Football: Birmingham-Taft face off in West Valley League showdown

After losing its first three games, Woodland Hills Taft has won two in a row. After winning its first three games, Lake Balboa Birmingham has lost two in a row. It makes for an intriguing West Valley League opener on Friday at Birmingham.

"We're starting to hold onto the ball and starting to execute," Taft Coach Chris Rizzo said.

Eddie Narvaez, a defensive back, has been contributing big plays with interceptions, fumble recoveries and kickoff returns. Running back Forrest Carter has provided a spark to the offense.

BIrmingham is coming off consecutive defeats to Sherman Oaks Notre Dame and Newhall Hart. The Patriots need to get quarterback Trae Smith back as an offensive weapon.

-- Eric Sondheimer