Football: Injuries mounting at Oaks Christian

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No. 16 Oaks Christian will have not played in two weeks by the time it takes on No. 6 St. Bonaventure on Friday at Ventura High, but Lions Coach Bill Redell said his team could have used four weeks off because of injuries to key players.

Senior tight end-defensive end Dillon van der Wal suffered a bruised leg during Oaks Christian’s opener against Alemany and is expected to miss a few more weeks. Junior receiver Jordan Payton sustained an ankle injury in practice Tuesday and is considered doubtful for the Lions’ game against the Seraphs, Redell said. Payton had three catches for 55 yards during Oaks Christian’s 20-17 loss to Alemany.

Redell said the Lions will need to open up their offense to have a chance against St. Bonaventure. Quarterback Trevor Gretzky completed 15 of 21 passes for 184 yards against Alemany in his first varsity start, but Redell said he hopes to utilize a game plan in which Gretzky can spread the ball around more to utilize the talent of the Lions’ receivers.

Or at least the ones who are healthy enough to play, that is.

--Ben Bolch