For Coyotes, Timing Is Right To Get Away

Calabasas High will get a much-needed two-week break from any on-field activity before practice resumes on Aug. 12, and the timing couldn't be better considering the way the Coyotes have struggled at recent 7-on-7 passing tournaments. 

"We have some new faces in new places,'' Calabasas coach Larry Edwards said. ''We expected there to be some growing pains, some struggles. The summer is a good time for us to work with the kids on simply getting better.  

"Wins and losses are nice, but not that important. We're more concerned with improving. In the long run, we'll be just fine.''  

If the Coyotes' play at last week's Agoura passing tournament is any indication of what's in store, there could be trouble ahead.  

Calabasas struggled against Marmonte League rivals Agoura, Moorpark, Newbury Park, Simi Valley and Westlake. And the Coyotes didn't fare any better against fellow Ventura Country programs Camarillo and Oak Park.  

Poor showings in the Conejo Valley Classic and the Rio Mesa tournament in back-to-back weeks this summer don't help.  

"Things can be frustrating at times, but we refuse to get discouraged. That's not our style,'' Calabasas quarterback Kyle Zion said. "We go hard all the time, no matter who we play or how did in our last tournament. Once we get on the same page, and play Calabasas football, we'll turn things around.''  

There is reason for optimism, with the return of standout Shane Bick.  

The senior receiver, who has been troubled by a lingering knee injury for the past two months, was on the field at the Agoura tournament and he made an immediate impact for the Coyotes.

Last season, Bick, a 6-foot-2 playmaker, ranked among the team leaders in receptions (35), yards after the catch (356) and touchdowns (5).  

Having Bick back is extremely important to the Coyotes' success, and that was evident during the Rio Mesa tournament two weeks ago when Zion connected with him on a number of plays behind the opponent's defense.  

"It was tough watching all the guys struggle from the sidelines and not being to help them out,'' Bick said. "I'm 100 percent now, I'm healthy and ready to contribute after seeing my teammates try to step up while I was out.  

"Once the dead period is over, we're going to make things happen. In August, when the pads come out, that's when we really start playing. Forget about what you think you know. We're going to show everyone what we're all about''