Amid concerns about start of football season, Western begins summer camp Monday

Western’s football team takes the field in a game last season. (Photo courtesy Victor Baltazar, For OC Sports Zone)

Western High’s football team will begin its summer athletic camp under safety guidelines including social distancing on Monday, June 29, according to Coach Dan Davidson.

High school athletics have been shut down in the Orange County since March because of the coronavirus pandemic but a number of districts are allowing football teams to begin their summer camps.

“We have the green light for an opening on June 29,” Davidson said.

Davidson’s team is scheduled to open the season on Friday, Aug. 21 at home against Chino. But the start of the season for high school football in the state is up in the air as CIF officials prepare to make a status update by Monday, July 20. CIF Commisssioner Rob Wigod has said all options are on the table for the start of fall sports.

“I believe we are excited for the season to start, but have to take every precaution for safety and social distancing,” Davidson said. “As we have seen a spike on cases of late, it shows the importance of following guidelines.  I do not believe the season will start on time, with so many different factors going into it at this time, however we will be prepared either way.”

The Pioneers are looking for big seasons from linebacker/running back  Soane Motuliki, quarterback/strong safety Anthony Barbosa, wide receiver/defensive back Matthew Berenji, offensive/defensive lineman Omaha Sue Sue and wide receiver/free safety Michael Sutton Shy.

Western was 9-2 in 2019.

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