HS FOOT: Birmingham's Briggs doubtful Friday vs. ECR

The cast has been removed from Trajuan Briggs' broken foot, but the football standout from Birmingham High of Lake Balboa is doubtful Friday at El Camino Real of Woodland Hills, according to Birmingham coach Jim Rose, who said the USC-bound running back has yet to practice at full speed.

"Trajuan is doubtful right now. It just depends later in the week what he can do," Rose said. "I think it's going to be a game-time decision. If he's 90 percent or so, we're going to see what we can do. We need him."

Birmingham is 0-5 and El Camino Real is 5-0, but Birmingham, which has won four City titles over the past six seasons, has faced much tougher competition. Assuming state power Taft goes undefeated and repeats as West Valley League champion, tonight's game should decide a playoff berth.

"This is a big week for us because if you go 3-2 in league, it will be impossible to make the playoffs," Rose said. "This is it."

In Briggs' absence, Birmingham has focused on passing, as Max Smith has passed for 1,200 yards and 12 touchdowns, and he has scored two touchdowns.

-- Gerry Gittelson