Sage shifting once again

The injury bug has been flying around the Sage Hill School football team all year.

Just when the Lightning thought they’d squashed it, it has come back to life for tonight’s Academy League game against Brethren Christian, to be played at 7 at Ocean View High in Huntington Beach.

Sage Hill (3-3, 1-0 in league), ranked No. 9 in the CIF Southern Section Northeast Division, had its best game of the year, in a 37-8 win over Linfield Christian on Oct. 13. But several key players were hurt. Starting receiver and cornerback Michael Higgins, a junior, broke his collarbone.

Starting defensive end Craig Jackson, a sophomore, will be out this week with a broken thumb. And, sophomore Troy Astorino, who would be first in line to replace Higgins at receiver, is out with a sprained ankle.

“We’re low in numbers,” Sage Hill Coach Tom Monarch said. “But all it takes is 11 to win a game, as far as I know.”

The Lightning aren’t quite that depth-challenged, but should face a tough test against Brethren Christian (2-4, 0-1) and the Warriors’ athletic senior quarterback Derrick Connor.

Connor is as comfortable taking off downfield as he is in the pocket — he has nearly twice as many rushes this season (91) as pass attempts (54). But the Lightning were able to keep him in check during their 27-16 win last season, holding him to seven rushes for minus-one yards.

“He’s got a great arm, but he’s also probably one of the best backs in the league,” Monarch said. “You won’t shut him down completely, but if we keep him in check we have a good shot at winning.”

The injuries to Higgins and Astorino will also be felt on defense. Monarch said he will play Jordan Spencer at cornerback and Tom Multari at strong safety.

Braden Ross, who played linebacker against Linfield Christian, will slide over to cornerback tonight.

“Brethren tends to try to attack the flats and the outside area in its running game,” Monarch said. “You need strong corners against them, to almost be like outside linebackers.”

Ross, a senior, has been about the only offensive constant for the Lightning this season. In Sage Hill’s six games he has 34 catches for 583 yards and three touchdowns, an over 17 yards-per-catch average. He has gone over 100 yards receiving three times.

But Monarch said he’s been most impressed with Ross’ defense. That was highlighted last week, when he scored on a 40-yard interception return for a TD.

“I’m equally proud of him defensively,” he said. “He’s also become a leader on defense; he’s all over the field. He’s just become quite a football player.”

Monarch added that he expects the Warriors to be fired up. Sage has only beaten Brethren once in the last five years — the 27-16 win last season.

“They’re always a dogfight, year in and year out,” Monarch said.