PREPS : Despite Loss, Murphy High Remains the Team to Beat in Santa Fe League

After winning its first league title in 22 years, the Murphy High football team was hoping for a fast start in 1992.

But the defending Santa Fe League champion Nobles, who finished 8-2 in 1991, lost to Oak Park, 22-7, on Friday.

Still, Murphy is considered the team to beat in the Santa Fe League.

“We have a fast team, but Murphy is one step faster than anyone in the league,” Cathedral Phantom Coach Woody Carrillo said. “We play them Halloween and hopefully, the Phantoms will come to life that night.”

Murphy is led by 5-foot-8, 205-pound center/defensive tackle Jorge Irigoyen, who was selected to The Times’ Westside second team in 1991. Also returning is defensive back Gibbons St. Paul (5-9, 155, Jr.), who was selected to the Santa Fe League first team. Running back Luis Williams (5-8, 160, Sr.) ran for 550 yards in a reserve role in 1991.

The grass is always greener: The Hollywood High football field is the latest example of the decline of Southern California’s infrastructure.

There is no grass between the hash marks from one end zone to the opposite 30-yard line.

Coach Bob O’Conner said the field was reseeded over the summer, but soccer players played pickup games, ruining the attempt to grow grass.

Additionally, the press box window is covered with graffiti, forcing the announcer to call games from the stadium stairs.

But the Sheiks were not distracted Friday in their opener. They defeated St. Genevieve, 24-12. Francisco Perez gave Hollywood the lead for good with a 77-yard kickoff return in the third quarter. Quarterback Jose Granillo was six for 12 for 146 yards, including an 83-yard touchdown pass to Selbin Gamez in the first quarter. Granillo also scored on a one-yard run in the fourth quarter.

The Sheiks play Whittier Christian at Whittier College on Friday.

Football reunion: Beverly Hills High alumni who played varsity football between 1965 and 1971 are invited to a weekend reunion to honor former coach Richard Keelor.

The reunion begins Friday with a trip to see the Normans play at Inglewood. Saturday’s festivities include an impromptu sports day on school grounds, a barbecue and a banquet at Tripp’s in Century City.

Information: Ben Bushman at 310-201-0661.

Staff writer Steven Herbert contributed to this story.