Opponent for CHS in opener up in the air

Carson High’s opening game was supposed to be against Clayton Valley Charter on Aug. 30.

That was before the Ugly Eagles were slapped with sanctions by the North Coast Section after holding three illegal practices and scrimmaging against a local junior college without permission, according to a story published recently by the Contra Costa Times.

Now, the Senators’ first-game opponent is an unknown.

A panel of three Diablo Valley Athletic League principals put Clayton Valley on probation for a year. Clayton Valley held three practices June 2-4 which was after school was out. However, NCS rules state summer practices can’t start until after the last CIF-sanctioned event is over. That was the state track meet on June 7, which meant that CV wasn’t supposed to practice until June 9.

“We thought when school was out we were allowed to start football,” CV coach Tim Murphy told the Contra Costa Times. “That’s what it’s been. When our school would get out June 14, it just naturally fell that way. I’m not trying to blame anybody but me. Bottom line is it comes down to me, but it was not something we were trying to sneak around or gain an advantage from.”

The punishment was six less practice days, meaning CV can’t start practice until Aug. 18, meaning it won’t have the required 14 practice days prior to the opener against Carson.

Carson coach Blair Roman said he understood that Clayton Valley may appeal the ruling. He also talked to officials from the Honor Bowl, who told Roman they are looking into substitute opponents should the ban against CV not be lifted.

Seems a little tough to punish the kids for a mistake by the head coach. Why not suspend Murphy for a couple of weeks where he can’t have any contact with the program, including games? It always seem like the kids pay for the mistakes of adults, and that’s not right.

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Adam Whitt, ex-Carson High and current University of Nevada baseball star, is off to a quick start in the Cape Cod League.

Whitt, who is playing for the Cotuit Kettleers, has appeared in four games. He’s pitched eight scoreless innings, allowing just three hits. He is 2-0 with a save. He has fanned four and walked four.

Whitt is expected to be the workhorse of the Nevada bullpen next season.

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De La Salle is close to finishing up details to be part of a high school football doubleheader at the 49ers’ new stadium in late August.

That will be a real thrill for all teams involved, and I would venture to guess you may see between 10- and- 15,000 attend the two games.

According to reports, the movie “When the Game Stands Tall” is expected to be released around Aug. 20.

The film chronicles De La Salle’s triumphs and tragedies. The team won 151 straight games, a record which probably will never be broken.