Bishop Amat dealing with two key injuries …

The last thing the Bishop Amat High School football team needs as it prepares for its Aug. 28 showdown with Mater Dei is a bad injury situation for two key players, but that’s exactly what the Lancers have.

Standout receiver Trevon Sidney hasn’t practiced yet during fall camp due to a hamstring injury, nor has All-Area defensive end Andrew Vasquez, who is still recovering from a knee injury suffered in the final game of last season against Corona Centennial.

It’s unclear how Sidney was injured, but the USC-bound receiver appears to be a better bet than Vasquez to be on the field against Mater Dei.

“He’s rehabbing it and trying to get better,” Hagerty said. “Hamstrings are weird. I think he should be back. I’m sure he’ll be ready to play, but if he’s not, we won’t play him.”

The outlook for Vasquez is less clear. The senior defensive end provides Amat with a strong pass rush off the edge as evidenced by his 65 tackles and seven sacks last season.

“It’s not healing that well, so he’s just taking it a day at a time,” Hagerty said. “We’re going to miss him for sure, so hopefully he’ll get back healthy and ready to play. He’s a great kid. He’s out there everyday and he’s trying to help in any way he can. If anyone can come back, it’s him. We’ll see.”

Being a full strength for the Mater Dei would sure benefit Amat as all eyes in the Southland are sure to be on the Aug. 28 showdown in Santa Ana. Bishop Amat is one of the favorites to win the Pac-5 Division this season and Mater Dei isn’t far behind in the rankings.