Midweek Report / High School Football Update : It’s Not Exactly Rocket Science

The very thought of allowing a high school quarterback to call the plays would be enough to panic most coaches.

Too complicated, they say. Why, there’s down-and-distance considerations. And all that terminology. The kid might call a trap when he means trips or a waggle instead of a curl.

The theory is, quarterbacks have enough trouble taking the snap without asking them to make snap decisions in the huddle.

Then there is Charles Merricks of Channel Islands (2-2), a quarterback who has the full blessing of his coaches to call the plays. Merricks is a junior who started several games as a sophomore.

This is the first year in Joel Gershon’s 21 as Channel Islands coach that he has given free reign to the player holding the reins on the field.

“We talk about the game plan, but once the game starts, it’s his,” Gershon said. “This helps his ability to lead. He has greater responsibility and the team responds well to his leadership.”

Gershon wonders why more coaches don’t hand over the playbook to quarterbacks. Could it be fear of losing control?

“A lot of it is probably related to control,” he said. “But there is no magic to calling plays. Having a feel for what to call can come from the [coach in the] press box, the sidelines or from the field.”

Dialing Long Distance

Kenyatta Burris of Monroe has six receptions.

No big deal, right?

Well, maybe it is.

The senior receiver, who averages 36.8 yards per catch, has turned four of those connections into touchdowns.

He has scored from 78, 77, 32 and 26 yards.

“I like to make the big plays,” said Burris, whose cousin, Jeff Burris, was an All-American safety at Notre Dame and plays for the Buffalo Bills.

A converted quarterback who also has scored on a 12-yard reverse, Burris isn’t the only Viking with long-distance connections.

The surprising Vikings (4-0) also have scored on runs of 97, 86 and 71 yards.

“When we want to, we can score quickly,” Burris said.

M*A*S*H Unit

Village Christian Coach Mike Plaisance might consider wearing a white lab coat instead of gym shorts these days.

Nine players, including six starters, missed a 40-8 loss to Orange Lutheran last week. Add quarterback Chris Coleman and linebacker Josh Grahm to the injured list.

Coleman has a severely sprained left foot and Grahm caught his left hand between two helmets, requiring stitches.

Tight end Tim Gustafson (knee), running back Aaron Funk (ankles), defensive back Aaron Thomas (thigh), linebacker and tight end Chris Carruba (knee), defensive lineman Johnny Tergo (neck), linebacker Jody Hurst (hand), kicker Kim Wolfe (ankle and flu), kicker Andy Rotunno (ankle) and offensive lineman Mitch Orsatt (ankle) all missed last week’s game.

Carruba might be lost for the year, while Gustafson, Funk, Hurst and Coleman are out at least two more weeks. The status of the other players is day-to-day.

All in the Family

When it comes to athletes, Highland has heredity on its side.

Quarterback David Kelly has received plenty of advice and coaching from his father, Joe, a former player with the Rams and Ottawa Rough Riders of the Canadian Football League, and older brother Joe Jr., a linebacker with the Green Bay Packers.

Norris Theus, a running back and receiver, believes he has inherited athletic ability from a family that includes Reggie Theus, a cousin who had several good years in the NBA.

Both players had big games for Highland last week in a 20-13 victory over Stockdale.

Kelly, a 6-1 senior, rushed six times for 45 yards and completed 10 of 18 passes for 134 yards and two touchdowns. Theus gained 101 yards in 13 carries, made five catches for 74 yards, and scored on a 53-yard run and a 28-yard reception.

“My dad taught me the game and to basically have a good attitude,” Kelly said. “But my brother is my role model.”

Theus wants to be the first in his family to play Division I football. He doesn’t play basketball, but not because of his small stature.

Though only 5-7, Theus claims he can still dunk.

Wanted: Patience

Coach Brian Stiman hears Valencia fans grumbling about the Vikings’ 0-4 start.

“It’s frustrating because so many people criticize,” said Stiman, whose first-year varsity team has been outscored, 150-56. “You hear people saying, ‘I can’t believe they lost to them’ or ‘I can’t believe they couldn’t even beat those guys.’ Coaching must look pretty easy from the outside.”

Valencia, which has only 25 varsity players, starts five sophomores on defense.

The Vikings have been competitive mostly because of the efforts of Donavan Calhoun, a junior who has rushed for 576 yards and four touchdowns in 71 carries.

