Antelopes Dedicate Season to Teammate

There was a vacancy in the Antelope Valley High soccer team’s huddle before its match at Saugus on Tuesday.

That place once belonged to goalkeeper Chris Sanford, to whom the ritual inside the goal was dedicated--as is the rest of the Antelopes’ season.

Sanford, 18, was killed Saturday night in Lancaster when a stray bullet, which authorities said was fired by a gang member, penetrated his right eye.

The incident was the first gang-related slaying in the high desert, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

“He was my best friend and it was hard,” said Rod Harrington, Sanford’s successor at goalkeeper. “When the season started I knew I was backup goalie. I didn’t think it was going to be this way.”

Said stopper Ryan Lollis: “He was like our brother.”

Sanford, a senior, had been attending a birthday party in the 44700 block of Benald Street when three teen-age males suspected of being gang members attempted to crash the party, prompting an argument with another guest.

One of the intruders drew a handgun and fired, wounding Sheldon Culver, 21, of Lancaster in the neck, sheriff’s Deputy Van Mosley said.

The gunman fled and an unidentified party-goer chased him down the street. The gunman turned and fired at his pursuer, missing him and hitting Sanford, Mosley said.

Authorities continue to look for a suspect described as a Latino between age 16 and 18.

“(Sanford’s) what we call the innocent bystander in that situation,” Antelope Valley Coach Bonnie Lloyd said. “Our season has been dedicated to Chris and his memory.”

A solid player, Sanford had allowed only two goals in three matches.

In memory of Sanford, the Antelopes wore black armbands with their teammate’s initials inscribed in white.

Saugus was informed of the incident shortly before the Golden League match.

“Nobody knew until about 10 minutes ago,” Saugus Coach Nate Wright said. “I’m sure they’ll come out and play with a lot of emotion, that’s just human nature.”

Emotions on both teams ran high. A red card and three yellow cards were issued in a physical match.

The Antelopes tied Saugus, 1-1, on striker Tom Quinn’s second-half goal off John Stebleton’s corner kick.