INJURY UPDATES: QB conundrums abound at Bishop Amat, Glendora and St. Francis

dgar
Not done. (Damian Garcia)

HAGERTY MUM ON WHETHER IT’S RUIZ OR GARCIA

It’s going to be a interesting week of practice for Bishop Amat as it prepares for Friday’s Pac-5 quarterfinals game against JSerra.

The Lancers have a little bit of a decision to make at QB where juniors Damian Garcia and Ryder Ruiz are both bidding to start. And if you’re looking for any insight as to what might happen on Friday, Amat coach Steve Hagerty has two words for you (and me): NO COMMENT.

Okay, good lookin’ out, Coach.

Anyway, Garcia is back. He’s made that very public by posting a doctor’s note on his Twitter account which says he’s cleared for full contact. Meanwhile, Ruiz has been so good (419 yards and 4 TDs vs. Lakewood) that some people don’t want to mess with a good thing.

Perhaps both guys will play … and I’m not talking about the kind of situation where one throws a bad pass and the other starts to warm up. I’m talking about one guy plays the first half, the other guy plays the second half.

For coaches, QB battles suck.

finkrun
Maybe done. (Matt Fink)

FINK GETTING CLOSER TO RETURN

Glendora quarterback Matt Fink continues to receive treatment on his injured ankle and has an outside shot to play on Friday against Colony in the quarterfinals of the Central Division playoffs. Tartans coach Jerry Lewallen is considering his star quarterback at a game-time decision.

Fink injured himself in the first half of Glendora’s loss to South Hills two weeks ago. He missed last week’s win over Summit, but may have a chance of playing against Colony if his rehab continues to go well. If not, Ryan DeGuzman will start.

“I wouldn’t say he’s not coming back,” Lewallen said. “His ankle is much better today than it was a week ago. With ankles, you just don’t know until you go out and test it. We’re not at a point yet where we want to put him on the practice field and go test it. I’m letting his physical therapist handle it.”

jmart
Done. (Jeremiah Martin)

KNIGHTS’ MARTIN LOST FOR SEASON

St. Francis quarterback Jeremiah Martin is out for the season after breaking the collarbone on his non-throwing side in last Friday’s win over Mayfair in the first round of the Southeast Division playoffs. Sophomore Miles Bryant is likely to start Friday’s quarterfinals game against La Serna.

Martin was hoping to put the finishing touches on a breakout season in which the first-year starter had thrown 29 touchdown passes and no interceptions in leading the Knights to an 11-0 record. He suffered the injury while scrambling toward the sideline on St. Francis’ first drive of the third quarter. The score at the time was 35-14, Knights.

“I feel terrible for Jeremiah,” St. Francis coach Jim Bonds said. “It’s a storybook season that he’s had. He exceeded all expectations the coaches had for him.”

Will Martin’s absence cost St. Francis a chance at winning the Southeast? Bryant is thought to be a legit prospect and we all know Bonds is the QB Whisperer.