Stiman, formerly an assistant for powerful Canyon teams, is trying to be philosophical.

“Losing is not something I’m real accustomed to and this is a trying situation,” he said, “but I know the cards I’ve been dealt. We’re at a level just above junior varsity football.”

Around the Leagues

CITY SECTION

EAST VALLEY

Coach Joel Schaeffer said Reseda must be ready for its “best game of the year.” Next up is Sylmar. . . . Van Nuys is convinced that reeling in its wide-open offense last week led to a 23-0 victory over Grant. “We threw the ball a lot less,” Coach Mark Pomerantz said. The Wolves play Poly this week.

MID-VALLEY

Monroe is the surprise of the Valley Pac-8 Conference. The undefeated Vikings, who play host to Canoga Park, have five touchdowns covering 70 yards or more. . . . North Hollywood plays host to Grant in a battle of winless teams, prompting North Hollywood Coach Gary Gray to make a not-so-bold prediction: “Somebody’s going to win.” (Hmmm. What about a tie?) In an effort to shore up the North Hollywood defense, standout tailback Dante Clay is expected to make his first start at safety. . . . Leaford Hackett has accounted for 72.1% of the Poly offense. He has 248 yards receiving and 206 rushing.

NORTH VALLEY

The depth of the Kennedy defense will be tested this week. Linebacker Robert Cervantes will miss the next four weeks because of a knee injury. Linebackers Semisi Umufuke (hamstring) and Joe Dunster (shoulder) also suffered injuries against San Fernando. . . . Taft tailback Donald Carpenter rushed for 235 yards even though his blocking back, fullback Clay Carter, suffered a sprained ankle midway through the Toreadors’ victory over Chatsworth. Carter is expected to miss Friday’s game against El Camino Real. . . . San Fernando Coach Sean Blunt promises lineup changes in the offensive line and possibly the backfield. . . . El Camino Real Coach Bob Ganssle credits cornerback Byron Carnes with holding Granada Hills wide receiver Ernest Quinley to one catch. But Granada Hills Coach Brad Ratcliff credited El Camino Real’s pass rush on quarterback Ricky Mathiesen. “He took an unbelievable shot in the first play and it got worse from there,” Ratcliff said.

WEST VALLEY

Chatsworth continues to be devastated by injuries. The Chancellors already are down to their No. 4 long snapper. . . . The first thing Birmingham Coach Dave Lertzman noticed when watching film of Kennedy was the speed of the Golden Cougar defense. Then he noticed something else: “All of their players, even the linemen, wear skill position numbers. No wonder they’re fast!”

NORTHWESTERN

Verdugo Hills is on its third starting quarterback. Charlie Coronado, previously a running back, is expected to start on Friday against Franklin in place of Ethan Slimak, who has been suspended from the team. Coronado gets the nod even though Cory Reisner, the Dons’ starter in their first three games, is healthy. “Charlie’s our best athlete, so I figure it’s best to put the ball in his hands as many times as possible,” Coach Don Scott Jr. said.

SOUTHERN SECTION

DEL REY

As if Alemany (1-3) doesn’t have enough problems, senior Mario Thompson, the team’s leading rusher with 245 yards, suffered a potentially season-ending wrist injury last week during a 37-0 loss to Canyon. Doctors still are trying to determine if Thompson’s wrist is dislocated or broken, Coach Pat Degnan said. Either way, he will be sidelined at least three weeks. . . . Crespi tight end Greg Boskin regained the kicking duties against Notre Dame and kicked two extra points. Boskin was the Celts’ kicker last season, making 19 of 21 extra points and three of four field goals. Boskin had been unable to kick because of cartilage damage in his right knee.

FOOTHILL

Burbank Coach John Hazelton is excited about sophomore running back Errol Bowen, who rushed for 136 yards in 26 carries last week in his second game after transferring from Manual Arts. Jason Edwards, who joined the team late, will suit up this week and is expected to bolster the secondary. . . . Burroughs Coach Robert dos Remedios projects an 80-catch, 1,200-yard season for receiver Glenn Adriatico, who has 31 receptions for 465 yards. . . . The Canyon defense allows an average of 233 yards a game, but Alemany gained only 97 in a 37-0 loss to the Cowboys. . . . Hart has lost one linebacker, but another, junior Kevin Bell, is close to returning from a knee injury. . . . Saugus quarterback Kevin Carrasco, who has a pulled groin muscle, and tackle Justin Cherry, who has a neck injury, are expected to miss Friday’s game against Woodbridge.

