Chargers strike hardest

Dave White couldn’t remember a more dominant passing tournament performance from his Edison High football team.

The Chargers played six teams Saturday at Dana Hills and won all of the games by comfortable margins, capping it off with a 26-0 victory over Oaks Christian of Westlake Village in the finals of the Air Strike Passing Tournament.

The offense, led by senior-to-be quarterback Matt Viles, posted some gaudy numbers. Edison had already topped Oaks Christian 38-14 earlier in the day before getting past St. Bonaventure in the semifinals, 20-7. Oaks Christian is led by University of Washington-bound quarterback Nick Montana, the son of former 49ers great Joe Montana.

But Edison’s defense also turned heads, as evidenced by the shutout in the final.

“In passing league, it’s pretty hard to pitch a shutout,” White said. “Our defense played really well, especially in the championship game.”

Many of the top Chargers contributed on both sides of the ball. Jeff Trojan was the leading receiver and also got several interceptions at safety. Wade Houston played running back, making catches out of the backfield and also intercepting some balls at safety.

Dylan Leener was another top receiver for the Chargers in their long day of work, as was Mike Rivera, who doubled at cornerback. All of the aforementioned players will be seniors in the fall.

“It was a great day,” White said.

“We won it three years ago, but this time was even more special. It was harder. There were 16 teams in the tournament instead of eight, [but] we kind of dominated the tournament.”

Edison also beat Westview, Mater Dei and Trabuco Hills earlier in the day Saturday. The Chargers’ first game was at 9 a.m. and the championship game didn’t end until well after 6 p.m.

“It was good facing all those good teams and competing, sucking it up,” White said. “We’ve never dominated like we did this tournament. I was surprised myself, to be honest with you. Our kids really did a great job.”

Edison, which finished in a five-way tie for first in the Sunset League last year but didn’t make the playoffs, will play host to its own passing tournament July 11.