Advertisement

Football: City Section coaches meet to prepare for 2016 season

Narbonne Coach Manuel Douglas (left) and Crenshaw Coach Robert Garrett are all smiles before City Section football coaches meeting on Saturday.

Narbonne Coach Manuel Douglas (left) and Crenshaw Coach Robert Garrett are all smiles before City Section football coaches meeting on Saturday.

(Eric Sondheimer / Los Angeles Times)
Share

It was bright and early Saturday morning at Garfield High School, and City Section coaches came out for a mandatory meeting in preparation for the 2016 season.

When I saw veteran Coaches Manuel Douglas of Narbonne and Robert Garrett of Crenshaw together, I immediately asked to take a photo. Garrett never wants to be in a photo but with a little nudge from Douglas, he graciously agreed. And both smiled.

Everyone is happy, because their record is 0-0. But there’s much to be excited about this season. All schools in the Los Angeles Unified School District will have new uniforms paid for by the district. Several schools have received uniforms in excess of $50,000. They’re supposed to last for three years, and it’s a big burden removed.

Advertisement

Also, LAUSD’s athletics office confirmed that a doubleheader set for the Coliseum on Oct. 22 has been finalized and the contract should be signed this coming week. Crenshaw will play Dorsey in the morning game, followed by Banning-San Pedro at 1 p.m. Tickets will be $12 for adults.

The City Section championships will be held at either Cerritos College or El Camino College.

Lots of coaches expressed confidence in their teams. Chavez believes it can win the Division III championship. Banning, with 14 starters back, thinks it can be a factor in the Marine League and in the Division I playoffs. Narbonne has moved Anthony Pandy, its outstanding defensive end, to outside linebacker, giving the Gauchos perhaps the best linebacker trio in Southern California in Pandy and juniors Raymond Scott and Darien Butler.

Schools have started to fill out forms trying to get transfers eligible. Los Angeles has helped its offense with the arrival of running back Chris Dormer from Venice.

Coaches were given medical information about concussions and heat. Practices begin next week.

For the latest on high school sports, follow @LATSondheimer on Twitter

Advertisement
Advertisement