Fitting right in at Mira Costa

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Mira Costa’s Chris Loatman knows how to make the best of a tough situation.

Loatman, a deaf student, fits right in at a mainstream school. And recently, he found a way into the Mustangs’ lineup despite being stuck behind Adrien Dotson, one of the South Bay area’s top running backs, on the depth chart. That’s right, look for Loatman at nose guard.

The junior has impressed Coach Don Morrow with his prowess in the new position while recording five solo tackles, three assists and two sacks since making the transition two games ago.

‘He can definitely play,’ Morrow said. ‘He’s a very good athlete, and we wanted to find a way to get him on the field. He’s stepped in willingly and done a good job, but I’m sure he’d rather be at running back.’

Next year, Morrow said, he will be. And hopefully by then, the coaching staff will have the series of signs and signals used to communicate with Loatman down pat. It’s not American Sign Language.

‘It’s American Football Coaches’ Sign Language,’ Morrow said with a laugh. ‘We’ve messed it up a few times on him, through no fault of his.’

Dotson, a senior, leads the Mustangs (2-4-1, 0-1-1) with 163 carries for 917 yards and 10 touchdowns. Since Dotson has established himself as the primary ball-carrier, Loatman has played sparingly on offense but has 19 carries for 96 yards. He has not scored a touchdown.

- Lauren Peterson