Paul Schilling has taken the helm of the football program at Crescenta Valley High, bringing a fresh perspective to the Falcons as they look to rebound from a challenging recent season.
Central to his early plans is the conversion of running back Julian Savery into a quarterback. Savery, who missed the 2025 campaign after tearing his ACL, has announced that his basketball aspirations are behind him, focusing entirely on the gridiron.
Key Position Changes
The shift comes as Birmingham High seeks to revitalize its passing attack. Freshman quarterback Exavier Johnson, son of a former City Section passing standout, has already drawn praise for his poise and arm strength.
Savery’s transition is not the only tactical adjustment in the area. At Simi Valley, the coaching staff boasts five former head coaches, a depth of experience that could translate into innovative play‑calling. Meanwhile, Hart High’s defensive anchor Gabe Degl’Innocenti continues to impress with his relentless pass‑rushing.
Sierra Canyon is set to make history with its first girls’ flag football game this fall. The team will feature transfers Ava Irwin and Makena Cook, both of whom have already begun to shape the roster.
Other storylines include Tahj Skinner of Sherman Oaks Notre Dame, who will take the snap at quarterback, and Paraclete’s dual‑threat quarterback‑kicker Shawn Sanders, who is expected to be a focal point of the offense.
The upcoming Edison Battle at the Beach tournament will showcase many of these emerging talents, pitting the region’s top programs against each other in a showcase of speed, skill, and strategic innovation.