No getting the skinny on Vista Murrieta

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

John Hardy, you’re not invisible anymore. Thin as a reed, no doubt, but people are starting to recognize you.

Hardy, a 5-foot-10, 135-pound sophomore defensive back for Vista Murrieta, intercepted his fourth pass of the season Friday night against visiting Temescal Canyon, returning it 53 yards for a touchdown in his team’s 40-14 victory. It was Hardy’s second touchdown return of the season.

Vista Murrieta Coach Coley Candaele said after the game that he questioned whether Hardy had the durability to play varsity football this season, but he has since shown a great sense for the game.

‘They keep on throwing at him,’ Candaele said. ‘He’s 135 pounds and he keeps on finding ways to get interceptions.’

El Toro won a Southern Section title 25 years ago with a 6-1, 165-pound offensive guard named Tom Haley, so I learned long ago that size doesn’t always matter.

- Dan Arritt