Are You Ready for Some Football?

ushers in a new football era under first-year coach Christian Pierce at 7 p.m. with the annual Black & Gold event, which includes a 7-on-7 scrimmage that should give onlookers a chance to see how the Coyotes are taking shape after 10 spring practices.

“We’ll take a look at our personnel and maybe move some guys around on the depth chart for the fall,” Pierce said. “So I expect all of our players to compete to their maximum potential to try to make a good last impression before we finalize our depth chart for our skill positions.”

There will also be a strength competition for the offensive and defensive lineman, and sometimes that can be more interesting than a scrimmage.

“It’s to let them have some fun and to compete against each other,” Pierce said. “I’m excited. I think the kids will go all out tonight like it’s game-time conditions. They better.”

VIEWPOINT WINS BASEBALL PLAYOFF GAME

Viewpoint’s baseball team survived the first round of the Southern Section Division VI playoffs Thursday night, eliminating visiting Rio Hondo Prep 5-4 at Birmingham High in Van Nuys.

Freshman Jack Leonard (5-0) pitched four innings, followed by relievers Mason Alford and Alex Pachino, who got the save.

“We survived a sub-par performance, but we advanced. That’s baseball,” Viewpoint coach Frank Pontello said.

Viewpoint (20-5) plays Desert Christian Academy (17-6) of Bermuda Dunes on Tuesday at a site to be determined.

Viewpoint left-hander Tyler Sprague (5-1, 1.31 ERA), a 6-foot-3 junior, is the probable starter.

VIEWPOINT SOFTBALL PITCHER STRIKES OUT 18

What a softball performance Thursday by Viewpoint’s Emily Ashton, who set a school-record with 18 strikeouts while going 4 for 5 with two doubles, three RBIs and three runs in a 17-1 victory over North County Christian in the first round of the Division VII playoffs at Calabasas High.

“Emily had her best outing of the season, both in the circle and at the plate,” coach Pam Oseransky said.

Viewpoint (10-10) totaled 18 hits while qualifying for a second-round matchup against Mesa Grande Academy (17-3) on Tuesday at a site to be determined.

After a 2-6 start, Viewpoint is among the division’s most improved teams.

“Mira Grande will be a formidable opponent, but if our girls play the way the did yesterday, we can sure give them a fight,” Oseransky said.