Birmingham, Keyes Turn It On

Dennis Keyes, a 6-foot-1 junior with tremendous speed and toughness, rushed for 216 yards in 26 carries, had a 96-yard touchdown reception and made several important tackles in lifting Van Nuys Birmingham to a 40-21 victory over Taft in its West Valley League opener Friday night in Woodland Hills.

“Every week, he seems to do the unbelievable,” Coach Ed Croson said.

Birmingham (5-0) unleashed a 26-point fourth quarter, starting with Keyes’ 96-yard reception on the opening play to break a 14-14 tie. Quarterback Scott Jensen retreated into the end zone on third down and was on the verge of being tackled for a safety when he passed the ball to Keyes, who raced down the right sideline.

Taft (3-2) committed four turnovers--three interceptions and a fumble. Two interceptions in the fourth quarter led to Birmingham touchdowns.

It was a rough night for junior quarterback Cary Dove of Taft. He completed 17 of 37 passes for 268 yards with two touchdowns. Jensen, the second-rated quarterback in Southern California in passing efficiency, completed 10 of 13 passes for 201 yards. He attempted only three passes in the second half--all for fourth-quarter touchdowns on passes of 96, 41 and 21 yards. He has 16 touchdown passes in five games.

Steve Smith of Taft caught eight passes for 101 yards, including a 65-yard touchdown. Noah Smith caught four passes for 107 yards, including a 20-yard touchdown.

It was a critical victory for Birmingham, which won the West Valley title last season and wants to prove it can compete against top City Section teams.

“I haven’t slept in a week,” Croson said. “This is a tough place to play, but the kids answered the call.”

Keyes is averaging 9.8 yards a carry. He also is a standout free safety.

“I had to really step it up tonight,” Keyes said. “This is the biggest game of the season so far.”