For Southern League, one is enough for playoffs

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The winner of the newly configured Southern League will be its only representative to the City playoffs this season.

And that’s a good decision.

The league members’ combined record against nonleague opponents is 3-19. Los Angeles is the ‘leader’ at 2-3, followed by Hollywood at 1-4. Contreras, Santee and West Adams Prep are each 0-4.

All five have reasons for their struggles. Contreras and West Adams are in only their first year of varsity football. Santee is in its second. Coach Paul Blair inherited a downtrodden program at Hollywood, and Coach Hardy Williams is still trying to rebuild at Los Angeles.

Contreras Coach Pete Carrion says better days are coming for each of the teams, now that they will play each other.

‘I’m sure everybody in our league is waiting for league [play],’ Contreras said. ‘We’re all in the same boat and we’re all comparable. It is what it is.

‘Even the kids can’t wait for league. They’re know where they’re at, that they’ve had to play bigger and better teams. And the team from our league that does get into the playoffs will be deserving because of what we’ve all had to go through.’

- Mike Terry