A Quarterback’s Redemption
When Paul Schilling stepped onto the Crescenta Valley High sidelines, he brought more than a playbook; he brought a vision. The former coach saw in Julian Savery, a senior still nursing a torn anterior cruciate ligament from a 2025 basketball injury, a rare arm talent that could reshape the team’s offense.
Savery’s decision to practice throwing a football was born of necessity. The rehab routine that emphasized arm strength also accelerated his adaptation to the quarterback position. Within weeks, the Falcons’ staff watched the former basketball standout deliver crisp, spiraled passes that belied his injury history.
Birmingham’s Passing Revival
Across town, Birmingham High is staking its hopes on a revamped aerial attack. With receivers Paul Turner, who averaged 24.5 yards per catch as a junior, and transfer Hayden Schuler leading the way, the squad is building a passing game that could rival the league’s best. Quarterback competition is fierce, with Daniel Kakooza expected to start and freshman Exavier Johnson poised to make an impact.
The momentum extends beyond the traditional powerhouses. Simi Valley, Hart, and Sierra Canyon are each carving distinct narratives. At Sierra Canyon, the school will field its first girls’ flag football team this fall, spotlighting standout athletes Ava Irwin and Makena Cook, both transfers from Orange County.
The Westside Seven‑On‑Seven Showdown
The Edison Battle at the Beach seven‑on‑seven passing tournament gathered elite teams such as St. John Bosco and Santa Margarita, providing a stage for emerging talents. Shawn Sanders, a transfer from St. Francis, emerged as a dual‑threat quarterback and kicker for Paraclete, while freshmen quarterbacks Hendrix Tucker and West Dunton made early impressions that have coaches taking note.
Other storylines weave through the region: Bob Richards, a former Thousand Oaks coach now assisting at Simi Valley, brings a wealth of experience; Jim Benkert’s staff at Simi Valley boasts five former head coaches; and Gabe Degl'Innocenti of Hart High has become known for his run‑stopping prowess, even squatting 640 pounds. Tahj Skinner, a standout safety, will quarterback Sherman Oaks Notre Dame this season, while the Westlake receiving duo of Charles Davis and Demare Dezeurn remain committed to California.