Calabasas Football Hopes to Turn Corner

Calabasas High is going through some tough times under first-year football coach Christian Pierce. The Coyotes (1-4) have lost four consecutive Marmonte League games to fall into last place heading into a game tonight at 7 against visiting Moorpark (3-2, 2-2).

Overall, Calabasas has been outscored by an average of more than 38 points, and injured quarterback Brandon Marin remains sidelined for tonight’s game. Yet the plucky Coyotes are keeping a positive attitude – and that should help, especially come next Friday when Calabasas plays winless Agoura in what figures to be the Coyotes’ most winnable league game.

“We have to keep fighting,” linebacker Jordan Pierce said. “I have two broken hands, but I’m working through it. We all are. We will come out victorious if we work hard and play our game plan.”

Pierce, a junior who is the coach’s son, is averaging 13 tackles per game – one of the few bright spots on what is turning into a forgettable season.

“I worked hard in the off-season to lead the team tackles right now,” Pierce said.

Ike Fuchs is the starting quarterback tonight. He has not had many opportunities, but his numbers are not bad – he has completed 22 of 45 passes for 233 yards, and he has also scored a touchdown.

Nevertheless, Fuchs could have problems tonight because Calabasas is playing with a patched-up offensive line, and Moorpark is known for its defense.

“We still have some offensive linemen guys out, so it’s going to be a big challenge. We’re pretty banged up,” coach Pierce said. “We only have 11 seniors on the roster, so we’re thin. It’s going to be tough. I’m trying to teach these kids how to compete for four quarters.

"We have to stay healthy, but we’ll get there.”

Moorpark is led by Iowa State-bound quarterback Grant Rohach, fast running back Aaron Stanton and a group of top defenders led by linebackers Tony Mack and Bobby Eckert.

“Moorpark is tough. They have a good quarterback, a shifty running back and some hitters,” Pierce said. “They’re a solid football team.”

A VIEWPOINT FROM THE TOP

After years of futility trying to compete with powerful Rio Hondo Prep, Viewpoint School gets another chance at home Saturday in a Prep League football opener. Kickoff is 3:30 p.m.

Viewpoint (4-1) has won four in a row, but the host Patriots face a Rio Hondo Prep team that has never lost to Viewpoint since the Patriots moved to 11-man football in 2004. The streak includes four shutouts over the past four seasons by an average margin of 43 points.

This is considered a benchmark game for Viewpoint. If the Patriots can pull off a victory, or perhaps even compete evenly into the fourth quarter, Viewpoint will have to be taken seriously. Finally.

“The team likes winning, and we are giving all we have to keep winning,” Viewpoint quarterback Joey Verhaugh said. “We are dedicated as a team to success no matter what it takes. Rio Hondo is a big game, and a win would be huge for the team and the future of the program.”

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

Moorpark (3-2) at Calabasas (1-4), 7 tonight – Injury-strapped Calabasas, hoping to rally behind QB Ike Fuchs, looks to pull an upset.

Rio Hondo Prep (4-1) at Viewpoint (4-1), 3:30 Saturday – Viewpoint has been shut out four times in a row by the visiting Katres.