Birmingham's Football Team Looks to Recapture Glory Days...But it Won't Be Easy

It's not like it used to be at Birmingham High, where the Patriots, pooling students from Encino, won four City Section football championships over a six-year span ending in 2007.

In those days, every season was about Birmingham reloading, not rebuilding.

But since coach Ed Croson left two years ago and longtime defensive coordinator Jim Rose took over, Birmingham has been plagued by injuries, off-field problems and, frankly, a dearth in talent.

In Rose's first year last season, Birmingham finished 3-8 last year and would not have made the playoffs had the Patriots not come through with a shocking late-season upset over neighborhood rival Taft.

Which brings us to the present. The Patriots (1-2) won their opener at West Adams of L.A. 16-7, but now they're in the midst of a difficult nonleague stretch against elite opponents that so far has included a 48-8 loss to Corona Centennial and a 47-6 loss to Valencia.

Birmingham isn't ducking for cover, but maybe they should be. No one expects the Patriots to win another game until West Valley League competition begins in mid-October -- but that's OK with them.

Birmingham will play like it has nothing to lose, build confidence as a plucky underdog, and who knows? Maybe all these tough opponents will toughen the Patriots, too.

That's the plan, anyway.

"It's a hard schedule with hard teams, but that's only going to make us better," said David Orellana, a 6-2, 290-pound senior who is one of the league's top returning offensive linemen. "I don't like to lose. It makes me feel bad. But these games will give us lots of experience."

Birmingham is operating with a new quarterback, Adrian Mora, a converted defensive back who has never played quarterback before but showed a knack by passing for two touchdowns in his first game at West Adams. Mora has a talented receiver in Marcus Holt and a first-rate tight end in 6-foot-6 Danny Williams – though Williams might have to switch to offensive tackle by necessity – so Birmingham's passing game should prove critical for the team to succeed.

"Playing quarterback is fun, but there's a lot more pressure than I thought there would be," Mora said. "I think I've learned the position pretty fast just because of all the defense I've played. That's what makes me understand it more."

KEY PLAYERS

Marcus Holt, receiver, Jr. – At 6-3, Holt makes a great target because he's taller than most defensive backs. He also good hands, he runs good routes, and he has breakaway speed.

Adrian Mora, quarterback, Jr. – He's just learning the position as a converted defensive back, but Mora looked good in his first game, passing for two TDs in a 16-7 win at West Adams.

David Orellana, offensive line, Sr. – Orellana, a 6-2, 290-pound returning All-City selection, is the heart and soul up front. He's a key building block.

Joe Pereira, offensive line, Jr. – Pereira, a 6-1, 220-pounder, is a key blocker who will be counted on to protect the quarterback and open holes for the running game.,

Danny Williams, tight end/defensive end, Sr. – Williams has gone through a growth spurt and now measures in at 6-6, 230 pounds, and he has maintained his speed and athleticism. Could be a top college prospect.

BIRMINGHAM HIGH FOOTBALL

Coach: Jim Rose, third year

Nickname: Patriots

School address: 17000 Haynes Street, Lake Balboa

League: West Valley

Division: City Section Div. I

Colors: Blue and gold

SCHEDULE

Sep 3 – Adams – W 16-7

Sep 10 – Corona Centennial – L 8-48

Sep 16 – Valencia -- L 6-47

Sep 24 – Notre Dame, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 1 – Hart at College of the Canyons, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 15 – at Cleveland, 7 p.m.

Oct. 22 – at Chatsworth, 7 p.m.

Oct. 29 – Taft, 7 p.m.

Nov. 5 – at Granada Hills, 7 p.m.

Nov. 12 – El Camino Real, 7 p.m.