Phelps Leaves Hole in Buena Backfield : High school football: After rushing for 331 yards and five touchdowns in two games, he quits to concentrate on other interests.

Brady Phelps ploughed over opponents in two games this season, gaining 331 yards and scoring five touchdowns. But it was Phelps who felt overwhelmed enough to quit the Buena High team this week.

“I have a lot of things going on in my life and something had to give,” he said Thursday. “I thought about it a lot. I feel bad I’m not playing. I wish I could be.”

The 5-foot-9, 175-pound junior said he had no problems with coaches or teammates, but obligations to his church and studies took precedence over football.

Phelps carries a 4.0 grade-point average in honors classes.

“Church activities are my first priority and school is really demanding,” he said.

Phelps’ decision has been a distraction to his teammates, Coach Rick Scott said.

Buena (1-0-1) plays Newbury Park (2-0) in a nonleague game tonight at Newbury Park.

“Brady is a very, very bright young man,” Scott said. “But sometimes when someone makes a decision, he doesn’t realize how many other people the decision is affecting.

“I’m not angry at Brady, I am angry at his decision.”

Phelps began the season at fullback, but was moved to tailback in the first half of the opener against Westlake when Josh Cross sustained a hip-pointer injury.

Phelps rushed for 201 yards and three touchdowns in that game, a 35-35 tie, then added 130 yards and two scores last week in a 25-18 victory over Agoura. He also started at safety.

Scott said Cross is 75% recovered and is questionable against Newbury Park.

Eddie Loya, a junior, and Aaron Kleefisch, promoted from the sophomore team, have practiced at tailback this week.

“We have a great, big offensive line that’s any back’s dream to run behind,” Scott said.

Any back except Phelps, who said he will attend tonight’s game.

“I’ll be in the stands cheering on the team,” he said. “I hope they have a great season.”