La Habra to Forfeit Games Because of Ineligibility

The La Habra High School football team will forfeit its four victories this season after it used an ineligible player because of a misinterpretation of a California Interscholastic Federation rule, La Habra Coach Bob Rau said Tuesday night.

Albert Razo, a junior running back, transferred from Servite High in Anaheim to La Habra in November of 1986. Under CIF rules, Razo, who played in several varsity football games at Servite early last season, was not eligible to compete in varsity athletics for a year after the date of his transfer because his family had not changed residence.

“We misinterpreted the rule,” Rau said. “It’s not the kid’s fault at all. All the blame rests with me and our administration. We thought the rule was in effect from the time he stopped playing football at the previous school (Servite), but it was from the time he transferred, which was in November. He’ll be eligible to play next week.”

La Habra (4-3, 2-0) is attempting to win its fifth consecutive Freeway League championship.

Thomas Triggs, La Habra principal, announced at a meeting of the school’s football boosters Tuesday that the team would forfeit all its victories.

“If there is anyone who knows the rules, it’s Tom Triggs,” said Greg Bice, the Fullerton Joint Union High School District deputy superintendent. Bice referred to the fact that Triggs is the Freeway League’s Southern Section Council representative.

“I’ve heard the information, and if there’s an infraction, then the procedure is pretty well clear-cut,” Bice said. “I don’t know if Tom will make the announcement or the Southern Section.”

Triggs could not be reached for comment Tuesday night.

Rau said that when school officials found out that Razo was ineligible, “the decision to forfeit was made right away.

“We called the (Southern Section) commissioner right away. We’re not playing games. We made a mistake.”

Razo has played defensive back, running back and quarterback for La Habra. He has two interceptions and has rushed for 149 yards in 29 carries. As a quarterback, he has completed 13 of 32 passes for 260 yards and 3 touchdowns.

Times staff writer Elliott Teaford contributed to this story.