Football: New players will help with the battle of attrition in the Pac-5

The toughest challenge competing in a Pac-5 Division league is what happens when injuries occur. That’s when backups are needed to step in and contribute. Without quality backups, the losses begin to mount.

Monday is when sitout period players become eligible, and they could end up being critical contributors, especially for teams in the Pac-5.

Gardena Serra and Chaminade, new to the Pac-5 Division, are beginning to understand the battle with attrition.

Serra was without five starters last week in a 14-7 Mission League loss to Bishop Amat. A year ago, the Cavaliers wouldn’t have had problems resting a few players in their previous league matchups. But in the seven-team Mission League, every week is going to be a challenge.

The same goes for the Trinity League. It’s so physical each week that coaches understand they’re going to lose players to injuries. That’s why additional players who become eligible on Monday when the sitout period ends for transfers is so important.

Last season, St. John Bosco picked up several key reinforcements at this same point en route to a 16-0 season. They either became big-time backups or even starters.

This week, Mater Dei picks up sophomore quarterback Roman Kafentzis, a transfer from Tesoro.

Santa Margarita adds two players, long snapper/lineman Grant Jaffe and receiver Maxx Lewis.

Watch for some new faces on Friday and for the rest of the season. They could end up being important contributors in a division where teams can never have too much depth.

Twitter:@LATSondheimer