Football: Birmingham tries to prepare for season opener

Birmingham Coach Jim Rose is facing a severe challenge trying to get his team ready for Friday’s season opener against Newbury Park as players continue to deal with the tragedy from last Friday night when two former players were killed in a car crash.

Killed were Alex Manu, 18, and Isaiah Hastings, 19. Both were attending College of the Canyons but also working out with Birmingham players. Seriously injured was Eldridge Salguero, 18, the older brother of Birmingham running back Sterling Salguero.

A vigil was held Sunday night at Birmingham.

“It’s a struggle,” Rose said. “We got through yesterday as best as we could.”

Several players sat out of practice. Others missed school.

Rose said he doesn’t know who will be starting on Friday depending on who is able to practice this week.

Salguero is in critical condition at Providence Holy Cross Medical Center.
Twitter:@LATSondheimer