Dominguez Wins but Loses Thomas

One of the country’s most sought-after prep football players left the field Friday night to gasps, rather than the usual approving roars.

Dominguez High quarterback Jason Thomas, the 1996 Southern Section Division II player of the year, was taken from Mays Field by ambulance after badly dislocating his left ankle a minute into the third quarter of the Dons’ 28-10 nonleague victory over host Antelope Valley.

Thomas, who was taken to Antelope Valley Hospital Medical Center, led Dominguez to the 1996 section title and had been hotly pursued by USC, Arizona, Florida State and Michigan.

“That’s a big part of our team,” said Dominguez Coach Keith Donerson, whose team meets powerhouse Long Beach Poly next week. “It’s going to hurt to have to play without him.”

Said Antelope Valley Coach Brent Newcomb: “I’ve been coaching since 1965, and he is one of the best I’ve seen. I hope he can come back.”

The victory was the 18th in a row for the top-ranked Dons (4-0), who led, 14-2, when Thomas went down with 11:05 left in the third quarter.

Antelope Valley (2-2), the 1994 Division champion, lost for the second time to a championship club. The Antelopes fell to Nevada state champion Las Vegas Western, 12-9, on opening night.

Thomas finished five for 10 for 64 yards, including a 29-yard touchdown pass to Everett Smith. Smith eventually replaced Thomas at quarterback.

Antelope Valley quarterback Justin Mobley scrambled for a 26-yard touchdown run in the third quarter, cutting the margin to 20-10, but Dominguez’s David Relf (84 yards in four carries) answered with a 60-yard touchdown run for a 28-10 game.

Dominguez, which beat Antelope Valley during the regular season and in the semifinals last season, outgained the Antelopes, 460-155.