West Hills Falcons on verge of 10-win season

COALINGA, Calif. (KFSN) -- The West Hills Falcons are enjoying a banner year on the football field. Nestled deep in the Valley's west side, this small school has a chance to do something no other team in school history has accomplished.

And a majority of the credit goes to Robert Tucker. The first year head coach says the foundation was here when he arrived in January. He just needed to tweak one small thing that's resulted in a major turnaround at West Hills.

"You know I think the biggest thing is accountability. These guys knowing that everything they do off the field is going to show up on the field. Just having that sense of accountability and playing together as a family, I think that's something we talk about all the time. And the guys really have taken that to heart," said Tucker.

The Falcons feature a lot of Valley guys like former Kings Christian star Jeremy Hudson.

But they've also recruited talent from all over the country and beyond. Try places like Korea and France.

"It's awesome you know. Just to get to know everybody and kind of have a lot of experiences you know, get to know other guys. Just to get a different take on it, it's cool with the international guys you know, football is something special to them. Here you don't always feel that way. And it brings good atmosphere to the family," said Hudson

West Hills started the year a perfect 9-0. They sat there as the number one ranked team in their region. But a loss at then #3 Hartnell ended the Falcons dream of a perfect year.

With that out of the equation, these young men still have an opportunity to achieve 10 wins with a bowl victory, Saturday.

"You know I think we're doing something that's never been done before. The opportunity to win a game this week and have ten wins, that's history. Not all schools can make history in a season. You know, so. It's special for the community to be able to come out and watch a winning team. Feels good for the guys, and get new recruits. I think it's awesome for everybody," added Hudson

As for a letdown game against Yuba College? That's coach Tucker's job to get these men ready for the challenge.

"You know I think you always think about that. You worry about man, gosh, we're so close to an undefeated season. But you know, we've got tough kids. They understand they've got one more chance to play together. To play as a team. And we really want to do something special for this school and really for themselves. Just another opportunity to get out there and have more game film to move onto a four-year school," added Tucker.

The NCFC American Division Bowl is at West Hills College in Coalinga. The game is Saturday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10, $7 for students and seniors, and free for kids 7 and younger.