SEMI-BREAKING NEWS: Former Claremont and Colony QB Matt Simko transfers to Chino Hills …

I labeled this semi-breaking news because a blogger in another thread let the cat out of the bag about this (nice work). But yes, former Claremont and Colony QB Matt Simko checked in Monday at Chino Hills and will be immediately thrust into the battle to replace graduating starter Andrew Chavez.

Simko, was being groomed to be Claremont’s starter last spring, but left the team at the outset of the summer passing circuit and transferred to Colony.

Simko threw for 1,893 yards and 11 TDs last season at Colony as the Titans won the Mt. Baldy League and advanced to the semis of the Central Division playoffs before losing to Rancho Verde.

Simko’s transfer to Chino Hills comes on the heels on the recent resignation of Colony head coach Matt Bechtel, who despite a rumor on this blog is not CURRENTLY on the coaching staff at Chino Hills.

“I would love for Coach Bechtel to come over here, but we’ve got to get a job for him,” Chino Hills coach Derek Bub said. “Would I love that? Yes, absolutely. But no, he’s not over here and there’s been nothing offered to him yet.”

Simko’s arrival may delay the coronation of Jordan Thropay, a 6-foot-1, 190-pound sophomore-to-be, who is thought to be one of the brightest QB prospects around.

At 6-foot-3 and blessed with a rocket arm, Simko could give the Huskies the type of experience they’ll need after losing Chavez, who started for the past three seasons.

Bub said that linebacker Zach Chadwick is also in the mix at quarterback. Whomever wins the job will have the luxury of throwing to one of the best receiving corps around, led by 6-foot-3 Jack Austin, who is currently not with the team while he awaits the end of track season.

Aram’s take: Well, that’s a biggie. As good as Thropay is said to be, Simko is polished and has experience in big-time games. When Bishop Amat is your first second opponent, something like an experienced QB is very key. If you’re sweating eligibility issues, don’t be. Bub reports that Simko and family have moved into the Chino Hills district and that should make him good to go. As for Bechtel, Bub seems to want him on he staff, but the job issue will be the decider. Bub is currently the team’s offensive coordinator. Chino Hills has been one of the whisper teams all offseason and getting Simko surely adds fuel to the fire.