Football: Sterling Salguero finds silver lining at Birmingham

Sterling Salguero has played with a heavy heart for a majority of the season. Based on the results thus far, however, you might not have known there was an underlying issue that the junior from Lake Balboa Birmingham deals with on a daily basis.

Three former players were involved in a serious car accident toward the end of August. Ever since, the season was dedicated to them, and Salguero & Co. again honored the one-time Patriots with Thursday’s 53-20 West Valley League victory over rival Woodland Hills Taft.

Birmingham alumni Alex Manu, 18, and Isaiah Hastings, 19, were killed during the tragic accident in Sylmar. Salguero’s brother, 18-year-old Eldridge Salguero, was seriously injured in the collision. The road to recovery, albeit difficult at times, continues for the siblings.

The game has essentially been an escape for Sterling. That was certainly the case against Taft (5-4, 3-1). The junior rushed for 239 yards and five touchdowns in 26 carries as Birmingham (4-5, 4-0) clinched at least a share of its fourth consecutive league title.

“Not a day goes by without me thinking about Alex and Isaiah, they are always on my mind. Also, my brother. I play for them. We all play for them, everyone on this team,” Salguero said. “The accident has been tough, but also brought us together. We’re a family.”

The 5-foot-10, 170-pounder has appeared to be as focused as they come this year. He’s rushed for 1,140 yards and 17 touchdowns. Credit is given where it’s due and Salguero has done an admirable job despite the unfavorable circumstances.

Sean Ceglinsky has covered sports in the Southland for the better part of the past 15-plus years. Follow him on Twitter: @SeanCeglinsky