GOLDEN

Bobby Brown of Antelope Valley has completed 66% of his passes for 463 yards and seven touchdowns, with only one interception. . . . Videotape shows that Highland dropped nine potential interceptions during a 20-13 victory over Stockdale. Marcus Prevost was the only Highland defender to hold one. . . . Since defeating Hueneme, 28-6, in its opener, Palmdale has been outscored, 122-50, in three consecutive losses. The Falcons have lost 13 of their past 14 games. . . . Littlerock is stinging from the loss of four starting offensive linemen and a tough nonleague schedule. Barstow, St. Paul, Chaminade--the Lobos’ opponents--all are 4-0. . . . It was no fluke last week when Quartz Hill held Saugus to minus-15 yards rushing. The Rebels allow an average of only 46.8 yards rushing.

PACIFIC

Crescenta Valley intercepted five South Pasadena passes in an 18-7 victory. That’s four more passes than the Falcons’ offense has completed. Junior Steve Kanzler had three interceptions and a rushing touchdown. . . . Hoover senior Mike Chae, an outside linebacker, had a hand in preserving a 14-14 tie against Temple City. Chae blocked an extra-point attempt late in the fourth quarter. “I lined up on the outside and just charged in and dove for the ball,” Chae said. . . . Glendale running back Jason Klintworth, a three-year starter, has rushed for at least 100 yards in three of four games. He gained a season-high 185 yards against Alhambra.

CHANNEL

The three Santa Barbara-area teams defeated Ventura County teams in the first week of league play. . . . Bruce Samuel, who rushed for 505 yards in the first three games for Rio Mesa, missed the league opener after doctors discovered last week he had an enlarged heart. Samuel, a senior in his first varsity season, was cleared by doctors to practice Monday and is expected to play Friday against Dos Pueblos. “He was practicing a million miles an hour just like always,” Coach George Contreras said. . . . Josh Cross of Buena eased the loss of Brady Phelps by rushing for 120 yards, but the Bulldogs were beset by 10 penalties, six sacks and five turnovers in an 18-12 loss to Dos Pueblos. . . . Oxnard sophomore Desmond Davis had his first 100-yard rushing game. Chris Vera and Ross Randolph each returned interceptions for touchdowns in the Yellowjackets’ 40-27 victory over Ventura. . . . Kyle Schommer set Ventura records with 272 passing yards and four touchdowns against Oxnard.

MARMONTE

Under first-year Coach Mike Kelly, sidelines behavior at Thousand Oaks is noticeably restrained. “If we as coaches don’t model calmness, we won’t get calmness from the kids,” Kelly said. Chris Melzer, a senior safety, is the first Lancer this season to earn a Green Helmet, the school’s traditional symbol of defensive excellence. . . . After making a touchdown reception against Channel Islands, Westlake quarterback Steve Aylsworth has scored by passing, receiving, rushing, and on interception and punt returns in his career. . . . Mookie Boyd, leading rusher for Channel Islands, should play this week after sitting out last game because of a sprained ankle. . . . Newbury Park held Jason May of Simi Valley to minus-four yards rushing in 17 carries. May gained 369 yards in Simi Valley’s first three games. . . . The Royal offense is balanced, but the Highlanders have gained only 392 yards on the ground and 391 through the air, an average of fewer than 200 yards per game. . . . The Camarillo offensive line--led by 320-pound tackles Charles Bungert and Matt Shack--has allowed quarterback Joe Borchard to be sacked only three times.

MISSION

Chaminade Coach Rich Lawson would like to forget last season’s 72-14 loss to Bloomington as the Eagles prepare for a rematch. “We’ll play them again. Why not?” Lawson said. “But they’re good! “ Although it figures to be closer this time, win, lose or lose by a whole lot, Lawson said Chaminade will not play Bloomington next season. . . . Senior quarterback Jason Zdenek made his first varsity start last season against Bloomington. . . . Notre Dame also has a chance to gain a measure of revenge Friday when the Knights play host to Harvard-Westlake. Last season, Harvard defeated Notre Dame, 14-10--the only loss for the Knights, who went on to win the Southern Section Division III championship. Notre Dame (4-0) figures to roll over the Wolverines (0-4) this time. . . . St. Francis (4-0) is off to its best start in Coach Bill Redell’s three years. However, the Golden Knights’ defense might be weakened without outside linebacker Jason Faulk, who suffered torn rib cartilage this week while being bearhugged by a classmate. Tackle Greg Perez, who missed St. Francis’ first two games, re-injured his left knee and is listed as questionable for Friday’s game against Pasadena.

