Gutierrez Takes Charge on Field, Then Gives His Time at Youth Club

David Gutierrez of La Habra High School knows all about giving, both on and off the football field.

Thursday against Buena Park, Gutierrez’s efforts resulted in 3 interceptions. He also helped contain the Coyotes’ running attack and caught a 21-yard touchdown pass in a 24-13 victory.

The next day, Gutierrez was at the Boys’ Club of La Habra, channeling his energy in another direction. “Giving back” is what he calls it.

“When I was growing up there was a lot of gang activity in this area and I didn’t want to be a part of it,” said Gutierrez, The Times’ athlete of the week. “I went to the club to stay off the streets.”

Gutierrez spends plenty of time at the club even now, helping other kids stay off the streets.

Thursdays, when the Highlanders are not playing, Gutierrez plans trips for the club’s bicycling group. During basketball season, he referees games on Saturdays.

No job is too small. During the corn festival in August (a carnival which is the club’s biggest fund-raiser), Gutierrez worked the clean-up detail, picking up trash each day.

Gutierrez’s volunteer work earned him the La Habra youth of the year award, given by the city.

“David does a lot of work with kids, especially underprivileged kids,” La Habra Coach Jack Nicholls said. “He just feels like he owes something to the club.”

Gutierrez began going to the club when he was 10. It was there he met Carlos Romo, who was 3 years older. Romo, who played soccer at La Habra and now attends UC Irvine, gave Gutierrez advice and and guidance.

“I would look up to the older guys,” Gutierrez said. “Carlos was great. He just helped me with life in general. What he knows, he tells me. I wanted to follow in his shoes at the club.”

And Gutierrez has.

“It feels good to have the little guys looking up to me now,” he said. “The club has meant a lot to me. I want it to mean a lot to them.”

TOP PERFORMERS

Defensive lineman Brett Allen of Corona del Mar had 5 sacks and returned a blocked punt 18 yards for a touchdown as the Sea Kings clinched the Sea View League title with a 27-8 victory over Newport Harbor Friday.

Quarterback Bobby Anderson of Pacifica threw a touchdown pass and kicked 2 field goals to rally the Mariners to a 15-14 victory over La Quinta Friday night. Anderson completed 9 of 21 passes for 166 yards, including a 59-yard scoring pass to Kevin Ashworth.

Running back Manny Bonilla of Costa Mesa rushed for 153 yards and scored 3 touchdowns as the Mustangs clinched a playoff berth with a 28-0 victory over Laguna Beach.

Running back Derek Brown of Servite rushed 246 yards and scored 5 touchdowns as the Friars clinched a tie for the Angelus League championship with a 42-24 victory over Mater Dei Thursday. Brown returned the opening kickoff 96 yards for a touchdown and scored on runs of 54, 53, 20 and 12 yards.

Kicker Phil Nevin of El Dorado set a Orange County record with a 57-yard field in a 19-3 loss to Esperanza Thursday. Nevin broke the record of 56 yards set by Pat Blottiaux of Servite in 1987.

Brent Warde of Edison scored 7 goals as the Chargers rallied for a 11-10 victory over Royal Friday in the second round of the Southern 3-A water polo playoffs. Warde scored the tying goal with 1 minute 57 seconds remaining and the game-winner with 1:15 left.

David Gutierrez

La Habra High School

Position: Defensive back/wide receiv er

Height, Weight, Class: 6-1, 170, Senior

Last Week: Gutierrez intercepted 3 passes and caught a 21-yard pass for a touchdown as the Highlanders defeat ed Buena Park, 24-13.

Season: Gutierrez has 8 interceptions. He also has 10 receptions for 174 yards and 1 touchdown.