Birmingham win is huge boost for City Section

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I never would have predicted No. 18 Birmingham could beat No. 2 Long Beach Poly.

Coach Ed Croson had always complained about all the disadvantages his program faced, from not being able to practice on Labor Day to dealing with Poly’s speed. But Croson somehow got his team to cut down on penalties and mistakes, and Friday’s 20-7 victory thrusts Birmingham into the state Division I bowl picture, despite an opening-game loss to Crespi.

Birmingham’s schedule is so good that if the Patriots were to win out -- and that includes a victory over Sherman Oaks Notre Dame in two weeks -- they’d be tough to deny.

How about that Birmingham defense? In eight quarters against Crespi and Poly, the Patriots have allowed only two touchdowns.

And don’t believe any of the talk that the Patriots are going to switch quarterbacks once Taft transfer Exavier Johnson returns from a broken hand. Morey Croson, the coach’s son, has won the job because of his intelligent, composed play. He’s getting better every week, and Johnson, when healthy, is going to become a receiver.

These Patriots are going to have ups and downs this season, but their win over Long Beach Poly has to rank as one of the biggest for a City Section team over a Southern Section team in the last 20 years.

- Eric Sondheimer