PREP EXTRA: SATURDAY FOOTBALL PULLOUT : SCORECARD / COUNTY HIGHLIGHTS FROM WEEK 9

L.A. Times Archives

Nov. 5, 1994 12 AM PT

MAKING HIS PITCH ON ANOTHER FIELD

Rik Currier started the game at quarterback Friday for Capistrano Valley, replacing Tim Hirchag, who was still banged up from last week. Although Currier failed to complete a pass, the 5-foot-9 sophomore made his presence felt by scoring on a six-yard dive.

That must have been especially galling for the Cougars’ opponent, Dana Hills, because last spring Currier was throwing fastballs for the Dolphin baseball team. He was expected to be a starter this season before he transferred this fall.

DON’T SACK ME

On the second play from scrimmage in Villa Park’s 14-10 victory over Canyon, defensive end Todd Silski sacked Villa Park quarterback Sean McMahon for a 10-yard loss. Silski could do no celebrating, however.

One of McMahon’s fingers was stuck in Silski’s facemask, and the game was halted for several minutes while trainers tried to pry it loose. They succeeded by unscrewing Silski’s facemask.

The result? McMahon got to stay in the game while Silski had to leave the field for two plays while trainers attended to tightening his facemask.

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS

San Clemente fans tend to take their high school football seriously. One in particular.

A sign on a house above San Clemente’s football field reads, “Go Tritons.” It’s decked out with lights that are flashed every time the Tritons score a touchdown.

ON THE RECORD

“It was hard to come back from something like that. It was hard to get ready this week, but you just have to get through it.”

--Dahrin Footman, Esperanza running back, on playing Marina Friday after losing to Los Alamitos, 35-32, last week.

LOOKING AHEAD

Big game of the week?

It’s in the Pacific Coast League, where Laguna Hills (7-2, 4-0) goes up against Costa Mesa (7-1-1, 3-0-1) for the league title Friday night at Newport Harbor High. The game will feature two of the county’s top running backs: Brendan McGraw of Laguna Hills and the Mustangs’ Charles Chatman.

Mismatches of the week?

Take your pick. On Thursday night, No. 1-ranked Los Alamitos (9-0) closes out the Sunset League season playing host to Huntington Beach (1-8) at Veterans Stadium. On Friday, No. 2-ranked Mater Dei (9-0) travels south to play at Dana Hills (0-9).

And who will qualify for the playoffs from the Orange League?

Who knows. But before checking out next week’s schedule, keep an eye on tonight’s games, which find Savanna playing host to Anaheim at Western High and Brea-Olinda matched against Magnolia at Glover Stadium.

IT DIDN’T HELP . . .

Fountain Valley’s troubles against Los Alamitos on Thursday night began with the absence of two injured starters, free safety Devin O’Day and cornerback Kevin McCluskey. Los Alamitos quarterback Kevin Feterik passed for 402 yards in three quarters--the fifth-best total in Orange County history--in the Griffins’ 45-14 victory.

To make matters worse for the Barons, during the game, quarterback Chris Ponchak suffered a two-inch cut on his left palm and will likely miss Thursday’s Sunset League finale against Esperanza.

ON THE RECORD

“I’m tired chasing after all those receivers.”

--Mike Kral, Fountain Valley defensive back, near the end of the third quarter of Thursday’s game.

“Everyone up there wants to be you right now. I even want to be you right now.”

--Bruce Rollinson, Mater Dei coach, talking to his team before Thursday’s homecoming game against Mission Viejo at Santa Ana Stadium.

HOW TOP 10 FARED

Results of games involving teams in the Orange County Sportswriters’ Poll:

1. Los Alamitos (9-0)

beat Fountain Valley (4-5), 45-14, Thursday.

2. Mater Dei (9-0)

beat Mission Viejo (3-6), 38-7, Thursday.

3. Esperanza (6-3)