HS FOOTBALL: QB competition at Thousand Oaks

There's a lively quarterback competition at Thousand Oaks between junior Clark Abourisk and senior Griffin Kramer, son of former NFL Pro Bowl quarterback Erik Kramer.

Thousand Oaks coach Mike Leibin said Abourisk is slightly ahead, partly because Kramer has been slowed by an elbow injury.

"Clark makes all the throws we need him to make in our offense, and he is a very intelligent football player who understands the concepts and has good leadership qualities," Leibin said. "He leads by example and puts in the extra time. The kid goes above and beyond. Without anyone telling him to do so, he has started helping out our freshman quarterbacks. That's pretty impressive."

Among the key returnees is Blake Howell, a receiver/defensive back.

"He's been our best guy on both sides in seven-on-sevens," Leibin said. "He's our go-to guy on offense, and he's doing a good job at cornerback and strong safety."