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Sports

BHHS Football Seeks Ocean League, CIF Titles

With a team of returning starters, Beverly is looking to take the Ocean League and return to the CIF Playoffs.

Donald Paysinger is optimistic this season. The second-year head varsity football coach is confident in the nucleus of the Norman roster. But he knows that injuries can take a toll on his players like they did last year, and that losses can pile up as a result.

In 2009, the team's starting tailback, senior Kenny Bassett, suffered an injury in the first game and missed the remainder of the season. Beverly Hills finished with a 4-6 record, fourth in the Ocean League and out of the CIF Southern Section playoffs.

"We've looked really good since practice began on Monday," said Paysinger, the former assistant coach to his older brother, Carter, before taking over last season. "We have a lot of experience returning."

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Beverly Hills High School will take on a difficult non-league schedule and a much-improved Ocean League in 2010. The Normans open the season Sept. 10 by hosting Santa Barbara at Nickoll Field. On Sept. 16 they'll face San Marcos in Santa Barbara.

"We have a tough non-league schedule, but it prepares us for our league games and the playoffs," Paysinger said. "It's not going to be a cake walk, but we will be prepared for the upcoming season."

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Beverly's non-league schedule includes the team's third, fourth and fifth games against Hamilton, Canyon and Alemany high schools—all 2009 CIF playoff teams.

Fortunately the Normans have something every football team wants heading into training camp—an experienced starting quarterback in senior Josh Newman. Last season Newman completed 28 of 52 passes for 487 yards, with three touchdowns and three interceptions.

"I expect Newman to be a leader on our team and run our offense," Paysinger said. "We have too many weapons for him not to be able to take control."

While Newman is back, BHHS also has four tailbacks who can run the ball. Paysinger expects starter Frank Brown to get most of the carries, with backups Terrance Lewis, Jordan Alleyne and Matt Spector getting significant playing time.

"We have four quality guys who can carry the ball," he said.

At wide receiver, Beverly is relying on Cameron Countryman, Henry Evans, Daniel Jack and Willie Green.

Paysinger wants big things from heavily-recruited defensive end and four-year letterman Greg Townsend Jr. The coach also expects A.J. Fortier, a four-year starter at strong safety, along with Terrance Lewis at linebacker, to help lead the Norman defense.

Many of Beverly's games last season were attended by scouts recruiting Townsend, but Paysinger stressed that the attention hasn't been a distraction.

"Anytime a player like Townsend is in the spotlight, it also brings attention to other players," Paysinger said. "That's good."

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