Top Running Back Enrolls at Mater Dei

Derek Sparks, an all-Southern Section running back in 1989, has enrolled at Mater Dei High School, Athletic Director Gary McKnight said Monday.

Sparks, a 6-foot-1, 208-pound senior, is ineligible to play for the Monarchs. However, he could be ruled eligible Wednesday, when the Southern Section will hold a hearing to determine the eligibility status of several players.

Last season, Sparks played for Van Nuys Montclair Prep, where he gained 1,944 yards and scored 35 touchdowns. He played in the Mounties’ season opener two weeks ago, gaining 63 yards in 16 carries in a 28-7 loss to Honolulu Farrington, but left the team last week.

“As of today, Derek Sparks is enrolled at Mater Dei,” McKnight said. “Our administration is currently working with the Southern Section to determine if he is eligible.”

Sparks practiced with the Mater Dei team Monday and, if ruled eligible, could play in the Monarchs’ game Thursday against Tustin.

Sparks is expected to petition for immediate eligibility because of a change of residence. McKnight said June Sparks, Derek’s mother, has recently moved to Santa Ana near the Mater Dei campus and Derek will live with her.

June Sparks had lived in Wharton, Tex., while Derek lived with the family of a Montclair Prep teammate. His uncle, Jerome Sparks, served as his legal guardian.

June Sparks could not be reached for comment.

“I thought about going back to Texas to play, but my mom was interested in coming out here,” Derek Sparks said. “She never liked the area around Montclair (Prep), but she’s always liked the area around Mater Dei because she has friends here.”

Southern Section Commissioner Stan Thomas said Sparks’ case will be heard by members of the executive committee Wednesday.

“Right now we’re at a point where I don’t have any facts so there is nothing for me to divulge,” Thomas said. “I have had a long conversation with the Mater Dei principal.”

Sparks said his mother will become his legal guardian. He also said he is unsure whether he would remain at Mater Dei, or return to Montclair Prep or Texas if he is ruled ineligible by the Southern Section.

“I have no idea,” Sparks said. “We’ll wait and see what happens.”

The fate of Leland Sparks, Derek’s cousin, also will be decided at Wednesday’s hearing, Thomas said.

Leland Sparks also has enrolled at Mater Dei, according to Monarch football Coach Bruce Rollinson, and is again petitioning the Southern Section for a fifth year of eligibility.

Leland, a quarterback/wide receiver, repeated the 11th grade at Montclair Prep and is seeking a fifth-year of eligibility.

Leland was ruled ineligible just hours before Montclair Prep’s game against Farrington. He petitioned the Southern Section for one more year, but was denied.

“We’ll have to wait and hear what facts are presented,” Thomas said. “We will then make a decision that is fair to everyone.”

Rollinson declined to speculate whether Derek Sparks would play against Tustin if he was eligible.

“Right now, I have no part in this other than having the kid at practice,” Rollinson said. “I’m letting our administrators handle everything. If he’s eligible, then we’ll deal with everything else.”

This is the fourth change of schools in four years for Sparks, who is considered a top college prospect. As a freshman, he played at Wharton High School, then moved to California, where he enrolled at Wilmington Banning.

At Banning, Sparks gained 1,394 yards and was named the state’s sophomore of the year by Cal-Hi Sports. He transferred to Montclair Prep in 1989.

The addition of Sparks would give the Mater Dei offense a considerable boost. The Monarchs lost their season opener to Capistrano Valley, 18-15, Friday.

Mater Dei had only 227 yards in total offense against the Cougars. Sparks, a bruising runner with 4.4-second speed in the 40-yard dash, would certainly increase that total.

“I heard last week that Derek may be coming to Mater Dei,” Rollinson said. “But I didn’t get too excited about it. It’s like someone telling you the check is in the mail. Well, the money is in the account now and we’re waiting for the IRS to clear it.”