A SPECIAL REPORT: VALLEY BOWL

Shut Out

It doesn’t often happen, but this season not a single Southern California college football team will play in a bowl game. Fans will have to root for hometown players who have gone off to school elsewhere. . . . Fortunately, the Valley is represented in a number of top games.

Hook ‘Em

Probably the best-known Valley player in college football is Pat Fitzgerald, an All-American tight end for the University of Texas. . . . Fitzgerald ventured to the Lone Star state after starring at Agoura High and Valley College. He will play his final college game when the Longhorns take on Penn State in the Fiesta Bowl on New Year’s Day.

Old Hat

Stanford’s Eliel Swinton, on the other hand, has probably grown accustomed to playing football in the month of December. The Montclair Prep alumnus is going to his second bowl game in as many seasons. . . . Last year, Swinton had six tackles in a 19-13 Liberty Bowl loss to East Carolina. Having played all four defensive backfield positions for the Cardinals, he will start at strong safety against Michigan State in the Sun Bowl on Dec. 31.