Borchard Bails Out Stanford

Joe Borchard didn’t have time to be nervous.

With the score tied, 34-34, and less than a minute to play Saturday, the Stanford backup quarterback was on the sideline watching his team drive downfield against North Carolina.

Then starting quarterback Todd Husak was knocked out of the game.

“As a backup quarterback, your job is to be ready when your number is called,” said Borchard, a former Camarillo High standout. “I ran to get my helmet and the next thing I know, I’m on the field with a play.”

The play called for him to roll right and look for an open receiver. Borchard saw an open field to his left and took off running instead.

He ran 41 yards to the four-yard line, setting up a game-winning field goal with no time left.

Borchard is accustomed to critical situations as an outfielder in the Cardinals’ organization. But this was his first significant playing time at quarterback for Stanford.

*

There were no such heroics for Keith Heyward-Johnson. But then, there never are when Heyward-Johnson plays at the Coliseum.

Two years ago, playing defensive back for Taft High, he had a long pass slip through his fingers and land in the grasp of San Pedro receiver Tim O’Donnell, who ran 43 yards for the winning touchdown in the City Section 4-A Division championship game.

Returning to the scene of the crime Saturday night--playing for Oregon State this time--Heyward-Johnson was burned by USC receiver Larry Parker for an 47-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter of a 40-20 Trojan victory.

Van Nuys alumnus Jose Cortez kicked field goals of 28 and 33 yards for the Beavers.

*

At Arizona, quarterback Keith Smith continues to post impressive numbers while battling Ortege Jenkins for the starting job.

The Newbury Park alumnus improved his standing against Iowa on Saturday, completing seven of eight passes for 167 yards, with one interception. His 44-yard touchdown pass to Dennis Northcutt in the fourth quarter sealed a 35-11 victory.

*

Things have also been looking up for Ronney Jenkins.

The former Hueneme standout was suspended from the Brigham Young team last season for committing an honor code violation. Rather than transfer, Jenkins stayed in school and has returned at tailback.

His 171 yards in the Cougars’ upset against Arizona State two weeks ago were a career best, earning him Western Athletic Conference Pacific Division offensive player of the week. Saturday, Jenkins was held to 36 yards in 12 carries in a 20-10 loss to Washington.