HS FOOT: Is Hart ready to make a comeback?

After more than two decades of football dominance that included five upper-division section titles over a six-year span from 1998 to 2003, Hart High of Newhall's football team has not won a playoff game over the past two seasons.

Last season, Hart finished second in the Foothill League to Valencia, a strong favorite to repeat because of the return of quarterback Alex Bishop and running back Steven Manfro, who combined to account for 75 touchdowns last year.

"It's not going to be easy because West Ranch is going to be better, Canyon is going to be better, Golden Valley has a lot of athletes and is going to be better, and Saugus is still rolling, too," said Herrington, who began spring drills last week.

Hart plans to build around John Cornelius, a linebacker who averaged 10.2 tackles per game last season.

Four different schools have won the Foothill League title over the past four seasons.

"Hart dominated for so long, and now we have parity," Saugus coach Jason Bornn said.

-- Gerry Gittelson