West Covina head coach Mike Maggiore said Monday morning that the school won’t challenge the transfer of running back Kevin Thomas, who left West Covina for Northview earlier this offseason, on grounds that the move was athletically motivated.

According to the CIF website, Thomas’ eligibility is still up in the air while CIF awaits “former school response”. West Covina not challenging the transfer would be clear a major hurdle for Thomas to be eligible to start the season. However, he still needs to satisfy the valid change of address portion of the CIF transfer rules.

Thomas, a senior, rushed for 780 yards and seven touchdowns for the Bulldogs last season. He would fill a serious void at running back for Northview and give the Vikings a scary trio of skill players along with QB Steven Comstock and all-purpose threat Antuwan Ayers.

Northview opens the season on Aug. 25 against Charter Oak at Covina District Field.

… as for West Covina, the Bulldogs aren’t exactly hurting at running back. Henry Martinez, a 1,000-yard rusher from two seasons ago, is back from an injury that cost him his junior season.