RIO HONDO

The La Canada offense is averaging 260 yards per game. And things are looking up. Tackle Brandon Behlendorf and wide receiver Trevor Kadletz, both injured during summer practice, are expected to return this week against Hoover. Behlendorf had arthroscopic knee surgery in August. Kadletz had a broken collarbone.

FRONTIER

Calabasas Coach Larry Edwards has no desire to repeat the Coyotes’ dramatic, 18-15 victory last Saturday when a last-minute field goal by Harvard-Westlake bounced off one of the uprights. “That game kept you on the edge of your seat, but I don’t want to be on that seat again,” Edwards said. Calabasas was penalized nine times for 110 yards, the most in Edwards’ 16-year tenure. Calabasas won without kicker Damon McLaren, who has a hyperextended right knee. He is listed as questionable for the Coyotes’ game against St. Monica on Friday. Two-way tackle Tim Lyons is out because of an injured back. . . . With a fourth-quarter touchdown run last week, Jim Musick of Nordhoff became the last of the league’s quarterbacks to score. Willie Zavala of Santa Paula has not scored a touchdown, but he has an extra point. . . . Mike Moon of Santa Clara, a two-way starter at linebacker and fullback, expects to return to action this week. . . . Moorpark receivers have dropped 11 passes in the past two games. Scott Weaver has made three of four field goals, including a 48-yarder last week.

TRI-VALLEY

Adam Woods, a tight end and defensive back for Fillmore, will miss the rest of the season because of a herniated disc in his back. James Cummings, who started the season at quarterback, has been moved to running back, joining Jake Ellis. . . . For St. Bonaventure Coach Jon Mack, hi vision is 20-20--in hindsight. Mack is second-guessing his decision to go for a first down on fourth and 19 near midfield with six minutes to play and the Seraphs leading Rosamond, 31-29. A pass fell incomplete and Rosamond needed only six plays to produce the winning touchdown. “We didn’t want to risk a bad punt or a long return,” Mack said. . . . Senior Josh Nicassio and junior Dan Wasserman split time as Oak Park quarterback in the Eagles’ first three games, but Nicassio went it alone in a 31-21 loss to Nordhoff. Nicassio completed six of 14 passes for 101 yards and two touchdowns with an interception.

ALPHA

Village Christian was turned away without scoring four times inside the 20 during a 40-8 loss to Orange Lutheran. Quarterback Matt Pike, who had not thrown an interception before the game, threw two. . . . L.A. Baptist punted only once during a 21-12 loss to Fillmore. Untimely turnovers twice kept the Knights from scoring. They also twice came up short on fourth-down attempts. Running backs Jimmy Davis and Joel Stanton, who have not played because of injuries, might be ready to face St. Bonaventure on Friday. . . . The Kilpatrick defense fell apart in the second half of a 36-0 loss to Montclair Prep. The Mounties’ points all came after Mustang defensive star James Latu was ejected for unsportsmanlike conduct late in the second quarter.

HIGH DESERT

Jonathan Dickerson, who plays nose tackle for Paraclete, has 20 tackles--nine solo, including two sacks and four tackles for losses--in the past two games. “We don’t keep track of hurries or fumbles caused, but I know he’s caused at least three fumbles,” Coach Steve Hagerty said.

SANTA FE

Bell-Jeff allowed touchdowns runs of 80, 65 and 62 yards by Salesian in what Coach Doug Woodleif described as “the worst defensive performance” he’s seen in 11 years as head coach. The Guards lost, 44-2. Linebacker Sean Killian has rejoined the team after missing three games because of academic ineligibility. . . . The improvement of several young players has allowed St. Genevieve to reduce the number of its two-way players. The result: two consecutive victories. Gary Yamashita, a junior defensive back, has been particularly impressive. He has two interceptions.

Contributing: Mike Bresnahan, Dana Haddad, Steve Henson, Vince Kowalick, Michael Lazarus, Tris Wykes, Peter Yoon.