San Dimas, which originally said it would not challenge running back Jake Payton’s transfer to Upland, has had a change of heart and will dispute the senior standout’s move to Upland on grounds of athletic motivation and undue influence.

“We had a change of heart, it’s a group decision,” Saints football coach Bill Zernickow said. “My opinion is that you can’t say nothing if something happened.”

Zernickow declined to discuss the matter further.

Payton was a Tribune All-Area running back and Valle Vista League MVP last season after rushing for 1,628 yards and 22 touchdowns as a junior. Payton left San Dimas for Upland at the end of the school year and has been participating in summer practices and passing competitions with the Scots.

Payton is expected to be Upland’s featured back this season.

Aram’s take: This just got real interesting. Now San Dimas will have to show there was athletic motivation and/or undue influence. How they go about doing that, I don’t know. Payton also has to be ready to prove that there wasn’t. Stay tuned …