Tapping in to Taft

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Can Taft challenge Birmingham for the West Valley League title ?

The better question is, can anybody?

Taft has been a long-time worthy adversary for the Patriots and enjoys the role. There were doubts the Toreadors could be a factor this season under their new coach, Matt Kerstetter. But if the 49-19 victory over San Fernando is an accurate barometer, the Toreadors (3-2) have found their rhythm in time for their league opener this week against El Camino Real.

‘We’ve finally gotten some kids healthy and have regrouped,’ Kerstetter said.

‘We especially missed linebacker Nick Bruce [shoulder] and defensive lineman Craig Noble [knee]. They were two-way players. We also missed running back/linebacker Jarrell Holland [abdominal strain].’

What excited Kerstetter about the San Fernando game, along with watching his team look comfortable offensively and defensively for the first time this season, was that the Toreadors committed no turnovers.

‘We’ve been averaging four turnovers a game. But week to week we’ve seen the kids grow,’ he said. ‘They’re now grasping concepts they had no clue about three weeks ago. They’re playing faster now because they don’t have to think about every play -- they can just play.’

Taft and Birmingham end the regular season playing against each other. What are the odds they both come into that game 4-0 in league play?

‘Oh I’m not looking that far ahead,’ Kerstetter said, laughing. ‘We still have to take it one game at a time.’

- Mike Terry

Editor Bob: That’s exactly how I’m taking it, one blog at a time. Ain’t coach-speak grand?