The BHUSD community rallied to support the Beverly Hills High School football team on Aug. 28. (photo courtesy of BHUSD)

More than 600 students, parents, alumni and community members attended Beverly Hills High School’s first home football game of the season on Aug. 28, as the Normans began a new chapter under head coach Jeff Bailey.

Centennial High School of Compton defeated Beverly Hills 38-27, but the Normans showed improvement from their 28-0 loss to Centennial last season. Eli Strzelecki, Luca Brenner, Luca Goldman and Noah Paul each scored a touchdown for Beverly Hills.

The game was Bailey’s home debut as Beverly Hills’ head coach. Bailey joined the program with more than 30 years of coaching experience and a record that includes 179 career victories, 18 playoff appearances, 11 league championships and four CIF titles as a head coach.

Beverly Hills entered the season after going winless in 2025.

“When discipline becomes your standard, winning follows,” Bailey said when he was introduced to the Beverly Hills community in February.

Students and school organizations also participated in the home opener. The Associated Student Body helped organize game-night activities, including complimentary pizza, ice cream and giveaways. The BHHS marching band and cheerleaders performed during the game, while students from KBEV recorded the matchup and documented the event.

“More than 600 people came together Friday night around one shared purpose – supporting our students,” Beverly Hills Unified School District Superintendent Alex Cherniss said. “Our student-athletes competed with discipline, our students helped create an outstanding event, and the community brought renewed energy to Norman football. That collective effort is an important part of building a strong and lasting program.”

The Beverly Hills Fire Department provided on-site medical support, and the Beverly Hills Police Department worked with the BHUSD Command Center on event safety. Police vehicles flashed their lights following Beverly Hills touchdowns.

Centennial, led by head coach Dwayne Smith, improved to 2-0 with the victory.

The Normans will next travel to face Army-Navy Academy at 7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 4.

For information, visit bhusd.org.