Football: La Mirada makes its community proud [Video]

There are 105 varsity and junior varsity football players working out daily at La Mirada High, the only public high school in a community that provides lots of support for its young people with parks, good facilities and strong turnouts on Friday nights.

Coach Mike Moschetti is a La Mirada grad who clearly is trying to teach his players more than football skills. Lessons about discipline and life are getting across at practices, in player meetings, on blackboards and in the locker room.

The Matadores have been receiving lots of attention because of their group of college prospects that include receiver Dallis Todd (committed to Oklahoma), offensive lineman Michael Trani (committed to Cal), tight end Tyler Luatua and quarterback Kevin Dillman. But the real story is about a community supporting its team.

Trani said he has known more than a dozen of his teammates since kindergarten. It’s a true neighborhood team trying to succeed at a time when parents routinely move around looking for the best athletic deal.

“We have a bond that you don’t find any other place,” Trani said.

With nearby private schools such as St. John Bosco, Bishop Amat and St. Paul, La Mirada parents have lots of options, and Moschetti has tried to prove players can be seen and be successful.

Certainly, after watching a practice, the Matadores are focused, determined and getting well prepared for the season ahead.

Eric.sondheimer@latimes.com