HS FOOT: Alemany's Gonzales gives Alemany a push

Akeem Gonzales, a 6-foot-2, 230-pound offensive lineman for Alemany of Mission Hills, is coming on strong. He has been offered a Washington scholarship, and his blocking Friday against Taft helped spring Malcolm Marable, who rushed for 147 yards and four touchdowns in a 28-19 victory.

"Akeem had some great blocks against Taft, and now he's playing some defensive end for us, too," Alemany coach Dean Herrington said.

After losing its opener to Oaks Christian, Alemany (3-1) has won three in a row heading into a nonleague game Saturday at 7 p.m. at Harvard-Westlake (2-0) in North Hollywood.

Harvard-Westlake competes in a lesser division but has yet to give up a point this season, and last year the Wolverines nearly pulled off an upset over Alemany, which escaped with a 17-10 victory.

"We made a lot of mistakes last year, and they played us tough," Herrington said. "They're just a smart football team with a solid quarterback and a quick running back, just like last year."

-- Gerry Gittelson