runner-up with seven.
Chatsworth offensive lineman Pablo Escobedo is understood for driving his horse in his Chatsworth neighborhood. “It’s pretty cool,” he mentioned.
Chatsworth ought to have one of many league’s greatest working backs in junior Devin Del Toro, who has been taking part in working again and linebacker since his freshman season. Coach Shawn Johnson mentioned he has made “a huge jump.”
There are two gamers within the league who’re excellent two-sport athletes in soccer and baseball. That’s Taft quarterback/catcher Nathan Swinson and El Camino Actual defensive again/heart fielder Shane Bogacz.
Each attempt to discover time to hit the batting cages to remain sharp throughout soccer season.
Granada Hills will proceed to run the double-wing assault, specializing in working the ball, however the midseason availability of switch quarterback Taiyo Dorio from Crescenta Valley might trigger coach Bucky Brooks to attempt a go or two.
Wingback Myles Cross drew laughter when he mentioned, “I caught a pass.”
Brooks provided reward to all coaches and gamers within the Metropolis Part.
“I applaud all those who opted to stay in the neighborhood and play for neighborhood schools,” he mentioned. “I want to salute everyone. I love the competitiveness.”
