Football: Tough schedule vs. easy schedule is about to be tested

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This is the week we’ll be getting real evidence to indicate whether it’s better to play a tough nonleague schedule or an easy nonleague schedule in preparation for league play.

Los Angeles Garfield is 0-4 after losses to Bishop Amat, Edison, Dorsey and St. Paul. The Bulldogs open Eastern League play on Friday against 4-0 South East, which has beaten Eagle Rock, Gardena, Santee and Los Angeles.

Garfield Coach Lorenzo Hernandez has been following the example that was set by former Birmingham Coach Ed Croson in his belief that tough opponents will help a team whether you win or lose.

Another 4-0 school about to get tested is Los Alamitos, which has beaten Norwalk, Mayfair, West Adams and L.A. University. On Thursday, the Griffins take on 4-0 Santa Margarita. That’s a big jump.

Encino Crespi is 4-0 after beating Dominguez and three winless teams _ L.A. Jordan, Clovis West and Palisades. The Celts face 3-0 Vista Murrieta on Friday.

So fans of unbeaten teams, I’d advise to stay low key until your teams show what they can do against another good team.

-- Eric Sondheimer