Mendoza Signs With Cobras

Former Bishop Montgomery High and Harbor College quarterback Michael Mendoza signed a free-agent contract Thursday with the Cobras, the Arena Football League team announced.

Mendoza had participated in an invitation-only tryout with the Cobras in March, but was not selected to go to the team’s training camp. He received a call from Coach Ray Willsey over the Memorial Day weekend, and was impressive during a workout at the team’s Cal State Long Beach practice facility Wednesday.

After playing two seasons with the Seahawks, Mendoza transfered to Northern Arizona University for the 1983 season and was named the Big Sky Conference’s Newcomer of the Year. His completed 453 of 769 passes for 4,882 yards and 29 touchdowns during his two seasons with the Lumberjacks.

Mendoza, 24, also was in training camp with the Raiders in 1985, but was released before playing any preseason games.

Despite the signing, Mendoza will still have to wait to make his professional football debut. He was placed on the taxi squad for tonight’s game at Joe Louis Arena against the Detroit Drive, and is the team’s third quarterback, behind starter Matt Stevens and Eric Beavers.