Harper’s Pal Gets Defensive With Cal Lutheran

Not everyone from Cal Lutheran had reason to feel like he was in enemy territory during last week’s football game at Cal State Hayward.

Joe Harper, coach of the Kingsmen, had an old friend close by.

Andy Brennan, Harper’s longtime buddy, was 50 yards away, stalking the opposing sideline.

Brennan, assistant coach for defense at Hayward, was best man when Harper married his wife, Jean, in 1957.

So how were either of them to know that 34 years later the best man would be figuring ways to stifle the groom’s offense? Brennan and Harper’s friendship dates to junior high school. They played football together at Glendale High and were on the same coaching staff at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo (1968-82) and Northern Arizona (1982-85).

“This is the first time I’ve ever coached against him,” Harper said. “He’s always been on my coaching staff and we worked together.”

Score their first battle as a resounding victory for Brennan. Hayward’s defense held Cal Lutheran to 140 yards, grabbed four interceptions and forced three fumbles in Hayward’s 27-0 win.

With friends like that, who needs enemies?