HS FOOTBALL: Can Village Christian forge turnaround?

Village Christian is at a turning point under first-year coach Jay Schroeder. The Crusaders (3-4, 0-1) have returned star running back Amjed Aboul-Hosn after advancing to the Mid-Valley Division semifinals last season, but they're struggling, losing four of their last five -- including a last-second 31-24 loss Friday at Cerritos Valley Christian in the Olympic League opener.

It would be one thing if Village Christian was losing to opponents like Concord De La Salle, but Cerritos Valley Christian came in with a 1-5 record.

"It was a truly heartbreaking loss, but on the other hand, we keep getting better," Aboul-Hosn said. "Every week, we get tougher and stronger and harder to beat."

Village Christian has a bye before celebrating homecoming at 1 p.m. Oct. 22 against L.A. Baptist in the annual "Bible Bowl."