HS FOOT: Cleveland hires new football coach

Vinnie Johnson has been appointed head football coach at Cleveland High in Reseda, replacing Derrick Hill.

An official announcement is expected soon.

Johnson, 36, has been the head JV coach at Birmingham of Lake Balboa the past three seasons. He previously worked as a Birmingham varsity assistant.

"I was offered the job, and I accepted. I'm pretty eager to get there and to what I have to do," Johnson said. "I feel like there is a lot of work to be done, but there is a lot of potential with this program."

Johnson, who lives in Reseda, played at running back, receiver and defensive back at Cleveland from 1987-90.

"I feel happy for him," Birmingham coach Ed Croson said. "Guys come through our program for a few years, then get a chance to take a step up. I hope it works out for him."

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com_________________________________________________________