HS FOOT: Ineligible Taft QB maintains hope

After being declared ineligible by the City Section last week because of an "athletically motivated transfer" after arriving from Westlake High, quarterback Michael Bercovici of Taft of Woodland Hills remains upbeat and hopeful he will be cleared through the appeals process.

"I really enjoy Taft, and the team has welcomed me. I'm having a lot of fun here," Bercovici said. "I'm doing everything I can to be part of the football team, and as of right now I'm just practicing with the team. I think everything should be fine in the end. I just want to help the team."

Taft coach Matt Kerstetter said additional paperwork substantiating Bercovici's transfer has been forwarded to the City Section, and Kerstetter expects a decision soon.

Meanwhile, after enduring a brutal nonleague schedule that included losses to Southern Section powers Notre Dame of Sherman Oaks, Alemany of Mission Hills and Serra of Gardena, Taft (2-3) begins West Valley League competition Friday at Granada Hills (2-3).

The Toreadors have every intention of going 5-0 in league and being among the City's top playoff seeds.

"We are so serious now it's not even funny," Taft running back D.J. Morgan said. "We're not giving slack to anybody. We're going to be hard on everyone because this is where it counts."

-- Gerry Gittelson