Road Warrior

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While performing a little pregame research before heading south for the Chino Hills at Tesoro game in Rancho Santa Margarita, I was excited to learn Chino Hills senior quarterback Lino Innocenzi has been groomed by some of the best.

He was back up to the back-up quarterback at Mission Viejo last season, and likely would’ve held a clipboard again this fall with the return of highly touted junior Allan Bridgford. Though it was probably hard to leave the Southland’s fifth-ranked team, the Innocenzi family can thank their realtor for finding them a dream house so close to a school that needed a starting quarterback.

At least he had a year to soak in the gospel of Mission Viejo Coach Bob Johnson. On that link, check out the list of quarterbacks B.J. has taught over the years. (By the way, Bob, looking forward to celebrating the 25th anniversary of that first section title in ’82....wink, wink)

Before Innocenzi tried his luck at Mission Viejo, he earned attention as a defensive back in Magnolia, Texas, though you’ve got to scroll pretty far to find him on this list. It must have been another difficult move. As everyone knows, Texas loves its high school football. Who else would pay $660 for season tickets to four home games?

Anyway, good to see Innocenzi found a starting role at Chino Hills. If nothing else, the kid has learned perseverance.

- Dan Arritt