Birmingham earns league bragging rights with 53-20 rout of Taft

It’s no secret: Lake Balboa Birmingham and Woodland Hills Taft are bitter rivals. For years, the two programs have battled for bragging rights, not only in the West Valley League, but also in the San Fernando Valley.

Given the history, and the high caliber of players who have recently come and gone from both schools, it was no surprise to see several well-known alumni in attendance for Thursday night’s showdown between the host Patriots and Toreadors.

With one-time Birmingham stars and UCLA products Dennis Keyes and Milton Knox watching the action from the sidelines throughout, the Patriots played inspired in a 53-20 victory to clinch at least a share of their fourth consecutive league title.

“Us against them, we wouldn’t have it any other way,” Patriots Coach Jim Rose said. “Everyone knew what to expect tonight. Both teams were not going to give an inch.

“No one likes to lose. Still, winning is more fun when it’s against your rival.”

There were no sightings of famous former Toreadors such as NFL veterans Malcolm Smith or Steve Smith. Not that their presence would have prevented Birmingham (4-5, 4-0) from defeating Taft (5-4, 3-1) with one regular-season game left.

Any hopes that Taft might have had at keeping things somewhat close were essentially ruined by Sterling Salguero. The junior rushed for 239 yards in 26 carries with five touchdowns. He also added three successful two-point running conversions.

“This was an important game; anyone not thinking that way shouldn’t have been on the field,” Salguero said. “Our goal was to come out and hit them in the mouth. We did that. Then, we didn’t let up. This is a win we’ll remember for the rest of our lives.”

Salguero scored on an eight-yard run in the third quarter and a three-yarder in the fourth quarter to extend the lead to 46-20 with 9:08 left.

In search of a good start, Darian Albrecht delivered for Taft.

The junior had a 66-yard punt return for a touchdown in the first quarter and then scored on a three-yard run in the second quarter to cut the deficit to 16-14.

“We approach every league game like a championship is at stake. But yes, this one meant a little more to everyone,” Toreadors Coach Deron Braswellsaid. “Games like tonight, that’s what it’s all about here in our league and in the Valley.”

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