Madjid, at 6-3 1/2, 290, Still His Mama’s Boy

A smorgasbord of notes, quotes and opinions from across the San Fernando Valley and its surrounding communities:

All those mothers who are afraid to let their children play football, take a lesson from Diane Madjid, mother of 6-foot-3 1/2, 290-pound tackle Ashcon Madjid of L.A. Baptist.

In a reversal of stereotypes, Madjid’s mother urged her son to play football in high school while his father worried about the ramifications.

“I had played soccer all my life,” Madjid said. “My mom thought it would be all right. My dad was real skeptical. He said, ‘What happens if he gets hurt?’ My mom goes, ‘Go out there and hit someone.’ ”

Madjid has been hitting and blocking all season for L.A. Baptist (8-1), ranked No. 1 in Southern Section Division XI.

“He dominates at times,” Knight Coach Mark Bates said.

Diane comes from a football family. Her cousin is Andy Heck, a former All-American at Notre Dame and a tackle with the Chicago Bears.

Ashcon, a junior, dreams of following Heck to Notre Dame.

“It’s great motivation,” he said.

As for who would win a battle in the trenches between Ashcon and his mother, Diane said, “Hey, it doesn’t matter how big he gets. I can take him down with one look.”. . .

Crespi outfielder Andy Campanella has signed a letter of intent with UC Santa Barbara. Campanella is a two-time All-Mission League pick. . . .

Former Northridge Little Leaguer Peter Tuber has launched a baseball comeback after spending the past two years playing his guitar.

He’s a 6-4 junior pitcher at Granada Hills High. In a recent winter game, he struck out his former Northridge teammate, Matt Fisher of Chatsworth.

Tuber’s hair had grown to his shoulders, but he got a haircut and seems excited about playing baseball again.

“I just decided to do it,” he said.

Tuber played for Northridge’s 1994 team that made it to the Little League World Series. Then he gave up the sport for music. He still loves to play his guitar. Perhaps he can become the next Jack McDowell. . . .

Granada Hills has picked up an outstanding freshman baseball player, Bobby Baca, who transferred last week from Taft. . . .

It didn’t take long for 6-7 freshman Scott Borchart to make an impact in basketball at Chaminade. The 14-year-old is penciled in as a starter for a Chaminade team that ranks right behind Simi Valley among the region’s best teams.

“He’s got great footwork in the post,” Chaminade Coach Jeff Young said.

Borchart’s development has allowed Young to move 6-5 Scott Long to a wing position. With Borchart, Long, 6-6 Justin Beach and 6-10 J.J. Todd, the Eagles have one of the region’s tallest teams. . . .

What kind of effect will the 35-second clock have on boys’ basketball this season? It will force coaches to work harder to make sure their teams play well in the final four minutes of close games.

“It will put more emphasis on good shot selection,” San Fernando Coach Mick Cady said. “In the old days, if you had a five-point lead with three minutes to go, you’re shooting free throws. Now you have to shoot [the ball].” . . .

Watch out for Cleveland freshman guard Schquay Brignac. She’s the sister of Junior Brignac, who played three sports for the Cavaliers. She’s quick, aggressive and can shoot. . . .

All-City pitcher John Ennis of Monroe has decided not to play basketball this season. The 6-5 Ennis averaged 10.0 points and 6.9 rebounds as a junior. . . .

Asked if any teams can beat Simi Valley in basketball this season, Westlake Coach Gary Grayson said, “Oak Hill Academy, Dominguez, St. John Prospect.”. . .

College football recruiters should mark down the name Ryan Morris. He’s a 6-2, 250-pound sophomore nose guard at Crescenta Valley. He has the size and strength to dominate in the coming years. . . .

Trying to interview Notre Dame tailback Justin Fargas after a game requires lots of perseverance. Little kids surround him like a celebrity as they seek autographs. Fargas’ friends never let him get a big head, though. “You got to practice that autograph,” one friend kidded him Friday night.

Whatever college lands Fargas isn’t just picking up the best running back in the land. It’s getting a good person, which is just as important. . . .

How many major-league All-Stars show up at their former high school to offer words of encouragement to the next generation of athletes?

Jeff Cirillo, third baseman for the Milwaukee Brewers, was at Providence High in Burbank on Saturday giving a talk to the school’s basketball players.

Cirillo, who grew up in North Hollywood and lives in Seattle during the off-season, is probably the most excited Brewer about the team switching to the National League. Now he gets to play at Dodger Stadium a couple times a year. . . .

*

Eric Sondheimer’s local column appears Wednesday and Sunday. He can be reached at (818) 772-3422.