Status of Beckman's star running back Jeff Kim not clear

Beckman's leading rusher from last season, Jeff Kim, has sat out the last three Patriot football games for unspecified reasons.

Kim isn't hurt, as far as we know. There has been a lot of speculation as to what happened to the senior running back.

He wasn't in the lineup again Thursday night when Beckman took on Estancia. The Patriots improved to 3-2 with a 12-10 victory over the Eagles.

First-year Beckman Coach Ken Mushinskie has apparently been told by school officials that he can't say much about what happened to Kim.

We asked the coach after Thursday's game if Kim had been suspended. His response was:

"He is active on the roster, but right now he is just practicing."

It's not clear whether Kim will play next week when Beckman plays Woodbridge in the Pacific Coast League opener Oct. 15 at Irvine Stadium.

We're guessing that Kim will be in the lineup but that decision may not have been made yet by school officials.

Assistant principal Sean Diaz was also at the game Thursday and indicated he couldn't say anything about Kim's status either.

Kim played in the first two Beckman games, rushing for 177 yards and three touchdowns.

If the Patriots expect to make a return trip to the CIF-Southern Division finals, they most likely need Kim, who rushed for 1,715 yards and 18 touchdowns last year.

We will keep you posted on this story if we receive any more details.

BIG TURN-AROUND FOR CREAN LUTHERAN

After going winless the past two years, Crean Lutheran's football team is off to a 4-0 start and excited about its first homecoming game Friday night at 7.

Portable lights have been brought in for the game with Sherman Indian. Kick-off is at 7 p.m.

"It been an interesting journey going from 0-19 to 4-0 this season," said Coach Dave Krystowiak. "Our homecoming is this week and I know that the school is really excited both about our success and homecoming."

The team, which is in its third year of varsity competition, is led by running backs Chasen McNaughton (67 carries, 487 yards, 7 TDs) and Blake Cox (47 carries, 322 yards, 4 TDs).

Quarterbacks Paul Sardo and Adam Barrett have combined for 289 yards and three touchdowns.

"Defensively, a bright spot has been defensive tackle Charles Jones," Krystowiak said.

Jones has 15 tackles, four sacks and two forced fumbles.

For more on the Saints, please see the ocvarsity.com story.

UNI COACH'S FATHER REMEMBERED

University's football team held a moment of silence before Friday night's game with San Juan Hills for the father of Trojan assistant coach Chris Conlin.

Kenneth John Conlin, age 90, of Whittier, died on Aug. 19. He owned Conlin Brothers Sporting Goods in Whittier for 43 years.

The Trojans went on to defeat San Juan Hills, 28-14.

University hosts Laguna Hills Friday night.