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 most effective league within the Metropolis Part by way of competitors.
Whereas defending league champion Birmingham has an total 49-game successful streak in opposition to 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 bunch of proficient juniors, together with two Nigerian-born gamers, operating again Moyosoreoluwa Odebunmi and linebacker Oluwafemi Okeola.
Odebunmi, in his first varsity carry in a scrimmage in opposition to Van Nuys on Thursday, ran for a landing.
“Once I scored, I used to be like, ‘Oh wow,’” he stated. “However I do know it’s not going to be straightforward.”
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 stated of Hawkins operating the ball: “It’s like tackling a lineman. He’s an enormous man on the market.”
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 thought for driving his horse in his Chatsworth neighborhood. “It’s fairly cool,” he stated.
Chatsworth ought to have one of many league’s finest operating backs in junior Devin Del Toro, who has been enjoying operating again and linebacker since his freshman season. Coach Shawn Johnson stated he has made “an enormous bounce.”
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/middle 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 operating the ball, however the midseason availability of switch quarterback Taiyo Dorio from Crescenta Valley may trigger coach Bucky Brooks to attempt a move or two.
Wingback Myles Cross drew laughter when he stated, “I caught a move.”
Brooks provided reward to all coaches and gamers within the Metropolis Part.
“I applaud all those that opted to remain within the neighborhood and play for neighborhood faculties,” he stated. “I need to salute everybody. I really like the competitiveness.”
