HS FOOT: Grace Brethren's Leffler is back ... finally

It's been a long wait for Max Leffler, a top small-schools quarterback at Grace Brethren who as a junior passed for 3,372 yards with 40 touchdowns (24 passing, 16 rushing),

Because Leffler was ejected in the final game last year -- a playoff loss to Ontario Christian -- he was forced to sit out the season opener last week. Per CIF rules, anyone ejected must sit out the next game, too, even if the punishment has to carry from one season to the next.

Without Leffler, Grace Brethren lost its opener 24-16 to Brentwood.

The senior returns Friday at Flintridge Prep.

"Max is the real deal," said first-year coach Josh Henderson, who of course had nothing to do with whatever happened last season.

-- Gerry Gittelson