Normans Football Kicks Off Friday

It was a long, hot summer for the varsity football team. Now the Normans are anxious to prove that they're better than last fall when they finished 6-5 and lost in the opening round of the CIF Southern Section Western Division playoffs.

The first test will come Friday night when BHHS travels to Santa Barbara for its season opener against the Dons, who lost to Beverly Hills 29-7 at Nickoll Field last year. The kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Santa Barbara High.

"Santa Barbara is going to be better this year," said Donald Paysinger, who expects big things in his third season as the Normans' head coach. "Their freshman team was really, really good two years ago and those kids are all juniors now. They run a pro set offense and use a 5-2 defensive front. The first game sets the tone so we want to play well."

One reason Paysinger is so optimistic about his squad is that many key players are back, including safeties Willie Green and Brandon Adams, and running backs Jeremiah Williams and Frank Brown. Eight of the starting 11 on defense are seniors.

Adams and Cameron Countryman have split reps at quarterback all summer and Paysinger confirmed they will alternate Friday too. He arranged a scrimmage with Calabasas last week and liked what he saw—particularly on offense.

"If we control the ball, we should be fine," said Paysinger, a BHHS alum who played linebacker at Cal State Los Angeles. "Cameron and Brandon each bring something different to the team. Each will get his chances and we'll play it by ear after that and see where we are. I feel good about us being able to run the ball."

Paysinger was a longtime BHHS assistant coach under his brother Carter before taking over the head position. His son Spencer, a former University of Oregon player, is now a rookie linebacker with the New York Giants.

Adams said the team has come a long way since hosting its annual seven-on-seven in June. He, too, stressed the importance of running the ball.

"I think we'll try to pound the ball at first, make them have to bring more guys in, and that'll open up the passing game," said Adams, a 6-feet 2-inch tall, 205-pound senior. "Having Cameron and I alternate will work to our advantage because we can both do so many things. It'll keep them guessing. As far as our defense goes, we went over their [offensive] formations and they have a good tight end. We need to watch out for him."

Adams said the Normans are more experienced and talented than last year and can definitely challenge for the title in what looks like a wide open Ocean League.

"The other teams have gotten better, but so have we. It's anybody's to win this year," Adams said. "We've really worked hard and are looking forward to finally playing football. Culver City, Santa Monica, Inglewood—those will all be tough games but the team that handles adversity best will come out on top."

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