West Ranch will forfeit game because of ineligible player
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In the same week West Ranch made its first appearance in the Southern Section’s divisional poll, Athletic Director Dody Garcia said Wednesday that an academically ineligible player participated in the 41-22 victory over Pasadena on Friday. She also said another academically ineligible player has played three games for the junior varsity squad.
‘We weren’t aware of [the ineligibilities] until today,’ Garcia said. ‘I tried notifying the Southern Section office [Wednesday evening], but it was closed for the day. I’m going to call again tomorrow morning. It’s the right thing to do.’
Rule 500.2 of the 2006-07 Southern Section Blue Book states: ‘Any athletic contest in which an ineligible student has participated, either intentionally or unintentionally, must be forfeited unless provided for otherwise in the adopted playing rules of that sport. When a school must forfeit any games, a win and a tie must be counted as losses in the standings.’
Despite the finding, Coach Mike Kane is still happy with how the season has opened and didn’t seem too disappointed the Wildcats have to forfeit the game.
‘It was simply a misunderstanding and it could have been worse,’ said Kane, who said the ineligible player saw time in the final minutes against the Bulldogs. ‘It could have been three games into league and then we’d have no shot at the playoffs.’
Kane still has a positive outlook on the season, and why shouldn’t he?
His Wildcats are ranked No. 10 in the Southern Section’s Northern Division poll and are poised shake up the Foothill League hierarchy when league play begins in two weeks. But can a team playing only its second season at the varsity level qualify for the playoffs?
Well, I’ll be the first to say, it’d be weird to see the Wildcats in the playoffs, but they have the potential to post an upset or two if they catch Saugus or Valencia on an off night. That’s not bad for a young team playing in one of the most competitive leagues in Southern California.
One of the big reasons behind their success is RB Ross Bacon. Against Pasadena, he rushed for 157 yards and two TDs to give him close to 400 yards rushing through three games.
‘I’ve coached more than a few running backs in my lifetime and he’s got the best balance of anyone I’ve ever worked with,’ said Kane, who was a running backs coach at Cal State Northridge and College of the Canyons. ‘He’s got tremendous strength and ability.’
In addition, QB Jake Bernards has benefited from a solid offensive line to make some big-play passes and Mick Chenault may be one of the best kickers in the league. He made field goals of 47 and 35 yards against Pasadena in windy conditions.
‘Most of Mick’s kicks end up the end zone, so we’re very pleased with him,’ Kane said. ‘We need to look ahead. We’re already putting this [ineligibility revelation] behind us.’
By the way, I like to say, ‘thanks’ to Times desk assistant Steve Galluzzo for his reporting on this posting.
- Austin Knoblauch
