Transfer Gives Hart Runaway Contender

Hart High’s chances of winning a third consecutive Southern Section Division III championship improved considerably Monday when section Commissioner Jim Staunton cleared the way for sophomore running back Randy Bacon to make his varsity debut Friday against Canyon.

Bacon, a transfer from San Jose Oak Grove, has practiced all season with the Indians’ scout team while waiting to gain eligibility. His addition could greatly improve a Hart rushing attack that hasn’t fully recovered since losing Tim Gregory to a knee injury.

“He’s a great athlete,” offensive coordinator Dean Herrington said of Bacon. “He has good speed and good hands. He’s had more long runs against our first-string defense than anyone.”

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Receiver Joey Rodriguez of Granada Hills dislocated his left shoulder last week against El Camino Real and will miss a minimum of two weeks, co-coach Tom Harp said.

Granada Hills (6-2, 2-1 in league play) hosts Birmingham (8-0, 3-0) on Friday night in a critical West Valley League game.

Asked how Birmingham has been able to turn around its program so quickly, Harp said, “When they got a taste of victory, it put them on a mission. They have such good athletes.”