North Hollywood Seeks First Football Victory; Harvard-Westlake Prepares for Homecoming

If you think opposites attract, you’re going to enjoy Saturday’s 7:30 p.m. homecoming football game at Harvard-Westlake High against visiting El Camino Real.

Harvard-Westlake (3-1) loves to pass, as Chad Kanoff has passed for 1,011 yards – an average of more than 250 per game – while El Camino Real (4-0) loves to run, as star Kawan Rally has rushed for 973 yards and scored 13 touchdowns.

Kanoff, a junior, has completed 67 percent of his passes including 17 touchdowns compared to just one interception. He has a lot of top receivers, including Julian Shabahang (18 receptions, four touchdowns), Clinton Hooks (17 receptions, seven touchdowns) and Chris Sabastian (12 receptions, one touchdown).

Rally, a 5-11, 230-pound three-year standout, is more like a one-man gang. Beginning from the first game, he has rushed for 225 yards against North Hollywood, 267 yards against Palisades, 304 yards against Sylmar, then 177 yards last week against Canoga Park; El Camino Real has won every game, and no one has been able to stop him.

“He’s a very physical running back. He’s big and strong,” Harvard-Westlake coach Vic Eumont said. “It should be an interesting game.”

CAMPBELL HALL FOOTBALL LOOKS TO KEEP WINNING

Since Campbell Hall football coach Russ Gordon signed on eight years ago, the Vikings have never lost to Downey Calvary Chapel.

The teams play tonight at 7 at Downey High in an Alpha League opener, and this time it’s a bit more interesting because both are undefeated, as Campbell Hall is 4-0 after defeating Grace Brethren 37-7 last week, and Calvary Chapel is 3-0 after a 42-0 win over Arrowhead Christian – Calvary Chapel’s second shutout in a row.

Campbell Hall’s R.J. Gordon, the coach’s son, has passed for 780 yards and seven touchdowns and rushed for 400 yards and four touchdowns.  His top receivers are Dustin Drai, Josh Ross and Christian Bradley.

Bradley, a transfer from Montclair Prep, is being recruited. A coach from University of California visited this week, Gordon said.

NORTH HOLLYWOOD SEEKS FIRST FOOTBALL VICTORY

Something has to give tonight when North Hollywood plays host to Grant in a 7 p.m. East Valley League football opener. Neither has won a game, as injury-strapped North Hollywood is 0-4 and Grant is 0-3.

“The losses are tough, but we do see progress,” North Hollywood coach Doug Bledsoe said. “The real season begins tonight. We’re two mirror teams, and somebody is coming out a winner.”

EIGHT-MAN TEAM IS ENOUGH

After a one-win season last year, East Valley is 3-0 in eight-man football, including a 36-14 win at Ojai Valley last Saturday. The Falcons, coached by Jesus Williams, play visiting Central City Value (0-2) tonight at 7.

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

Tonight

Campbell Hall (4-0) vs. Downey Calvary Chapel at Downey HS, 7 p.m.

Grant (0-3) at North Hollywood (0-4), 7 p.m.

Central City Value (0-2) at East Valley (3-0), 7 p.m.

Saturday

El Camino Real (4-0) at Harvard Westlake (3-1), 7:30 p.m.