PREP FOOTBALL : Messersmith Gets His Debut as Servite Quarterback Tonight

Jason Messersmith will make his debut at quarterback for Servite High School at 7:30 tonight when the Friars play host to Colton in Hanford Rant Stadium in Cerritos.

Messersmith is the unlikely heir to former Servite quarterbacks Steve Beuerlein (Notre Dame), Eric Buechele (Fresno State) and Tim Rosenkranz (Santa Clara).

Messersmith was the fourth-string quarterback for Servite’s sophomore team last year and did not play a down until the last game of the season. He underwent an extensive weight training program in the off-season and developed into a 6-foot 3-inch, 190-pounder for his junior year.

Last week, the Friar coaching staff informed Messersmith that he would be starting ahead of Brett Caya, who has since quit the team to concentrate on his basketball career. Messersmith is the son of former Dodger and Angel pitcher Andy Messersmith.

Servite will be playing without Coach Leo Hand. Hand had surgery for the removal of hemorrhoids last Saturday but is expected to return for the Friars’ second game against Marina.

A strong defense, long a trademark of Servite teams, should be the Friars’ strength again this season. Linebackers Brett Valmassei (6-1, 220) and Mike Petko (6-4, 220) are the standouts.

Colton will counter with a huge offensive line and preseason All-American George Hemingway. The Yellowjackets’ line averages 254 pounds and includes tackle Eugene Magana (6-0, 300). Magana reportedly bench presses 330 pounds and runs the 40 in 5.5.

Hemingway, 6-3 and 230, starts at fullback and linebacker for a third season for the Yellowjackets. He was named by scout Max Emfinger as the top college prospect among high school players in the state.

Hemingway rushed for 1,221 yards and 17 touchdowns in 189 carries as a junior. He averaged 6.5 yards per carry.

In other games tonight, Mission Viejo will travel to San Diego to play Morse and Orange will be out to snap an 11-game losing streak that spans two seasons when the Panthers meet Santiago in Garden Grove Stadium. Orange’s last win was a 36-13 decision over Santa Ana Valley in November 1984.