Football: Venice looks to extend league win streak

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Even the staunchest supporter of Venice High football might have trouble recalling the last time the Gondos lost a Western League contest. Yes, it’s been a while _ almost seven years.

Venice will be seeking its 35th consecutive league victory Friday at Hamilton.

The Gondos last tasted defeat against a league opponent Oct. 21, 2005, when they lost, 19-14, at Fairfax. They rebounded to win the Western League title that season and have been unbeaten league champions every year since.

Venice (4-2) opened league on Friday with a 62-0 rout of Westchester and is considered the No. 3 team in City Division I behind Narbonne and Crenshaw. The last school not named Venice to win the Western League was Westchester in 2001.

What’s been the secret to the Gondos’ success under Coach Angelo Gasca? One factor you can point to is a challenging nonleague schedule. Gasca likes to test his team against some of the region’s best, and this season is no exception. The Gondos’ two losses are to Southern Section powerhouses West Hills Chaminade and Westlake Village Oaks Christian.

With lots of juniors on the roster, including quarterback Alex Diamont, Venice might be a year away from the City title. The immediate goal, however, is an 11th straight Western League crown.

-- Steve Galluzzo