Sierra Canyon a Small School in Name Only

Sometimes in football, bigger is better. A lot of the times, actually, and that’s the case at Sierra Canyon High, a small school in name only, as the Trailblazers have a lot of size up front.

Among the biggest returning linemen are Andrew Terry, who is 6-foot-5, 265 pounds, and Remy Linares, who is 6-5 and 255 pounds, along with Abe Roka, who is 6-foot and 274 pounds.

“Remy is a big kid who’s been working hard, they’re all working hard, getting stronger,” coach Jon Ellinghouse said. “We’re going to be a much more run-oriented team this year compared to last year.”

While quarterback Tyler Stewart, coming off a hugely producitve junior season, is a key part of the offense, Sierra Canyon is deep at running back with Xavier Menifield, Danny Jordan and Kieran Yancy.

“All of them can scoot, and all of our linemen are returning,” Ellinghouse said.

Still, Ellinghouse has total faith in Stewart.

“He will have some great things going this year. He is getting better and better every day,” Ellinghouse said. “He is going to be an unbelievable quarterback.”

Sierra Canyon plays at Chatsworth at 4 p.m., Wednesday, and in seven-on-seven contest for neighborhood bragging rights. Last time they played one another in a four-way at Calabasas High, the teams did not keep score – not surprisingly, the coaches are not in agreement about how many touchdowns both scored – and perhaps this time, someone will keep a closer watch.

“Our team is doing well,” Chatsworth coach Andrew Kim said. “Against Sierra Canyon last time, we kind of woke up at the end. This next one is going to be here at Chatsworth."

Both teams reached a section final and lost last season. Sierra Canyon was defeated by Paraclete in the Southern Section East Valley final, and Chatsworth lost to Fairfax in the City Section Division II final.

Kim has replaced Jason Camp -- who resigned and now works as an assistant at West Valley League rival Birmingham in Van Nuys -- and the new coach is trying to get in as much practice as possible because except for multi-purpose back Eric Waters, Chatsworth does not have many experienced skill-position players.

“By the time I took over in April, we were way behind, so we’re practicing five days a week,” Kim said. “Some City teams are practicing three or four days, but we’re practicing five.”