Football: Oaks Christian is loaded at receiver

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Westlake Village Oaks Christian made its summer passing debut Wednesday night in a seven-on-seven competition at Valencia High, and what’s clear is that the Lions have a receiving group that’s as good as it gets.

From junior Jordan Payton, a USC commit, to seniors Blair Holliday and Trey Smith, plus tight end Dillon van der Wal, the Lions have a terrific group of targets for quarterback Trevor Gretzky.

Gretzky, who just came out for football after finishing up with baseball, has a strong arm and good feet. He’s going to get an NCAA Division I scholarship. The summer is important for him to improve reading defenses since he was a backup to Nick Montana last season.

He certainly has enough ex-quarterbacks around to guide him. The offensive coordinator, Casey Clausen, and the new QB coach, Rick Clausen, played at Tennessee. Also hired as an assistant to help the lower-level players is former NFL QB Jay Schroeder. And Redell played QB in the Canadian Football League, not to mention the defensive coordinator, Mark Bates, is a former high school QB.

Oaks Christian played against Newhall Hart, Valencia and Canyon Country Canyon. One of the best players on the field was Valencia linebacker Trevor Smyth, who will be a three-year starter.

Here’s a look at Gretzky in action.

-- Eric Sondheimer