Football: Birmingham shows signs of life
This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.
Birmingham has been struggling trying to regain its winning ways since Coach Ed Croson left for Chaminade, but Coach Jim Rose said the Patriots are ready to make a strong return this season. They opened with a 49-16 victory over West Adams, a team that was supposed to be a Coliseum League title threat.
‘I think we’re much improved,’ Rose said. ‘Everything’s better, from team discipline to kids buying in to having some veterans.’
Junior running back Isaiah Hastings rushed for 124 yards in 12 carries and scored two touchdowns. Linebacker Adrian Mora had a fumble recovery and interception. Defensive back Upton Jones had an interception and fumble recovery.
Rose has added several new assistant coaches, including former Chatsworth Coach Jason Camp. And the varsity staff is now running the junior varsity team, which was 0-10 last season but also won its opener.
Asked about varsity coaches running the JV team, Rose said, ‘I don’t have a choice. It’s either cut your varsity staff in half or have a quality staff.’
Birmingham plays Belmont this week, then will be tested against Valencia and Sherman Oaks Notre Dame.
-- Eric Sondheimer