Football: Venice is ready to regain its winning ways

Angelo Gasca has had just one losing season in 16 years at Venice _ 2014. There were injuries and he used 10 sophomores last season.

The Gondoliers have a new quarterback in Alex De La Cruz, an A student, a veteran offensive line and some experience on defense, which means they’re going to be improved in the Western League.

“Everything is going well,” said Gasca, whose team scrimmages Cathedral on Thursday. “I’m really happy with the whole team.”

The best player is offensive lineman Enrique Luna, a 6-foot-1, 320-pound senior. There’s also receiver-defensive back Sky Germaine and receiver Pierce McLurkin.

Venice still has a tough nonleague schedule with games against Oaks Christian, Upland, Garfield and Newbury Park, but Gasca has more than a half-dozen players considered A students, and that kind of academic success should also translate on the sports field with their strong practice work ethic.

Twitter:@LATSondheimer