…. Whittier High School’s two-run rally in the seventh inning came within a run of upsetting co-Del Rio League leader El Rancho Wednesday, losing 3-2. The Cardinals came back Friday and finished the job with a 5-4 upset that knocked the Dons out of the league lead when Jovany Avila homered in the seventh inning. Whittier already had earned the stamp of legitimacy with an upset of La Serna earlier this season.
…. While El Rancho and La Serna have stolen most of the spotlight in the DRL’s baseball race, California has quietly kept pace. With El Rancho’s loss to Whittier and the Condors’ come-from-behind, then-win-it-in-the-seventh, 6-5 victory over Santa Fe Friday, California is tied for second with two games this week against La Serna. Condors are at La Serna Wednesday, at home Friday.
…. While Santa Fe is struggling, Whittier can ill-afford to look past the Chiefs this week. The upsets of La Serna and El Rancho will lose their luster, in terms of the title chase, should Santa Fe put a dent in the Cardinals’ playoff hopes.
…. And how about Whittier’s softball program. The Cardinals get nine hits off Holly Consterdine, arguably the area’s best pitcher, in a 6-3 loss.
No doubt about it, they, too, have earned their ‘legitimate’ stamp.
…. A football note: Pioneer reportedly has just fewer than 1,700 students this school year. In some circles, it is being said the Titans’ numbers could drop to fewer than 1,400, maybe even lower for 2008-2009.
If so, it will make a dramatic hit on the athletic programs in terms of competitive capability.
The open enrollment opportunity allowing freshmen to transfer is being cited.
Here’s hoping the major migration, or is defection the better word, doesn’t come to pass.
The Titans’ athletic programs deserve better.