HS FOOT: Golden Valley on road to respectability

After taking small baby steps for what's going on six years, Golden Valley has never won a Foothill League game, but that's just a formality, says second-year coach Andy Campbell, who promises the Grizzlies are finally going to be competitive this year - and perhaps in the hunt for a playoff berth -- no kidding.

"We're turning the corner. We're going to be darn good," Campbell said. "Better jump on the bandwagon now because we're going to start making a playoff run or at least give it a heck of a push."

Campbell is excited about a group of talented junior skill players, notably quarterback Reid Soliman and running backs Jeff Coprich and Earl Johnson. Sean Stephan is a key lineman, and linebackers Brett Melton and Sean Tate are the top hitters.

"We had a successful spring and a successful summer, and we're competing hard every day," Campbell said. "Plus, the JV was 4-6 last year including two league wins."

Golden Valley was 0-10 in Campbell's first season last year. He is the program's third head coach. Overall, Golden Valley is 7-43.

"From here on in, we're not looking back," Campbell said.

-- Gerry Gittelson