Football: Oaks Christian wins Saugus passing tourney

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A little more than two months before they meet in pads in their Sept. 4 opener, Westlake Village Oaks Christian and Mission Hills Alemany played in the championship game of the Saugus seven-on-seven passing tournament Saturday night, with Oaks Christian prevailing, 28-20.

The Lions went 7-0 in the two-day tournament. Washington-bound quarterback Nick Montana showed he has improved greatly on his deep passes. Malcolm Jones was dominant catching passes and making plays at linebacker. Jordan Paytondid his usual good job catching passes. Alani Fua made some key grabs. But there were two surprise standouts.

Unsung cornerback Silas Goma, who has never started in three years, was solid covering receivers. And junior receiver Trey Smith, moving up from junior varsity, showed he belongs on varsity. He made catches and picked up yards with his moves.

‘It’s awesome to have him,’ Montana said of Smith. ‘He’s going to catch the pass and take it 60 yards.’

Said Smith: ‘I’m confident.’

There were other players making positive impressions this weekend.

Alemany had two receivers who stood out, 6-4 tight end Kevin Lenik and 6-2 junior wide receiver Shane Drozdowski. Junior defensive back Salidin McCullough had several interceptions.

Valencia made it to the semifinals behind cornerback Brock Vereen, who had two interceptions against Long Beach Poly.

Junior quarterback Mark Kirkpatrick helped Canyon Country Canyon reach the semifinals. And junior free safety Nelson Spruceof Westlake Village Westlake is a player who this fall everyone is going to know.

-- Eric Sondheimer