HS FOOT: Montana named starting QB at Oaks Christian

Well, son of a gun. Nick Montana, the child of NFL Hall of Famer Joe Montana, has won the coveted starting quarterback job at Oaks Christian High in Westlake Village, the announcement coming Saturday following six weeks of competition with Tony Macarena.

"It's an honor. I'm very excited," Montana said. "This is a great-looking team."

Both quarterbacks are transfers from national powers. Montana, a junior, arrived from Concord De La Salle, while Macarena, a senior, is from St. Bonaventure of Ventura.

"I just felt like Nick Montana was a little bit ahead as far as decision-making," Redell said. "Tony is disappointed. He's a competitive kid, but he's handling it well. He's still going to play, but Nick is going to start."

Oaks Christian has won five consecutive Southern Section championships.

Montana will be blessed with a group of top receivers, including Arizona State-bound tight end Christopher Coyle, who had 19 receptions for 264 yards and four touchdowns last year. Brian Owusu, who has been offered by Duke, also returns, along with Ryan Landseadel. Then there is freshman phenom Payton Jordan, who could immediately develop into one of the Tri-Valley League's brightest young stars.

Also returning is Malcolm Jones, the Daily News' preseason No. 1 running back. He rushed for more than 2,000 yards last season and also totaled 14 receptions for 290 yards and four touchdowns, including an 80-yarder.

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com