Neighborhood Watchdog : McCrary Guards San Fernando Secondary Against Intruders

Howard McCrary did not spend much time poring over notes. The San Fernando safety did not agonize in front of the television watching game films. Sure, McCrary was facing the biggest night of his senior season--playing in a game against Granada Hills that would decide the North Valley League title--but he was not splitting hairs.

Instead, he was cutting them.

McCrary’s pregame regimen last week included a new haircut--a customized one at that. It seems that after McCrary had his hair closely cropped, he had an arrow shaved on the top of his head.

“My little brother cuts it for me from time to time,” McCrary said. “He does a pretty good job.”

The arrow starts at the hairline and proceeds toward the back of his head, as if beckoning opponents to “Walk This Way.” It was hardly the path of least resistance. This ‘do should have read “Don’t.”

Thursday night at San Fernando, McCrary was a one-man detour, intercepting 3 passes and recovering 2 fumbles in a 24-3 San Fernando victory.

“Be sure to ask him where the toughest neighborhood around is,” said Troy Starr, the Tigers’ defensive coordinator. “He’ll say, ‘The projects are tough, but the San Fernando secondary is tougher.’ ”

In the first half, McCrary (6-3, 190 pounds) intercepted a pass thrown by Granada Hills’ receiver John Franco on a double-pass play. San Fernando kicked off to open the third quarter, and, when Leon Glasgow fumbled at the Granada Hills 47, McCrary recovered. The next time the Highlanders touched the ball, they held it for 1 play. On second and 12 from the Granada Hills’ 29, quarterback Chris Gadomski threw over the middle, but McCrary intercepted at the 40 and returned to the 1.

On Granada Hills’ next possession, McCrary again picked off a Gadomski pass, this time at the 31. The 3 interceptions gave McCrary 8 for the season, high among Valley City players.

Midway through the fourth quarter, McCrary recovered a Gadomski fumble. The 3 interceptions and 5 turnovers are believed to be school single-game records, Coach Tom Hernandez said.

McCrary, who Hernandez said is being recruited by several Pacific 10 Conference schools, including UCLA and USC, is a steadying force in the San Fernando secondary. A real straight arrow.

“There are a few guys on this team that I have to keep close track of, but not him,” Hernandez said.

Opponents, obviously, must.

“That was a pretty good night,” Granada Hills Coach Darryl Stroh said. “He has good speed, good hands. He did a heckuva job.”

If those sound like the attributes of a receiver, they are. McCrary wanted to be a receiver, but the Tigers already had a glut of talent at the position.

“After I thought about it, I realized it was probably better to hit rather than be hit,” he said.

Now most of the hitting takes place in the baddest part of town. If you get lost, follow the arrow.

“The middle of the field,” McCrary said with a smile. “Don’t go there alone.”