HS FOOT: Arleta's Maka Maka is bigga bigga

Maka Maka, a top defensive lineman at Arleta, is not only the biggest player in the East Valley League - he measures in at 6-foot-2, 315 pounds - but he might be one of the best, even though he missed most of last season because of a bruised knee.

"He has come back 100 percent," coach Jeff Engilman said.

To help keep Maka and the rest of Arleta's players motivated, the City Invitational championship trophy from last season is visible at all times.

"Every time they feel sorry for themselves during practice, they can look over the see the trophy," Engilman said. "We went 14-0 last year, and our goal is to go 14-0 again."

-- Gerry Gittelson