University takes aim at rest of Western League

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It will be hard to bet against Venice for the Western League title.

But finishing second, along with a good overall record, is a worthy goal for University and Coach E.C. Robinson.

‘I won’t ever tell the team it can’t win, and I won’t tell them that when we play Venice,’ Robinson said. ‘But I know Venice is loaded and has nearly all of its team back from last year. As far as league goes, they’re out there by themselves. But the rest of league is in the same boat.’

It will take continued strong efforts by key players for University (2-1) to separate itself from the other league squads. The Wildcats face Fremont on Friday, then wrap up their nonleague schedule next week against Cleveland.

Robinson expected big things from running back Trayon Harris, who has rushed for 516 yards in three games (including 166 yards against San Pedro). But he and the Wildcats have been inspired by a rebuilt defense that has shown improvement each week. Defensive backs Lamont Dupree and Chazz Myles are standouts, having combined for four interceptions

‘We can come after people,’ Robinson said. ‘In our first game against San Pedro, my new defensive coordinator hadn’t had a chance to put in the whole scheme yet. And when San Pedro saw we couldn’t stop the run, they kept on running.

‘But each week we’re getting more in sync.’

- Mike Terry