HS FOOTBALL: Oaks Christian's Redell coming back for 2010 season

Bill Redell, who has led the Oaks Christian of Westlake Village football team to seven consecutive Southern Section finals and won six division championships, confirmed Friday he will return for next season after much speculation that he would retire following the 2009 campaign due to recurring back pain as a result of a car accident.

Redell, who has been Oaks Christian's head football coach since the program's inception in 2000, has guided the Lions to a 121-12-1 record during that time. Redell is 210-60-3 during his career, which includes coaching stints at Crespi of Encino and St. Francis of La Canada Flintridge.

Redell's decision to return also coincides with Lions' veteran assistant Mark Bates being promoted to assistant head coach. Redell's on-field duties will be in a reduced capacity compared to the past 10 seasons.

Oaks Christian, which fell in the Southern Section Northwest Division final to Serra of Gardena, will move to the Marmonte League for the 2010 season, along with St. Bonaventure of Ventura. Redell said he wanted to be part of ushering in that new chapter in the football program.