PREP NOTES

Those at the Whittier Christian football game last week missed an opportunity to see Jacob Cuccia add to his impressive rushing and touchdown totals because the junior tailback did not play.

Turns out Cuccia was involved in a fight on campus and was suspended by the school. Coach Tom Caffrey said Cuccia probably will play Saturday night against Brethren Christian in the Olympic League season finale for both teams.

Caffrey said Cuccia, the county’s third-leading rusher with 1,292 yards and fifth-leading scorer with 102 points (17 touchdowns), “had some work to do on the field this week to get his job back.”

The Heralds didn’t need Cuccia in their 42-7 victory over Orange Lutheran, partly because his replacement, Tracy Hoffman, rushed for 165 yards in 15 carries. But against Brethren Christian, Cuccia’s absence could cause problems for Whittier Christian.

“If he missed a crucial game like this, it could be very hurtful,” Caffrey said.