Viewpoint Football Looks to Make It Three in a Row

After defeating an opponent last week that loves to pass the football, switches gears today against visiting Bell-Jeff, a program that relies almost exclusively on the run.

So a 49-7 win last Friday over pass-happy L.A. Baptist and its ultra productive quarterback Sean Smith was a nice thing, but today against Bell-Jeff (1-2), a team that runs a double-wing offense with no wide receivers, everything is going to be different, particularly for Viewpoint’s defense.

Kickoff is 3 p.m., and Viewpoint coach Chris Adamson is hoping his Patriots will be ready.

“Bell-Jeff is going to test our ability to stop the run and our discipline on defense,” Adamson said. “Their double-wing offense is going to force us to play assignment football and to read our keys all day – or pay for it.

"We’ve had a great week of practice, and I think we are on the verge of becoming more explosive on offense and more diverse than ever before.”

Viewpoint has been fortified by the arrival of quarterback Joey Verhaugh, a transfer from Crespi who has made quite an impact. Verhaugh, a senior, has completed 49 percent of his passes for 411 yards and five touchdowns. The Patriots also have a couple of productive running backs in Adam Markun (265 yards, five TDs), who has two consecutive 100-yard performances, along with Dakota Williams (178 yards, three TDs).

“Last game was a landmark game, and we’re definitely more confident in our ability than we’ve ever been,” Markun said. “We’re looking forward to this game.”

After going 2-6-1 in Adamson’s first season last year, the coach implemented a tougher conditioning and weight-lifting program, and it looks like it’s paying off.

“I thought we did a good job of playing bend-but-don’t-break defense against L.A. Baptist,” Adamson said. “They have a talented group on offense, and aside from one drive, we dug our heels in and made plays when we needed to, including scoring a defensive touchdown. 

"I was also very excited about special teams. We have a lot of starters on those, and we have set up scores in each of the last two games with our return game. Our kids have bought into winning that aspect of the game.”

Adamson likes being a team that can pass and run effectively – a big advantage in small-schools football.

“With the skill we have, and an intelligent and talented quarterback like Joey at the wheel, we can be pretty creative,” Adamson said.

WAITING GAME FOR CALABASAS HOOPS COACH IN COMA

It’s been a month since Calabasas assistant baseball coach Joe Frazier has been in a coma with a head injury after a motorcycle collision with an SUV involving an alleged hit-and-run driver, and Frazier still has not woken up but remains in stable condition, Calabasas head coach Jon Palarz said Thursday.

“He’s still in intensive care, and he’s been through a number of of procedures to relieve swelling due to the injury to his skull and brain,” Palarz said. “We appreciate everyone’s thoughts and prayers.”

Police are still looking for a suspect. The collision happened on Ventura Boulevard in Tarzana.

“Police have not located the perpetrator. Someone in our community committed this violence against Joe Frazier, and other people are covering it up,” Palarz said.

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

Bell-Jeff (2-1) at Viewpoint (2-1), 3 p.m.

Royal (1-1) at Calabasas (1-1), 7 p.m.