Northridge’s Fann Questionable for Finale Because of Ankle Injury

The Cal State Northridge football team likely will be without its best player when the Matadors put their playoff hopes on the line Saturday in a nonconference regular-season finale against Cal State Long Beach at Veterans Stadium in Long Beach.

Albert Fann, CSUN’s All-American tailback, probably will be held out of the game because of an injured ankle, Coach Bob Burt said Tuesday.

“(Fann) told me yesterday that if he’s 85-90% healthy he wants to play,” Burt said. “I said, ‘Under no circumstances, unless you can really go.’ ”

Fann, a Division II All-American last season, injured his right ankle in a game at Santa Clara on Oct. 27. He carried 11 times for 34 yards and caught four passes for 30 yards Saturday in a 6-3 loss to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo but sat out much of the second half.

“He tried, he was just a step slow,” Burt said. “It just wasn’t there. It hurt him all night long.”

Fann said that team trainers tried twice to numb the ankle. “It became a question of being healthy or trying to be a hero,” he said.

Burt said Victor DeVaughn and Oscar Pittman both will see action at tailback against Long Beach if Fann cannot play. DeVaughn has 125 yards and a touchdown in 21 carries. Pittman, a converted fullback, does not have a carry this season.

Fann, Northridge’s career rushing leader, has gained 918 yards and scored 10 touchdowns this season in 222 carries. He also leads the Matadors with 28 catches.

“If we go to the playoffs, I want a healthy Fann,” Burt said.

A victory over Division I-A Long Beach (4-5) likely would secure a berth for Northridge in the 16-team playoff field.