Football: Servite is moving forward after distraction

In the age of social media, high school football teams had better be ready for distractions, and Anaheim Servite, expected to be one of the top teams this fall, faced plenty last week.

A standout player violated a team rule and the Internet message boards went into action. It played out in public even though few knew the whole truth.

Coach A.J. Gass said on Thursday the disciplinary matter “has been resolved” and Servite is moving forward.

More challenging will be how the Friars handle the competition for starting jobs. Coaches love the fact there’s enough talent on a team that positions are up for grab. Their job will be to convince players that lose out to keep working hard, because they’re one injury away from being in the lineup.

Servite is moving some defensive players around into new positions and also trying out some on offense. The Friars face a tough opener against Las Vegas Bishop Gorman, which has re-loaded with several talented transfer students.

It’s a long season ahead. Developing team chemistry and convincing players to have each other’s back will go a long ways to making it through the inevitable times of adversity and dealing with fans who have too much time on their hands to express opinions about high school players on message boards.

Twitter:@LATSondheimer