Foothill League commands respect for its football

The Foothill League doesn’t have to take a back seat to any league when it comes to custom and success, from producing state champions to being the league where Hall of Fame coaches Harry Welch and Mike Herrington once noticed enormous success.

All seven colleges that are half of the William S. Hart Union High School District took half Saturday in the first Foothill League media day at Saugus High. There’s a lot to admire about the league, including that all seven colleges have athletic trainers and six of the seven head coaches are also full-time academics.

Hart, Canyon and Valencia have produced their share of NFL gamers. And this season, Valencia has the expertise to make a run in Southern Section Division 2 or 3 with the return of working back Brian Bonner, a Washington commit, and quarterback Brady Bretthauer.

Coach Larry Muir is getting into his twentieth season as head coach and still instructing 4 courses of U.S. historical past each day. “He’s a lot nicer in the classroom,” Bretthauer joked. “He picks on the football player.”

Bretthauer also revealed how he motivates his linemen to block. “If I get sacked, no In-N-Out,” he said.

Even though Muir is challenged daily to stability his time and dedication from instructing to teaching football, Muir said he wouldn’t need it any other manner. “I love being in the classroom,” he said. “I literally don’t feel I go to work. “

The rivalries in the league guarantee the sports-crazed Santa Clarita Valley weekly entertainment. About the only issue is a lack of stadiums. Canyon and Valencia have stadiums and College of the Canyons also hosts games.

“It’s playoffs every week,” Golden Valley coach Dan Kelley said. “There are no slouches.”

Golden Valley may have a four-year starter in lineman Evan Nye, a 6-foot-3, 250-pound senior.

Castaic is popping to junior Aidan Mojica, a former tight end, as its new quarterback. There’s a promising sophomore linebacker in Lucas Duryea, who will likely be eligible at the end of September after transferring from Chaminade.

West Ranch has a first-year head coach in TJ Yonkers. Its top returning defensive participant is Max Piccolino, who had 15 1/2 sacks last season.

Carson Soria, a former receiver, is shifting to quarterback for Canyon. He’s also the punter, so beware of trick performs.

Hart quarterback Jacob Paisano will likely be making an attempt to get the ball to junior Matix Frithsmith in a selection methods, whether or not Frithsmith is enjoying working back or slot receiver. Two of Hart’s gamers are the sons of principal Jason D’Autremont.

Saugus has the son of Valencia principal Kullen Welch enjoying for them, which ought to make for an fascinating sport when those two colleges play. Beckham Welch is an offensive lineman for the Centurions.

Saugus coach Jason Bornn, who organized the media day, questioned how many championships can be received if the expertise in the world was concentrated at one or two colleges moderately than seven.

“If we only had one or two high schools, Mater Dei and St. John Bosco wouldn’t have a chance,” he said.