News Summary
The City Section of Los Angeles faces a significant drop in high-caliber college football talent, affecting enrollment, athlete participation, and team logistics. Several programs struggle to field junior varsity teams, leading to game cancellations. Despite the challenges, teams such as the Birmingham Patriots and Kennedy Cougars show promise for the upcoming season. The ongoing evolution of City Section football reflects both struggles and the competitive spirit of local rivalries, indicating a need for revival in high school athletics.
Los Angeles – The City Section of Los Angeles is in the midst of a significant decline in high-caliber college football talent, a reduction that has also affected enrollment, athlete participation, facilities, coaching staff, and officiating travel. Many football programs within the City Section now struggle to field junior varsity teams, resulting in the cancellation of games for schools like Dymally, Angelou, and West Adams this season due to a lack of available players.
In a landscape that continues to evolve, the City Section presents a unique blend of unpredictability and parity among its teams. Unlike the Southern Section, dominated by a select few teams annually, the City Section offers a dynamic atmosphere where fresh champions and contenders emerge regularly across various divisions.
As teams prepare for the 2025 season, several standout programs have the potential to capture attention. Key teams to watch include:
- Birmingham Patriots: With a storied history in the City Section, the Birmingham Patriots are led by Coach Jim Rose. The team seeks to reclaim its former glory after previously winning four consecutive Open Division titles. Key players include Dallas Jones (running back, senior), Pablo Granados (offensive lineman, junior), and Kevin Hawkins (quarterback/tight end, senior).
- Kennedy Cougars: Under the direction of Coach Troy Cassidy, the Kennedy Cougars demonstrated a strong performance last season with a 10-3 record. Notable player Diego Montes (quarterback, senior) is expected to lead the charge this season.
- Eagle Rock Eagles: Coaching by Andy Moran, the Eagle Rock program is known for its high-scoring offense. Quarterback Liam Pasten (senior), who had impressive passing stats last season, will look to continue his success alongside other key players such as Nathan Schiebler (running back/linebacker, senior).
- Cleveland Cavaliers: Led by Coach Mario Guzman, the Cavaliers are navigating concerns over player depth, while still counting on impactful returning players like Domenik Fuentes (quarterback, junior) and Cobe Green (athlete, junior).
- El Camino Real Conquistadors: Coach Rick Hayashida’s team is focused on the development and experience across both offensive and defensive lines. Critical players include Arturo Acevedo (quarterback, senior) and Emran Wardak (offensive lineman/defensive lineman, senior).
- Chatsworth Chancellors: Recognized for their dramatic City Section Division II title, the Chancellors are coached by Shawn Johnson. Key players include Devin Del Toro (running back, junior) and Justin Petre (wide receiver, senior).
- Highlanders: Coached by Bucky Brooks, this team follows a traditional running style offense. Myles Cross (running back/cornerback, junior) and Jayden Garcia (defensive lineman, senior) are among their notable athletes.
Recent nonleague games showcased the competitiveness of City Section football. Noteworthy results included Arleta edging Westchester 14-12, Banning dominating South East 44-14, Kennedy narrowly defeating Eagle Rock 59-56, and Monroe beating Chatsworth 25-24.
The overall health of City Section football reflects both ongoing struggles and the spirited nature of local and neighborhood-team competition. As schools work to overcome challenges including diminishing talent and participation levels, the resilience of the City Section continues to foster a hope for the revival of its football programs.
As the season progresses, the focus remains on rebuilding and enhancing the quality of play while addressing issues that affect the sustainability of football as a vital aspect of high school athletics in Los Angeles.
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Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times: High School Football Scores
- Wikipedia: High School Football
- Daily News: Football Preview 2025 City Section
- Google Search: California High School Football
- Sports Illustrated: City Section High School Football Rankings
- Google Scholar: High School Football
- Los Angeles Times: City Section Top 10 Rankings
- Encyclopedia Britannica: High School Football
- Los Angeles Times: City Section Preseason Rankings
- Google News: LA City High School Football
Author: STAFF HERE LOS ANGELES WRITER
LOS ANGELES STAFF WRITER The LOS ANGELES STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELosAngeles.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the LA Auto Show, Hollywood Film Awards, and the Los Angeles Marathon. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce and the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, plus leading businesses in entertainment and technology that power the local economy such as Warner Bros. and SpaceX. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
