TONIGHT’S PREP FOOTBALL : Leland Sparks Joins Mater Dei Tonight

Mater Dei High School will have the services of wide receiver-defensive back Leland Sparks tonight when the visiting Monarchs meet Mission Viejo at 7:30 in a nonleague game matching two of the county’s top 10 teams.

Sparks, a fifth-year senior who transferred from Van Nuys Montclair Prep, was ruled eligible by Southern Section officials last week. However, Mater Dei principal Lyle Porter decided to wait a week before allowing Sparks to play.

Porter said he wanted to make sure Sparks was progressing towards graduation at Mater Dei. Porter gave Sparks’ the clearance to play on Friday.

Derek Sparks, Leland’s cousin, has rushed for 465 yards and scored six touchdowns in only two games since transferring from Montclair Prep. Sparks is averaging 12.2 yards per carry. Mater Dei (2-2) has won two consecutive games with Sparks in the lineup.

Mission Viejo (3-1) is led by quarterback Tim Snowden and wide receiver Doug Roberson. Snowden has passed for 757 yards and seven touchdowns. Roberson has 23 receptions for 333 yards.

In other games:

Capistrano Valley Christian will play host to La Verne Lutheran in an Arrowhead League game. In non-league play, Dana Hills will meet University at Irvine High School, L.A. Baptist will be at Orange Lutheran and Southern California Christian will play host to Village Christian.