Michael Chan’s almost-certain ascension as San Marino High School’s all-time leading rusher will have to wait a week as the Titans’ Rio Hondo League opener against Blair – scheduled for a 7:00 p.m. kickoff this evening at Titan Stadium– was forfeited yesterday by the Vikings.
Officially, San Marino gets a 2-0 victory, but the team also gets another week of inactivity, probably not the best consequence as the Titans are coming off a bye week and haven’t played a live down of football since Sept. 23 in Bell Gardens. San Marino is scheduled to visit Temple City on Friday, Oct. 14.
Rumors of Blair’s potential inability to field a squad first surfaced three weeks ago. The San Marino High School athletic department immediately began a search for an opponent to fill the slot. When asked two weeks ago about the possibility of a forfeit, San Marino head Coach Mike Hobbie said “[Blair] exchanged film with us. That’s a good sign.”
In high school football, opponents routinely trade video as a courtesy to allow for advance scouting. Hobbie’s comment indicated Blair’s significant intention to play the game. Principal Mary Johnson attended a Rio Hondo League meeting last week and said there was no indication Blair was going to forfeit the game.
Chan, a senior, needs just 29 yards to supplant Bert McKee, who compiled 2,349 yards on 392 carries while playing for the Titans in 1977 and 1978. Chan has 393 carries for 2,321 yards and four regular season games remaining in his career.
Still want to see some football today? San Marino’s freshmen host Crescenta Valley this afternoon at 3:30 p.m. and the Titan junior varsity welcomes Rancho Cucamonga to Titan Stadium tomorrow, Fri., Oct. 7 at 3:00 p.m.
