HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL NOTEBOOK

Last year, Eric Testan wasn’t a running back.

And as recently as two weeks ago, he wasn’t in the starting lineup.

But the junior tailback made nearly every big play for Oak Park, averaging 18.7 yards per carry and 30.8 yards per catch, in the Eagles’ 37-24 victory over El Segundo last week.

Testan, a backup quarterback last year who sat out most of the season because of injury, replaced an injured player the week before the El Segundo game and made the most of the opportunity.

Adam Messinger, a senior who was expected to start ahead of Testan, broke a wrist and is out until the start of Tri-Valley League play. But if Testan’s performance was any indication, the job is in good hands.

He rushed 13 times for 243 yards and one touchdown and had four catches for 123 yards, including scoring plays of 43 and 57 yards.

“I kind of went in not really expecting a whole lot because it was my first game,” Testan said. “I knew Adam was out and I was just trying to live up to what he could do.

“If I could have the game I had last week every time, I’ll be really happy.”

So will Oak Park.

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St. Bonaventure had plenty to celebrate after beating Paraclete, 38-11, last week.

The Seraphs lost their previous two games against the Spirits, winners of back-to-back Southern Section titles.

St. Bonaventure’s experienced offensive line paved the way for sophomore running back Lorenzo Booker and protected quarterback Michael Spargo, and its defense stymied Paraclete.

With three-year starters Adrian Ayala (6-6, 300 pounds), Matt Bouvet (6-0, 235), Jack Emerick (6-0, 210), James Bonelli (6-4, 250) and Vic Tiku (6-4, 245) clearing the way, Booker ran for 145 yards and three touchdowns in 31 carries.

Spargo completed 11 of 17 passes for 156 yards and one touchdown, and rushed for another score.

“All the things we thought we’d do well, we did,” Coach Jon Mack said. “It was a great start. We’re really happy we were able to do so well against such a quality team.”

St. Bonaventure will face struggling Channel Islands at 7 tonight at Ventura High.

Channel Islands was 1-9-1 last year, including a 31-6 loss to St. Bonaventure. The Raiders opened the season last week with a 40-14 loss to Harvard-Westlake.