Football: Banning tries to end 16-game losing streak to rival Carson

John Aponte, the Banning High football coach, sure thinks a little differently. For homecoming, most coaches schedule opponents that will lead to certain victories so everyone will have a chance to party afterwards.

But Aponte has scheduled Carson for the Pilots’ homecoming game on Friday night. Banning is 0-16 against Carson since 2000.

Aponte decided he wants it to be a memorable night for his players. His team is 5-0 going into its Marine League opener. He doesn’t need to tell his players their record against Carson in recent years.

“It is what it is,” he said. “They weren’t born or were young babies the last time Banning won.”

Both schools are going to be strengthened by sitout period players becoming eligible. Banning picks up lineman Juan Real, who used to attend Carson. The Colts are adding Ryan Rosser, a sophomore defensive back from St. John Bosco.

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