I have predicted for some time that the cumulative effect of the hollowing out of Hart High School from just over 3,000 students to slightly less than 2,000 caused by flattening student populations and the opening of Golden Valley and West Ranch High Schools would one day work to devastating effect on Hart’s programs, the most vaunted being its historically dominant football team. Has that day finally arrived?
On Friday, September 10, while the Valencia Vikings were putting a beatdown on historically strong Notre Dame of Sherman Oaks behind the strong performance of running back Steven Manfro, the Hart Indians were receiving a 42-7 public spanking at the hands of Palmdale High School and their sophomore quarterback. The Indians committed eight turnovers in the fiasco, a record in the 22 year Herrington era. Behind 21-7 the Indians seemed to give new meaning to the term “quit” letting Palmdale rack up three more scores. Coach Herrington seemed absolutely inconsolable.
My question to local sports wonks: Are the Indians really that awful or is Palmdale High suddenly ascendant? If this is a portend of things to come this could make the Foothill League quite punishing with the Indians vying with Golden Valley to come last. I will freely admit that I am a Hart “hater” since 1998 but this is just sad and embarassing.
Comments (40)