There were some familiar faces, some new ones, and some returning players in different positions. But the result was the same for Brentwood School in its opening game of the 2008 football season: a victory.
At the start of Patrick Brown’s 30th season as head coach, the Eagles did what they’ve done so often, find a way to produce more points than the opponent.
Brentwood, which reached the CIF finals in its division last season, was moved up one notch by the CIF, but showed it will be able to handle the task by going on the road and defeating Saint Anthony of Long Beach, 22-14.
The non-league game was played at Clark Field in Lakewood.
The outcome wasn’t decided until senior Charlie James made a 40-yard field goal near the finish, expanding Brentwood’s 19-14 lead.
“We did OK but we have a long way to go,” said Brown. “We were tired in the second half, so our conditioning needs work.”
Brentwood will have its home opener Friday, September 19, against Rio Hondo Prep with kickoff scheduled for 4 p.m.
With star quarterback Mason Moss moving on to Bowdoin College in Maine, Josh Amster took over the position with favorable results.
Amster, who gained experience at the position two years ago when he alternated with Moss, ran for 136 yards on 15 carries and also completed seven of 18 passes.
“Those weren’t planned runs,” said Brown. “They were scrambles.”
One of Amster’s passes was a 24-yard touchdown to Greg Oliva, younger brother of Ben Oliva, an Eagle star last season who is now at Williams College in Massachusetts.
Newcomer Alex Kelln, who came to Brentwood when his family moved from Rhode Island, ran 10 times for 63 yards.
Kelln, a 6-foot-2, 200-pound junior, also plays linebacker.
Another linebacker, senior Colin Cadarette, was moved from defensive tackle this season.
James suffered a strained elbow and was held out of contact practices this week but he is likely to play in Friday’s game.
