Hollywood Football Opens Sept. 1

Change is in the air at Hollywood High, where Kevin Keller, formerly a junior varsity coach at Washington Prep in Los Angeles, is taking over as head football coach this season.

Keller, who is replacing Ceasar Sandoval, will be assisted by Sheiks' track coach Jim McElroy, a former wide receiver at UCLA. Hollywood finished 7-4 last season and lost in the first round of the City Section Division II playoffs. 

Hollywood had a 23-18 record in four seasons under Sandoval.

The Sheiks will have to be road warriors this season, as seven of their 10 games are away from campus.

The 2011 season kicks off with a Thursday night game in North Hills against Monroe from the East Valley League, then continues with games at Canoga Park of the Valley Mission League, North Hollywood of the East Valley League and Esteban Torres, a freelance team.  

Southern League play opens with an afternoon game at Los Angeles. The Sheiks' home games are all at night against Belmont, Contreras and Jefferson (a Thursday game).

The fourth annual rivalry game against Helen Bernstein is Nov. 4 at Bernstein High. Hollywood won the first three crosstown matchups by scores of 69-0 in 2008, 45-7 in 2009 and 40-8 last fall.

Should Hollywood qualify for the postseason it will once again compete in the City Section's Division II playoff bracket.

2011 HOLLYWOOD VARSITY FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

Sept. 1 -- at Monroe, 7 p.m.

Sept. 9 -- at Canoga Park, 7 p.m.

Sept. 16 -- at North Hollywood, 7 p.m.

Sept. 23 -- at Esteban Torres, 7 p.m.

Sept. 30 -- at Los Angeles, 3 p.m.*

Oct. 7 -- vs. Belmont, 7 p.m.*

Oct. 14 -- at Santee, 7 p.m.*

Oct. 28 -- Contreras, 7 p.m.*

Nov. 4 -- at Bernstein, 7 p.m.*

Nov. 10 -- vs. Jefferson, 7 p.m.*

* Southern League game