Parker’s School Records Mean Little in Battle for CSUN Quarterback Job

It’s not often that a quarterback coming off a season in which he broke three school records will be challenged for his starting job. But that’s what is happening at Cal State Northridge.

Chris Parker, a senior who took advantage of the Matadors’ run-and-shoot passing attack last season to set single-season standards in passes completed (232), passes attempted (424) and total offense (2,773), is being pushed by Danny Fernandez, last season’s backup.

Fernandez, who is also a senior, completed 36 of 68 attempts for 319 yards and 3 touchdowns in limited playing time last season. He was also a catcher on the Northridge baseball team.

“Chris is being challenged by Fernandez,” said Pat Degnan, CSUN quarterback coach. “Danny’s not quite as good yet, but he’s making a move. One of two things will happen now. Either Parker will become a better player, or Danny will pass him up. Either way, the team comes out on top.”

Jimmie Gray, who ended spring drills as the No. 1 fullback on the Northridge team, will begin this fall at a community college. A transfer from Chabot, Gray has been declared ineligible after failing to pass the required minimum of 24 college units in his last two semesters at CSUN.

Coach Bob Burt said Gray will redshirt this season and spend a semester back at Chabot before returning to CSUN next spring.

Northridge lists 91 players on its football roster, but Burt says only 54 will make the trip to Sonoma State for the Matadors’ Sept. 13 season opener.

Western Football Conference rules state that no more than 48 players can travel to away games, but Burt said he will take a few extras to Sonoma, a nonconference opponent, in an effort to see as many players as possible in game conditions.

Cal Lutheran will not have a freshman football team for the first time since 1963, forcing all 78 players in camp to compete for spots on the varsity.

CLU Coach Bob Shoup said only kickers will be cut from the team. Seven place-kickers are trying out.

Tom Sweeney and Earl Bentancourt figured to be key players on defense for Cal Lutheran this season, but the Kingsmen have lost both.

Sweeney, a starter at linebacker last year, was penciled in at defensive end, but won’t be playing either position. Sweeney has completed his 10 semesters of athletic eligibility, according to the NCAA. Cal Lutheran is appealing the ruling, but Shoup said he is not optimistic that Sweeney, who was also the team’s punter, will be able to play.

Bentancourt, who had knee surgery last season, tore a calf muscle in his right leg three weeks ago and may have to redshirt.

“I was hoping to have them both, now I’ve got neither one of them,” Shoup said.

Sweeney will still contribute to the team, however--as an assistant coach.

With the graduation of Noel Hicks, Cal Lutheran is looking for a kickoff and punt returner.

Shoup said 5-8, 155-pound Cary Grant might fit the role. Grant played for Muir High, a 28-14 winner over Hart in the Southern Section Coastal Conference championship game last fall.

“He has a 33-inch vertical leap,” Shoup said. “There’s quite an athlete in there.”

Cal State Northridge will play host to Santa Clara in a nonconference soccer game at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at North Campus Stadium.

CSUN made its season debut last week, tying defending Division I national champion UCLA, 1-1.