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Football: Bill Redell is back at Oaks Christian at the age of 73

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At 73, Bill Redell should be playing golf, hanging out on the lake adjacent to his home in Westlake Village or traveling the world.

Instead, he’s back as football coach at Oaks Christian for a second time after a two-year absence.
Did he just take a sabbatical?

“I was head coach at Occidental College, though they would claim I was on sabbatical,” he said.

There are few coaches quite like Redell, who uses the combination of humor and hiring strong assistant coaches to win games in large numbers. His career record is 233-65-3 at Oaks Christian, St. Francis and Crespi.

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Two of his grandchildren are in the Oaks Christian program. Daniel Redell, a sophomore defensive back, and Tommy Redell, a freshman linebacker, are the sons of Ronnie Redell, a former Crespi quarterback.

He has won eight Southern Section championships and enjoys being in the spotlight.

Oaks Christian should have another strong team and added to its talent with the arrival of junior running back Gil’Scott Jackson from San Diego Scripps Ranch. He rushed for 904 yards as a sophomore.

“He can play,” Redell said.

Oaks Christian officially began practice on Monday, and Redell was asked on Wednesday if he’s happy about being back.

“Well, the day’s not over,” he said.

Asked why he’s still coaching, Redell said, “It makes my wife happy, because I’m out of the house.”

Twitter:@LATSondheimer

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