It’s a New Season but Same Fargas

Justin Fargas wore no cape, went nowhere near a phone booth and turned no airborne somersaults Thursday night, but the Notre Dame High senior did nothing but add to his perceived role as the area’s football superman.

Fargas, regarded by many as the nation’s top running back, led the Knights past Alemany, 43-15, by rushing for 272 yards and three touchdowns. In the second quarter alone, he sped to 113 yards and two touchdowns in seven carries.

“I’ve said before that [Fargas] should have skipped his senior year and gone on to college,” said Alemany Coach Jim Bonds, who made his head coaching debut. “I said it jokingly but I don’t think there’s much doubt he’s one of the top backs in the country.”

Fargas scored on runs of five, 76 and two yards and had other gains of 23 and 50 yards. Aided by a dominant performance from right guard Craig Johnson, right tackle Brandon Woods and tight end Joe Aragno, he consistently turned the corner ahead of his pursuers.

“I ran hard and I’m confident in the way we played,” Fargas said.

The Knights (1-0) led, 33-7, at halftime and scored on all five of their first-half drives. After driving 93 yards in 11 plays and taking a 7-0 lead on a five-yard Fargas run and a Juan Plascentia conversion, they let Alemany (0-1) drive 67 yards in nine plays and tie the score on an 18-yard run by freshman slotback Deandre Scott and an Eddie Cicoria conversion.

From there it was all Notre Dame, which quickly regained the lead with consecutive one-play drives for a 20-7 advantage en route to an easy victory.