St. Francis Welcomes Back Bonds

Jim Bonds, who took over a struggling Alemany High football program three years ago and guided the Indians to their only two playoff berths in the 1990s, has resigned and will replace Bill Redell as coach at St. Francis, the La Canada school announced Tuesday.

“He is proven as a head coach and knows the environment here,” Principal Tom Moran said of Bonds, a former St. Francis assistant. “He has a very bright football mind and good people skills.”

Bonds, 31, a former Hart High and UCLA quarterback, leaves Alemany on good terms.

“He’s a great person and a top-notch coach,” said Rev. Jim Anguiano, principal at Alemany.

It is a homecoming of sorts for Bonds. He spent four years as offensive coordinator at St. Francis under Redell, who resigned last month to become coach at the new Oaks Christian High in Westlake Village.

“I think the world of Jim,” Redell said. “In the four years I spent with him, he was an outstanding coach and outstanding person. I think it helps the program to have someone of Jim’s talent offensively who understands the passing game.”

Bonds’ record at Alemany was 19-16, including a Mission League championship in 1998. This past season, Alemany lost to Mater Dei in the Southern Section Division I quarterfinals.

Bonds inherits one of the most talented football rosters in the region. Returning for St. Francis are quarterback John Sciarra, who passed for a school-record 2,861 yards and 28 touchdowns; running back Matthew Milton, who rushed for 1,583 yards and scored 21 touchdowns; and receiver Brett Mitchell, who had 47 catches for 1,047 yards and 10 touchdowns.

St. Francis, coming off an 11-2 season, its best record in 35 years, is expected to be the prime challenger to defending Division III champion Hart. Bonds’ first coaching job was with Hart’s Herrington brothers.

“I was at St. Francis for four years and had a great experience,” Bonds said. “It was a job I felt I was being groomed for. I have many good friends there and I’m excited to go back.”

Bonds is highly regarded for his offensive knowledge. He helped turn quarterback Casey Clausen into a prep All-American this season and put together a balanced attack that featured running back De’Andre Scott.

Finding a replacement for Bonds at Alemany could be difficult. The Indians will play in the Division I Del Rey League for at least two more seasons.

Two of the Indians’ top returning players, quarterback Ricky Clausen and Scott, are expected to transfer. Clausen lives in the Granada Hills district but also has expressed interest in transferring to Taft. Scott’s final destination is uncertain.

One possible candidate to replace Bonds is former Crespi player Lance Fauria, who served as an assistant coach at Chaminade before becoming coach at Santa Maria St. Joseph this past season.

* HAGERTY RESIGNS: Paraclete coach to join J.W. North staff as an assistant. D10