Hey, Coach, Turn Those Lights Off

At least one City Section coach has figured out a way to deal with the lack of quality lighting at Taft High’s field.

San Fernando, the Toreadors’ opponent Friday night, practiced with just half its lights turned on, the better to simulate conditions at the worst-lit field in the region.

“We get out of school so late anyway,” said Tiger Coach Sean Blunt. “And it’s so dark over there. It’s good practice.”

What a blooper: It may have been fun, but it was costly.

During pregame warmups for their game against Hart, the Torrance football team gathered at midfield for a team cheer. Coaches, managers and statisticians joined in the festivities.

Unfortunately, so did the videographer. He left the video camera, set up on a stand to film the game, unattended. Moments later a wind gust blew the camera over and shattered it. An assistant coach ran to a nearby electronics store for a replacement.

Neill back: Hart quarterback David Neill, rumored to be out with an injury, was in Hart’s starting lineup.

Neill suffered an injury to his midsection last week against Saugus and did not play the second half. On Monday he received clearance from his doctor to play.

“He’s been fine since Sunday,” Hart Coach Mike Herrington said.

Generation next: Shortly after the 1994 earthquake, Sylmar High purchased a generator to be used only in case of emergency.

Fortunately, Principal Linda Calvo says, no emergencies have arisen at the school since the purchase. Until today.

With electricity shut down at Sylmar for most of today for installation of air conditioning units, the Spartan football team will put the generator to use in order to watch and break down game film of its quarterfinal opponent.

“To [Coach Jeff Engilman], this is an emergency,” Calvo quipped.

Stingy Spartans: Sylmar’s defense was not going to be outplayed again.

Against Canoga Park two weeks ago, the Spartans allowed the Hunters 294 yards of offense and escaped with a 26-18 victory, which was much closer than the score indicates.

Fast forward two weeks. Sylmar limited Canoga Park to one yard of total offense and got five sacks in the first half.

Canoga Park was without the services of running back Junior Galvan, who was declared academically ineligible. Galvan, who finished the year with 1,170 yards, had 85 yards in 20 carries in the first meeting.