HIGH SCHOOL NOTEBOOK

Tony Ortiz of Lancaster has been a bright spot in an otherwise trying 2-5 season.

Ortiz, a junior who has rushed for 659 yards, played a pivotal role in both Eagle victories.

Last week, he intercepted three passes and rushed for a touchdown in a 28-8 victory over Palmdale.

The 5-7, 160-pound running back-defensive back made a key tackle on a late two-point conversion to preserve a 21-20 victory over Chaminade on Sept. 10. Ortiz rushed for 177 yards and two touchdowns in that game.

“He’s played his heart out all year and been a real factor,” Coach Ray DeShane said. “Tony has come through in a lot of crucial situations this season.”

*

Receiver Travis Morse of Palmdale, sidelined by a neck injury last week, is expected back in the lineup Friday night against Quartz Hill.

The absence of Morse, a receiver who the Golden League 100-meter championship last season, forced the Falcons to shuffle their lineup last week against Lancaster.

Quarterback Terry Furlow, who leads the league in passing yardage, replaced Morse at receiver and Michael Johnson took over at quarterback.

Furlow will move back to quarterback this week.

“It’s been a chore trying to fill in some spots and get guys healthy,” Coach Jeff Williams said.