HS FOOT: Touted Oaks Christian readies for debut

Well, the big show is about to begin, as Oaks Christian, ranked No. 7 by USA Today, prepares for its season opener at Alemany, scheduled to begin in just a few minutes.

The place is already packed, so it should be a good one.

Alemany has a defense that includes four sophomores and three juniors, and Oaks Christian has a high-octane offense featuring QB Nick Montana, RB Malcolm Jones and WR Jordan Payton -- all three are all-state candidates -- so it's no surprise Alemany is a huge underdog.

Alemany's kids don't believe it, swears defensive coodinator Rick Herrington.

"Nothing is impossible. We just have to keep it close and avoid the big play," Herrington was saying just a few minutes ago. "Our kids are not intimidated. During practice this week, we would say, 'Hey, they're pretty good," and the kids would say, 'Yeah? We're good, too.' But at this point, if they're not a little scared, there's something wrong."

-- Gerry Gittelson