HS FOOT: Taft looking to rebound

Once ranked among the top prep football teams in California and considered a City Section championship contender, Taft of Woodland Hills (5-4, 3-1) has had an uneven season - even a couple of its victories have been less than impressive - and the Toreadors find themselves having to defeat West Valley League rival Cleveland of Reseda (7-2, 3-1) to guarantee a spot in the City Div. I playoffs.

Nevertheless, offensive lineman Brandon Mitchell says it would be a mistake for anyone to give up on Taft.

"We've really bonded. This game at Cleveland is like a playoff game for us, and we're going to keep going forward," Mitchell said. \

-- Gerry Gittelson