Eagles pass on game

Roger Carlson

COSTA MESA - Estancia High’s nonleague football game at Aliso

Niguel, which was scheduled for Friday, but put off to today because of a

directive by Newport-Mesa School District Superintendant Robert Bardot

that no games would be played on Friday, a national day of prayer and

remembrance, will not be played at all.

“We’re preparing for Canyon (next week),” said Estancia Coach Jay

Noonan Friday afternoon.

“Aliso could only play at 1 p.m. (Saturday) and we have eight players

working, and another four injured. I just can’t justify asking them not

to work. And, I feel we’re honoring the moratorium and the spirit of the

President’s message.”

Aliso Niguel Athletic Director Mike Middlebrook said there was no

conflict in timing, that Aliso Niguel was willing to host the game at 7

p.m., or 1 p.m.

“Even at 7 I still can’t get them off work, or there at a reasonable

time,” said Noonan. “So the game is cancelled.”

CIF Southern Section official Rob Wigod stated in a communique to all

schools that there would be no penalty for any school which chose not to

play this week, which means Estancia and Aliso Niguel will each have

nine-game regular seasons. Estancia is 0-1 after a 35-12 loss to Magnolia

in last week’s opener. Aliso Niguel is 1-0, having defeated Capistrano

Valley in its opener, 34-13.

Elsewhere, today’s nonleague schedule finds Costa Mesa (1-0) at

Westminster (0-1) at 1 p.m., Troy (1-0-) and Corona del Mar (1-0) hook up

at Newport Harbor at 7 p.m., and Newport Harbor (0-0-1) and Marina (1-0)

face off at Westminster High, also at 7.