Servite’s adversity yields treasures

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There’s nothing like finding a $20 bill on the ground or a diamond in the rough. Unless it’s finding one of each. That’s how Servite Coach Troy Thomas feels going into the Pac-5 Division showdown between his Friars, ranked No. 6, and Edison, ranked No. 4, in the Southern Section rankings.

Because Austin Niklas, the team’s best inside linebacker, tore a ligament in his thumb during the summer, the Friars had to play some other guys at linebacker. They hit the jackpot.

“We found two linebackers who are playing really well right now, very physical and tough,” Thomas said. “We have to find a spot for all three of those guys on the field at the same time.”

The two new guys are Dominic Greco, a sophomore, and Anthony Hannon, who started off-and-on the past two seasons because of injuries.

“Greco is going to be a guy people find out about this year,” Thomas said. “He’s physical, can run, and is a very good football player, a typical linebacker who likes to hit and isn’t afraid to play on the varsity.”

As for Hannon, “He has a ton of talent. He’s healthy for the first time. He’s been the leader of the defense the first two weeks. He’s a fiery guy who loves to play the game. It’s been awesome to see him out there. He has a ton of talent but has these things physically that have held him back.”

There’s no holding him back now. He has been so impressive, Niklas is changing positions to keep Hannon in the lineup. Niklas will play the spot on defense previously occupied by Chris Galippo, who’s now at USC.

All three should provide formidable opposition when the game gets under way at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Orange Coast College.

-Martin Henderson