Football: Get ready for lots of physical play for Birmingham-Arleta game

Arleta is 11-0 and seeded No. 7 in the City Section Division I playoffs. Birmingham is 8-3 and seeded No. 2.

Birmingham Coach Jim Rose has no intention of taking the Mustangs lightly in Friday’s quartefinal matchup.

“11-0 is 11-0. I don’t care who you are at this time,” he said.

Physicality is going to be name of this game. Arleta is physical up front. So is Birmingham.

Arleta has the explosive Isaiah Gable. Birmingham has Sterling Salguero, who never seems to get tired.

Two unsung quarterbacks will be key. Arleta’s Sergio Ayala got through his first playoff game last week against Venice. Birmingham’s Gabriel Cruz has been gaining in confidence.

The winner will be just one win away from reaching the championship game on Dec. 5 at Cerritos College.

For the latest on high school sports, follow @LATSondheimer on Twitter