HS FOOT: Recruiting allegations at Alemany High

Several local high school football coaches are considering asking the Southern Section to investigate possible recruiting violations by Alemany High and its principal, Frank Ferry.

Saugus coach Jason Bornn, Canyon coach Chris Varner and Valencia coach Larry Muir have complained over the phone to Southern Section commissioner Rob Wigod. Muir said he is attending a meeting today to decide whether or not to file an official complaint, and he believes the other two will file, too, if possible.

There is also a district meeting scheduled soon to discuss the William S. Hart district filing against Alemany, according to Bornn.

Southern Section representative Thom Simmons said he is aware about the allegations, but nothing is official.

At issue is a group meeting at Alemany in December, consisting of 17 youth-football players from Santa Clarita and their families. Bornn and Muir said Thursday that the meeting constituted undue influence.

"I dont agree with it. I just don't like it," Muir said. "I think we're going to lose kids, and obviously we don't want that to happen."

Ferry and Alemany head coach Dean Herrington said Thursday they have done nothing wrong, and Ferry said he had even called Southern Section commissioner Jim Staunton beforehand to warn him about possible future complaints.

Ferry also said the hiring Tuesday of longtime Hart of Newhall defensive coordinator Rick Herrington, Dean's older brother, has other programs worried.

"When Alemany was going 0-10 and 2-8, everyone loved us," Ferry said. "Now I have two of the best coaches in California on one staff, and every one is upset we're getting interest from eighth-grade kids, not just from Santa Clarita but the San Fernando Valley, Simi, Antelope Valley, all over."

Bornn sent a mass e-mail Thursday urging anyone with information about Alemany wrongdoing to contact the Southern Section.

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com