Whieldon Leaves Over Conflict

Casey Whieldon, a third-year starting quarterback at Orange Lutheran, left the team last week and withdrew from school.

Whieldon said his father, Matthew, removed him from the team because of ongoing philosophical differences they had with Orange Lutheran Coach Jim Kunau.

“It’s a bummer,” said Whieldon, a senior who threw for 981 yards and eight touchdowns in eight games this season, helping the Vanguards go undefeated in their first season in the Empire League.

Whieldon, who played basketball as a sophomore, said he hopes to begin classes Wednesday at Orange El Modena, but doesn’t plan to pursue athletic eligibility until this winter.

He expects to continue his football career at the community college level next fall, most likely at Fullerton.

Orange Lutheran, seeded second in the Southern Section Division VI playoffs, replaced Whieldon with sophomore Seth Blackamore, who completed 12 of 15 passes for 115 yards and three touchdowns Friday in a 45-14 opening-round victory over Irvine.

Blackamore, in only his third start this season, also rushed for 81 yards in eight carries.

Ironically, El Modena will host Orange Lutheran in a quarterfinal game Friday.