Jordan Brenner and Josh Berenbaum

News Editor and Sports Editor

A new era of Milken Football began last Thursday at Birmingham High School. The Wildcats, led by first year head coach Brandon Charls, entered their season opener Thursday looking to build upon successes of last season.

During their 46-36 victory over Riverside County Education Academy, the team relied on a mix of new players and primarily their seasoned veterans. Josh Miller ‘17 was not sure Milken would squeak out the victory at first glance saying, “When you looked at them, and then us, you would have thought there was no chance we would win. They had some big guys.” However, the Wildcats left everything on the field and persevered to achieve their first victory of the season.

Milken received large contributions from both expected and unexpected parties in their season opening win. Veterans Josh Miller ‘17 and Michael Reisman ‘16 provided the Wildcat’s main source of offense. Miller caught a touchdown pass from running back Michael Reisman ’16 who, apart from his startling play at quarterback, also ran for three touchdowns.  One of the surprising contributors was Yoni Ben Naim ’18, a first year player who scored a touchdown and recovered two of Riverside’s fumbles. Jason Goldman ’16, entering his second season as the starting quarterback, threw for two touchdowns after recovering from some injuries.

Coach Charls and the rest of the team will take their unbeaten record with them as the prepare for a difficult game against Discovery Prep Academy later today. After a season advertised as a rebuild, the Milken football team has raised expectations for this new season by winning and playing well as a team in their first game.