Photo Gallery: La Canada spring football practice

New head football coach James Sims at a spring practice for the La Canada football team. (Tim Berger/Staff Photographer)

June 1, 2012 2:48 PM PT

LA CAÑADA FLINTRIDGE - There’s plenty for the La Cañada High football team to learn in spring practice under its first-year Coach James Sims. Sims, who made the move from Hawthorne High in Jacksonville, Fla., started the Spartans out with a back-to-basics approach. His first goal was to get his team in shape and of course to buy into his hard-work philosophy.

Runningback Andrew Paynter catches a toss during a drill at a spring practice for the La Canada football team. (Tim Berger/Staff Photographer)

Runningback and corner Jadon Henry carries the ball during a drill at a spring practice for the La Canada football team. (Tim Berger/Staff Photographer)

Quarterback Matt Jones takes a snap during a passing drill at a spring practice for the La Canada football team. (Tim Berger/Staff Photographer)

All-around player Grant Owen stretches to receive a pass at a spring practice for the La Canada football team. (Tim Berger/Staff Photographer)

Runningback Andrew Paynter stands in a huddle at a spring practice for the La Canada football team. (Tim Berger/Staff Photographer)

Quarterback Matt Jones runs drills at a spring practice for the La Canada football team. (Tim Berger/Staff Photographer)

Runningback and corner Jaden Henry runs a drill at a spring practice for the La Canada football team. (Tim Berger/Staff Photographer)

Grant Owen, bottom, drops the ball after a defender jumps on his back at a spring practice for the La Canada football team. (Tim Berger/Staff Photographer)

All-around player Grant Owen receives a pass at a spring practice for the La Canada football team. (Tim Berger/Staff Photographer)

Justin Ruda tracks a deep pass for a catch at a spring practice for the La Canada football team. (Tim Berger/Staff Photographer)

Brad Woolf takes a toss at a spring practice for the La Canada football team. (Tim Berger/Staff Photographer)

Johnny Selsor runs the ball at a spring practice for the La Canada football team. (Tim Berger/Staff Photographer)