Chatsworth Football Looks to Head Off Banning at Pass; Final Score: Banning 10, Chatsworth 7

A year after reaching the City Section Division II football final, Chatsworth High continues to ride the momentum under new coach Andrew Kim, who has helped guide the Chancellors to a 3-0 record heading into a nonleague game at 7 tonight at Banning in Wilmington. 

“I’m very happy with the progression of our team. They are growing in maturity and experience each week,” Kim said. 

Chatsworth is coming off a 42-20 win over Monroe, as Cory Francies passed for 229 yards and a touchdown, Eric Waters scored four touchdowns for the second time this season, and Oscar Cruz had four receptions for 183 yards, including a 75-yard touchdown.

Chatsworth benefited from several key turnovers by Monroe, but the Chancellors returned the favor by losing three fumbles of their own. 

“Monroe gave us a good game. They were able to limit our run game, and were not disciplined with the ball,” Kim said. “Cory Francies had a good game, Oscar Cruz finally came out with a breakout game, and Eric Waters had a good game, too.” 

Chatsworth is thriving on the offensive line, and particularly impressive is new defensive lineman Tyson Beaune, a 6-1, 330-pound transfer from Pitman High in Turlock. 

“He’s a force. No one can go one on one with him,” Kim said. “He literally will drive most nose guards, tackles, and middle linebackers 10 to 15 yards down the field or into the ground.” 

Monroe was hoping to do better against the Chancellors last week. 

“The score does not reflect how well we played,” Monroe coach Don Senegal said. “Without  the three turnovers that gave Chatsworth a short field, the game would have been a lot closer. My kids played a great game.”

Banning could present problems because the Pilots are a good passing team, and that’s going to something new for Chatsworth.

“It’s going to be a challenge. I know we can stop the run, but we’re untested against the pass,” Kim said.

OFF THIS WEEK

Sierra Canyon, ranked No. 1 in the East Valley Division football poll, is idle this week. The Trailblazers resume Oct. 6 in an Alpha League opener against visiting Kilpatrick at Granada Hills High. Kickoff is 7:30 p.m.

In another football game, Ivy Academia of Chatsworth plays Bright Star at 4 p.m. today at East Valley High in North Hollywood in an eight-man game. Ivy Academia is 1-1.

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL TONIGHT

Chatsworth (3-0) at Banning (1-2), 7 p.m.