Clairemont’s Plan Earning High Marks

It may seem like an old-fashioned system--using merits and demerits to rate students’ progress in the classroom--but it has been an enormous success for Clairemont High School’s varsity football team.

According to Coach Jim Inoyue, this is the first time in his 17 years of teaching at Clairemont that the entire varsity has been eligible during an in-season grading period.

“We’re just thrilled,” Inoyue said when grades came out last week. “We’ve really been stressing the academic progress of our players and, for everyone to be eligible, it’s just super. You usually have one or two out at any given time because of grades. Last time, we had five out.”

Inoyue and his staff have implemented a system where teachers and counselors keep coaches informed as to how players are faring in class. If they are showing progress and doing their work, they are given merit points. If a player doesn’t turn in his work or misses class, demerits chalk up.

“(Playing time) depends on how many merits or demerits they have,” said Inoyue, adding, “The kids responded very well to the project. It’s been a real positive thing for us.”

Times Two: In West Hills’ first five football games this season, receiver Steve Gotowala had 11 receptions for 108 yards. In Friday’s sixth game--a 42-26 victory over El Cajon Valley--Gotowala caught a school-record 11 passes for 108 yards.

Snap-Sharing: West Hills Coach Mike Lewis has been platooning quarterbacks this season.

Against El Cajon Valley, Barry Fitzgerald, a junior who takes about 70% of the snaps, completed 13 of 16 passes for 114 yards. Harry Caldwell, a senior who also plays receiver, completed six of seven for 122 yards. Each had two touchdown passes.

“They each have their strengths,” Lewis said, “and we try to use them accordingly.”

Lewis added that last year’s starter Joey Fitzgerald, no relation to Barry, has been a big part of his quarterbacks’ success this year.

“He comes down on a voluntary basis and does a great job working with Barry and Harry,” Lewis said of his former player, who is out of football. “He’s just a real, real, fine young man. It’s been a blessing having him help out this year.”

Love(ly) Year: Vanessa Rooks, a sophomore on the Monte Vista girls’ tennis team, is 24-0 this season at No. 1 singles and has a string of 24 consecutive 6-0 sets.

As a freshman last year, Rooks won the Grossmont Conference championship before losing in the San Diego Section quarterfinals in three sets to eventual champion LeeAnn Rostovsky of La Jolla.

“Vanessa’s pretty smart at taking advantage of shots and putting balls away,” Coach Marcia Bonini said. “She’s real focused. She gets in and out of sets in a hurry. She can normally finish a set in about 15 minutes.”

Another Monarch, senior Kelly Howard, is also 24-0.

Bonini said Rooks is hoping to make a career out of tennis, but Howard will join her sister, Kristy Howard, on the UCLA softball team next year.

Most Valuable Punter: Given a chance, Lincoln’s Alex Davis has been one of the county’s best punters this season. He is averaging 54 yards per attempt.

“Because we make so many boneheaded mistakes, he’s kept us in most every game this year with his booming punts,” Coach Vic Player said.

Davis would have had a few more attempts, but he watched at least one snap sail over his head in each of his first three games.