BACKING SUCESSS HERRINGTON HAS MADE HART AN ANNUAL POWER.

Byline: Gerry Gittelson Staff Writer

Plenty of big-name football players have come through Hart High over the years, as he past four quarterbacks - Matt Moore, Kyle Matter, Kyle Boller and David Neill - all received Division I college scholarships. But at this level, great coaches make great players, not the other way around.

Head coach Mike Herrington, in his 14th year, is a humble man who is probably the last one in the world to take credit for Hart's four consecutive Southern Section championships (and five overall) since his arrival. But Herrington's tireless work ethic and voluminous preparation have as much to do with the team's success as its fancy passing offense, big-budget booster support or any other factor of conceivable importance.

He has dedicated his life to the team, working 100-hour weeks from spring through mid-winter on a yearly basis.

As a result, Hart is among California's most successful teams, and a victory over Mission Viejo in the Southern Section Division II final at 2 p.m. Saturday at Edison Field in Anaheim will give Hart a historic fifth consecutive upper-division title - a feat unmatched in section history dating back to 1914.

But, of course, Herrington swears it's just another week, just another game. Business as usual.

``I don't even think about what's happened in the past. I can't,'' Herrington said. ``Maybe if we win, after it's over, we can sit back and relish what we've accomplished. But until then, there isn't anything to talk about.''

Since arriving in 1989, Herrington has an .864 winning percentage. The Indians have a 58-game Foothill League winning streak and 12 consecutive league titles, and they're 34-0-1 over the past 35 games.

Meanwhile, Herrington's approach hasn't changed since he started. He always has stressed the simple value of, ``Hard works pays off.'' And he's as genuinely humble and unassuming as he's ever been.

``Basically, all I've tried to do is instill a work ethic for the kids, and to use my own coaching style as an example,'' Herrington said. ``I work hard and do my job the best I can, and I really think that's important whether you're a football coach or you work in a grocery store. We just try to emphasize hard work.''

School principal Gary Fuller believes the best thing about Herrington is that he's always stressed character development more than Hart's win-loss record.

``I think we're very fortunate to have someone of Mike's integrity and character,'' Fuller said. ``He sets such a good example, not just for the kids but for the other coaches at our school. Nobody sees how much he helps and supports all of our other coaches. He's just a true professional.''

As for the Friday nights, Herrington is also an innovative game strategist. The one constant throughout the years has been Hart's hurry-up style. The Indians love to move the ball quickly, relying on a shotgun offense and four receivers, all of whom usually run short routes.

Herrington also has a knack for making immediate adjustments - a quality of no small importance - which explains why many of Hart's most important victories have seen the Indians come from behind or dominate the second half of the game.

Plus, his brother Rick is equally dedicated as Hart's defensive coordinator. And until two years ago, his other brother, Dean, served as offensive coordinator; Dean still helps out on nearly every game, except when his schedule conflicts with his duties as the College of the Canyons' offensive coordinator.

Mike Herrington is the eldest brother, and he's always been a family leader. Hart's football team is Herrington's extended family - the lines between the two continue to blur as the seasons progress - and it is with his players that Herrington's leadership ability means the most.

SATURDAY'S GAME

HART (12-0-1) vs. MISSION VIEJO (13-0)

--Player to watch: Kyle Hetman, Hart, C

Hetman, a senior, injured his right hand three weeks ago and has since been forced to hike the football with his left hand. Such a development is significant because Hart uses a shotgun formation most of the time.

``At first I was going to wear a brace on my right hand, but I couldn't grip the ball,'' Hetman said. ``The first week, the snaps were a little wild, but now I don't even think about it. (Quarterback) Sean Norton said to hike high, left or right but just get it to him.''

--Key stat: 19

Miles from Mission Viejo's campus to Edison Field. Hart's campus is 60 miles away.

--Why Hart will win: Hart runs a more sophisticated offense, compared to most of Mission Viejo's opponents. In practice, it's difficult for Mission Viejo to simulate the crispness of Hart's passing game. If Hart can dictate the pace and perform as well as it has over the past three playoff games, Mission Viejo could be in trouble. Plus, Hart is bidding for a historic fifth consecutive large-division championship, a feat yet to be accomplished by any school since football competition began in 1914, so the Indians have plenty of motivation.

--Why Mission Viejo will win: Mission Viejo is seeded No. 1 and ranked higher nationally, so the Diablos should win. Plus, Mission Viejo's campus is just a 20-minute drive, so the team figures to have plenty of fans and possibly a home-field advantage. Justin Williams (17 sacks) and Chris Cole (nine sacks) are pass-rushing specialists who could disrupt Hart's passing game.

--Last week: Hart defeated San Clemente 24-17; Mission Viejo defeated Claremont 26-7.

--Perspective: Hart is 34-0-1 over the past 35 games and has won 19 playoff games in a row and four consecutive Division III championships. Since an opening 21-21 tie at Los Alamitos, 11 of Hart's 12 victories have been by two touchdowns or more. Defending champion Mission Viejo has won 27 games in a row, and this season 10 of its 13 victories have been by two touchdowns or more. Canyon is a common opponent for both teams. Hart defeated Canyon 35-9 in Week 7; Mission Viejo defeated Canyon 48-14 two weeks ago in the section quarterfinals.

--Outlook: Many have been looking forward to this matchup all season, and the contest should be interesting because of the contrast of styles: Hart loves to pass, and Mission Viejo prefers a balanced attack. And both play tough, physical defense, so no one should expect a high-scoring game. Mission Viejo QB Josh Rodarmel could be the X factor. He's the team's leading passer but has missed the past three games because of injury; he returned to full-contact practice this week and could be Saturday's starter.

CAPTION(S):

2 photos, 4 boxes, map

Photo:

(1) Hart football coach Mike Herrington has been main the reason why the Indians are annually one of the state's top football programs.

Gus Ruelas/Staff Photographer

(2) SEAN NORTON

Box:

(1) SATURDAY'S GAME (see text)

(2) STATS

(3) GAME DAY

(4) ROSTERS

Map:

Edison Internal Field of Anaheim