SUMMER FOOTBALL UPDATE: Young Beckman team making off-season strides

Beckman players listen to coaches after a game in March. (File photo Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone)

Beckman High’s football team is wrapping up its summer program and Coach Marcello Giuliano said there has been progress as the Patriots prepare for their season opener on Thursday, Aug. 26 against Bellflower at Tustin High.

“Its been a real positive period for growth,” Giuliano said. “We are a very young team this year so the summer has been really focused on development in fundamental ways: ifting and strength development, passing league, and teaching the values that make the foundation of our culture and team. 

“The attitude, work ethic and coachability has been great this summer. Everyone talks about getting better every day and this young group has literally been doing just that; the weights are going up daily and knowledge and execution improve every time we hit the field.

“We lose some exceptional talent and strong leadership from last year’s team, but we have some returning seniors who are not only terrific players but will also be instrumental in mentoring the young guys through the transition to varsity competition. Aiden Fordyce, Justin Sevilla and Aleven Hsu all started as freshmen or sophomores so they know how to make that jump.”

The numbers for the program are also up.

“It’s also been a great summer in terms of growing the program,” the coach said. “Our incoming freshman camp includes almost 40 players, the biggest summer camp we’ve had in my tenure for sure, and they are also making huge strides. We just had the opportunity to pass against Tustin and Foothill, and it was great to see the strides they have made in execution and competition.”

2021 BECKMAN SCHEDULE

Thursday, Aug. 26, Bellflower, home

Saturday, Sept. 4, South Torrance, home

Friday, Sept. 10, at Valley Christian

Friday, Sept. 17, at Portola

Friday, Sept. 24, vs. Irvine, home

Friday, Oct. 1, vs. Dana Hills, homecoming

Friday, Oct. 8, at Laguna Hills

Friday, Oct. 15, vs. Woodbridge at University

Friday, Oct. 22, vs. University (home, senior night)

Thursday, Oct. 28, at Northwood

—Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone; timburt@ocsportszone.com