LJ FB: Coach's comments

Trenton Fudge in his kicking role against

Madison, with Carlton O'Neal holding (before

he sprained his ankle). (Photo by Ed Piper)

"At the beginning of the season, no one was talking about Trenton Fudge being a receiver," said La Jolla High football coach Jason Carter. "He has made some key catches."

Fudge, a kicker/punter last season as a sophomore, has bloomed as a junior in an additional role as a receiver. He had three catches for 93 yards against Madison Oct. 31, with a long one of 65 yards.

"We probably should have thrown to him more," said Carter, two days after the narrow loss. In responding to a question about which player has surprised him the most this year, he pointed out Fudge went over 100 yards receiving in the game against Fallbrook in the third week of the season.

Also on the receiver front, Carter said he is holding Carlton O'Neal out of the Nov. 7 Homecoming and Senior Night game against Kearny. "It's important, but not as important as (the CIF playoffs that follow)," he said. O'Neal suffered a left ankle injury in the second quarter of the game against the Warhawks. He did not return to the game.

Coach Jason Carter has heart-to-heart with

referee over disputed calls on catches

along the sideline in second quarter.

(Photo by Ed Piper)

"He controls the middle" (which is key), said the second-year coach.

How will Carter and his coaches make sure the Vikings don't go into the Kearny game overconfident, with Kearny winless in Western League play by a large margin? "They'll have an edge," the former NFL/Texas A&M player. "We respect every opponent. Kearny has good athletes. For some reason they haven't been winning."

Related to CIF seeding before the section meeting Saturday morning, Nov. 8, following the last regular season game, Carter said La Jolla could be a 6th or 7th seed. Seeds one through four receive a bye the first week of the playoffs, Nov. 14. (Last year, La Jolla had a bye as the number-four seed.) In the first round, the 5th seed plays the 12th; 6th seed plays 11th; 7th plays 10th; 8th plays 9th. Carter said he heard La Jolla could play Monte Vista, but it's all conjecture before Friday's games are played.


Copyright 2014 Ed Piper