Football: Early City Section predictions

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Before heading off on vacation, it’s time to offer a few tidbits to get those City Section football fanatics in a good mood as practice begins next month.

Let’s start with Division I. Yes, Crenshaw is the team to beat, though the Cougars are no sure thing like last year. I’ve yet to see a receiver who’s going to replace Geno Hall. The good news for Crenshaw is that its offensive and defensive lines could be very good, and De’Anthony Thomas still must be stopped.

Like last season, it’s wide open as to which team will be Crenshaw’s main challenger. Narbonne has made it to the Coliseum the last two years. Sophomore QB Troy Williams is ready to take charge of the offense.

I think Venice is going to be a very dangerous team. Its receivers are outstanding. The big question mark is at quarterback, but Venice has so many returning players on both sides of the ball that I’d say the Gondoliers are a likely semifinalist team.

Carson and new Coach Elijah Asante faces a demanding nonleague schedule with games against Mater Dei and Mission Viejo. It’s a team with lots of talent and a terrific quarterback in Justin Alo. The Colts will be very good by the end of the regular season.

There’s no excuses for Woodland Hills Taft. The Toreadors finally have the quarterback in Michael Bercovici to run their spread offense. Now, it’s up to the receivers to catch the ball and the line to block for him. If they all do their jobs, beware.

Dorsey really believes it can challenge Crenshaw in the Coliseum League, and the Dons are better. They are committed to the passing game, but you still have to run the ball a little bit to beat Crenshaw. A great early season game should be Dorsey-Taft on Sept. 8 at Jackie Robinson Stadium.

Garfield is going to be a solid team, with a top defensive player in Moses Saucedo and improving offensive players. I would never take the Bulldogs lightly. They play hard every game.

San Pedro is going to try to run and pass while relying on its usually tough defense. Kristopher Bass is back at running back and linebacker, and he’s outstanding.

In Division II, it’s wide open as for the championship. I’m rooting for a Woodland Hills El Camino Real-Sun Valley Poly final because the game would probably end in less than two hours, with both teams running the ball almost every play with their double-wing attacks. It could happen. Both schools have big, powerful offensive lines and standout running backs.

Hamilton won the title last season and returns its talented quarterback in Torey Whitfield. L.A. Jordan moves from Division I to Division II, and there’s talent on offense and defense. Roosevelt should be solid.

Arleta and Coach Jeff Engilman should never be counted out.

Let’s see how practice goes for the next month and what happens in the early season matchups. Perhaps some new teams will emerge. But that’s my early analysis.

-- Eric Sondheimer