El Toro’s McCarthy to Be Out 3-4 Weeks

Chris McCarthy, El Toro High School wide receiver, will be sidelined three to four weeks after breaking four bones in his back last week in the Chargers’ 10-3 victory over Villa Park.

McCarthy sustained the injury after catching a pass in the first quarter. Following the catch, McCarthy was spun around by a defender and then was hit in the back by another defender’s helmet, according to Bob Johnson, El Toro coach.

“We thought it was just a bad bruise and kept him out for the remainder of the game,” Johnson said. “When he had X-rays taken, it showed he had broken four small bones in his back. He isn’t wearing a brace or anything. . . . The doctor told him to just take it easy.”

McCarthy was the second-leading receiver in the county after two games with 12 receptions for 124 yards. He caught 31 passes for 509 yards in 10 games as a junior.

McCarthy’s loss is the second major injury to a key player for the Chargers, ranked No. 1 in Orange County this season. Two weeks ago, quarterback Bret Johnson strained a ligament in his right knee, had arthroscopic surgery and is expected to miss at least one more game.