PrepNation 101 Preseason FB Countdown: No. 76 Birmingham

76. Birmingham (Lake Balboa, Calif.)
Last season’s record: 13-1, CIF LA City champion
Coach: Ed Croson
Key players: WR Devon Flournoy (6-0, 175, Sr.), OC Timote Tonga (6-0, 300, Sr.), QB Morey Croson (5-11, 170, Sr.), DE/TE John Fifita (6-2, 220, Sr.), WR/LB Jake Granitz (6-1, 200, Sr.), RB Trajuan Briggs (6-0, 195, Jr.)
Biggest strength: Returning experience on offense
Question mark: Lack of experience on defense
Outlook: The Patriots enter the year as the prohibitive favorite to win a third consecutive city championship and fifth in seven seasons. This despite losing three Pac-10 recruits – including all-state RB Milton Knox (UCLA) – and 10 of 11 defensive starters from last season. The good news is that six offensive starters are back led by USC recruit Flournoy, who caught 39 passes for 859 yards (22 average) and 15 TDs. Three starting linemen also return including Tonga, an all-city performer. Stepping into Knox’s shoes are RB will be Briggs, who averaged 8 yards per carry and garnered all-league recognition last year in limited duty.
Toughest games: Sept. 12 at Crespi, Sept. 19 vs. Valencia, Sept. 26 at No. 86 Notre Dame