Los Alamitos’ team chemistry sparks 7-O start

Mostly homegrown players are at core of the Griffins, who have each other’s backs.

- By Eric SONDHEIMER

ERIC SONDHEIMER Los Angeles Times LOS ALAMITOS coach Ray Fenton addresses his team, which has found ways to win in its first seven games.

Standing under four palm trees in the quad area of Calabasas High, Los Alamitos football players have their eyes trained on coach Ray Fenton's face for more than five uninterrupted minutes.

Looking to see if anyone loses focus when a mother walks by and starts yelling at her daughter, the answer is incredibly no. The players keep listening and keep their eyes directed on Fenton.

It’s tough enough to make teenagers listen for 30 seconds to adults these days, but to see an entire football team not letting anyone or anything disturb their focus while their coach is speaking provides a hint why Los Alamitos is 7-0 and the surprise high school football team in Southern California this season.