Football: Taft short-handed against Serra

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Complicating Taft’s challenge against Serra tonight in an intersectional clash of unbeaten teams at Woodland Hills is the fact that the Toreadors will be playing without two players dismissed from the team last week for breaking school rules.

‘Certain things will not be tolerated,’ said Coach Matt Kerstetter, who would not elaborate on the dismissals.

The biggest loss is Devon Rosa, a starter at defensive end and tight end who was a returning All-West Valley League selection. Christian Childress, who played on special teams and added depth in the secondary, also will be missed.

Taft will also have at least one player sidelined by injury. Right tackle Shayan Shayaniziyanabad won’t play because of an ankle injury that has kept him out of all but a few plays since the Toreadors’ opener. Tight end Anthony Ascencio is questionable because of an ankle injury and a slight muscle injury in his shoulder.

-- Ben Bolch