Football: Notre Dame is on the upswing

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Sherman Oaks Notre Dame and Mission Hills Alemany met in a seven-on-seven passing competition Thursday at Saugus, and the Knights clearly outplayed Alemany, which might come as a surprise considering they were 2-8 last season.

But for the second time this summer, Notre Dame showed it’s much improved. Quarterback Kelly Hilinski has way better velocity, and the Knights’ receivers are making catches. Notre Dame’s secondary, led by cornerback Kevin Carrasco and safety Matt McNab, didn’t allow any of Alemany’s dangerous receivers to get open for a long gainer.

I’m more convinced than ever that Hilinski is going to turn out just fine as a college prospect. And wait until running back Khalfani Muhammad joins the team from track.

Alemany Coach Dean Herrington didn’t seem too concerned about inconsistent play at quarterback. The Warriors will get tested this weekend in the Pierce College tournament.

-- Eric Sondheimer