Moherman Back in O.C. After Brief Stay in L.A.

Austin Moherman, a junior quarterback who transferred from Mission Viejo High School to Los Angeles Wilson during the summer, has returned to Orange County.

Moherman enrolled Wednesday at Capistrano Valley High, Athletic Director Tom White said. However, he noted that Moherman’s eligibility status is pending. “There are still some requirements, particularly residency, that have to be checked out,” White said.

Dave Brown, first-year coach of Capistrano Valley, which won its first game Friday, would not discuss the transfer. “I don’t know much about the situation,” he said. “I haven’t met him or seen him.”

Brown did say, however, that while he is “a firm believer in competition,” junior Tim Hirchag remains the starting quarterback.

“That won’t change,” said Brown, who described the Cougars’ offensive system as “complex,” and added that he did not think a player could walk in and pick it up quickly.

As a 6-foot-4 sophomore, Moherman, who was held back a year, passed for 1,887 yards and seven touchdowns (with 14 interceptions). Big things were expected of him at Mission Viejo this season, but instead he transferred to Wilson over the summer.

Darrell Moherman, Austin’s father, said at the time his son’s football future was part of the decision, adding that the move was also business related. He works for a financial services company. Moherman said his son was not going to be showcased enough in the Mission Viejo program.

“I got strong indications that he was looking for a guarantee that his son would set certain records,” Mission Viejo Coach Bill Denny said in June. “I explained to him that I could not make such guarantees. It would be unethical.”

Darrell Moherman, who denied he wanted a “guarantee” from Denny, did not return phone calls Wednesday.

Wilson Coach Eddie Martinez, whose offensive system features four wide receivers and a wide-open passing attack, immediately installed Moherman as his starting quarterback.

Wilson lost its opening game Saturday, 13-7, to Los Angeles Cathedral. Moherman completed 15 of 27 passes for 193 yards, with no touchdowns or interceptions.

Martinez said he saw Moherman on Monday in the school’s attendance office with a a grim look on his face. “I asked him what was wrong and he said, ‘We’re checking out, it didn’t work out,’ ” Martinez said.

Though he escorted Moherman to his locker to help him gather his things, Martinez said there was no further conversation. He added there was no call or message from Darrell Moherman about the change.

According to Tom Anthony, associate superintendent of secondary schools for the Capistrano Unified School District, a student transferring from another school must live within the Capistrano Valley attendance boundary to be eligible to participate in varsity athletics.

If the student does not not change his residence, he can play lower-level sports. And after a year from the enrollment date, the student would then be eligible for varsity competition.