Season Opener and Cross‑State Challenges
The Inglewood high school football program, under first‑year head coach Milvon James, opened the 2024 campaign with a mix of optimism and uncertainty. After a streak of undefeated league games in 2023, the team encountered its first losses and a rash of injuries that forced a reassessment of strategy and depth.
Star defensive tackle Elijah Harmon, a sophomore who had committed to Oklahoma, missed the entire previous season due to a serious injury. He finished the prior year with 86 tackles and five sacks as a freshman and 80 tackles and five sacks as a sophomore before being sidelined. His return this year signals a major boost to the defensive front.
Harmon will be joined by Texas A&M commit Myels Smith, forming what many expect to be one of the league’s most formidable defensive duos. Their partnership is anticipated to restore the Sentinels’ interior pressure and improve run‑stopping capabilities that were lacking in the previous season.
The team dropped three games by eight points or fewer, including a 9‑7 loss to Edison in the CIF‑Southern Section Division 3 quarterfinal. Those narrow defeats underscored the fine margins that separate a contender from a contender‑in‑waiting.
The season opener is set for August 21 at Los Alamitos, a venue that will test the squad’s readiness early in the year. Shortly thereafter, the Sentinels will travel to Austin, Texas, to face Westlake, a program known for its strong tradition and tough competition.
Leuzinger High School, located in the same region, entered the year with a new head coach, DJ Morgan. The program has shrunk to 34 players after a wave of graduations and transfers, prompting Morgan to rely on a lean but determined roster.
Redondo Union, another local powerhouse, has re‑entered the Bay League after a successful Division 5 final run in 2023. The team aims to challenge top rivals such as Palos Verdes, Inglewood, and Mira Costa as it seeks to re‑establish its league dominance.
Palos Verdes quarterback Ryan Rakowski, who recovered from a thumb injury, is slated to resume his senior season. He will make his first start on August 21 against Serra at El Camino College, adding a seasoned arm to the offense.
Mira Costa High School’s Mustangs are rebuilding under longtime coach Don Morrow. The squad has handed new leadership roles to seniors Nick Bellasarian and junior lineman Nico Pauley, who have emerged as key figures in the team’s progression.