Brignac Denied Varsity Eligibility

A three-member Southern Section appeal panel voted 2-1 Thursday to deny a bid by Westlake High football receiver Michael Brignac to gain immediate varsity eligibility.

Brignac, a junior, transferred to Westlake from Reseda last March under open enrollment. Southern Section Commissioner Dean Crowley decided during the summer to restrict Brignac’s eligibility to junior varsity for one year after Reseda officials made allegations of undue influence.

Rick Rossini, assistant principal at Reseda, alleged Thursday that Charles Wasserman, the father of Westlake quarterback Zac Wasserman, was acting “as an agent” for Westlake High.

Linda Boullard, Brignac’s mother, denied that anyone influenced her decision to have Michael transfer to Westlake.

She said she has known the Wassermans for more than five years and that her son has been car-pooling to Westlake with Zac since the transfer.

Brignac can still appeal to state commissioner Jack Hayes. He will be eligible to compete in varsity sports effective March 25.

Set for kickoff: Donnie Whittemore, a top kicker at Taft who quit the team in August, has rejoined the team. Whittemore made five of seven field goals last season.

Injured: Newbury Park senior receiver Tyler Johnson, who had 42 receptions last season, will miss at least one week because of an injury to his right thumb. Johnson’s thumb was crushed between two helmets during practice and required several stitches under his nail.

Change of schedule: Valley College will play at Bakersfield on Sept. 25. The game was rescheduled from Sept. 26 because of a conflict involving Bakersfield’s stadium.

BOXING

Return to ring: Heavyweight Lance Whitaker of Granada Hills will fight for the first time in more than five months against an opponent to be determined Oct. 8 at Kansas City.

Whitaker, undefeated with 14 knockouts in 16 professional fights, suffered a deep cut above his left eye May 1 during his sixth-round knockout of Earl Butler.

The fight will be part of a nationally televised program by Fox Sports Net.