HART PLAYERS RECOVERING FROM SCARY COLLISION.

Byline: GERRY GITTELSON

GITTELSON BITS

Everyone seemed to think Delano Howell got the worst of it when he and Hart High football teammate Spenser Souza smacked heads during a bloody collision June 30 in LaVerne at a passing-league game against Silverado.

Howell was airlifted to a hospital, while Souza walked with his mother to their car to get stitched up.

Howell suffered dental damage and a nasty cut inside his mouth, but Souza needed 68 stitches -- and a titanium plate inserted in his head because of a fractured skull. Howell is expected to miss another month, Souza a bit longer.

"I still have a little pain," Souza said. "It was really bloody, and when I think back about what happened, it almost seems surreal. I didn't think something like that would happen. But I'm hoping to get back as soon as possible, maybe for the season opener."

Silverado coach Carl Posey couldn't believe how loud the impact was when they collided.

"It was not a pretty sight, by any means," Posey said. "Maybe we should start looking at mandatory soft helmets. It's looking like a good idea, because something like this was bound to happen."

The injuries were the latest in a string of misadventures for Hart, including quarterback B.R.Holbrook's automobile accident on the way home from visiting Souza in the hospital.

Fortunately, Holbrook wasn't hurt, but his truck wasn't so lucky.

The Indians have to be asking themselves if there's a black cloud hanging over their heads.

"It sure seems that way," Holbrook said. "It's just been a run of bad luck, but I think things will get better."

Notre Dame of Sherman Oaks' football team is high on Daniel Munyer, a 6-foot-2, 240-pound sophomore who is the newest addition to the offensive line.

"He's been having a good summer. He's going to be good," Notre Dame quarterback Dayne Crist said.

Some San Fernando football news to report, starting with a couple of Division I commitments: Running back Ryan Williams is headed to Colorado, and receiver Andre Garcia is headed to Division I-AA Stony Brook.

Tony Hernandez, a top offensive lineman for the Tigers last season, is at Valley College after failing to meet NCAA academic qualifying requirements. Hernandez said a low SAT score cost him an opportunity to accept a Florida International scholarship.

"I'm still hoping to get another scholarship and transfer somewhere," Hernandez said.

Other locals who've joined Valley's team include running backs Fred Winborn (Grant of Van Nuys) and James Walker (Chatsworth).

Winborn will compete for playing time with fellow Grant alum Anthony Dickson, the Monarchs' returning starting tailback.

Meanwhile, San Fernando coach Tom Hernandez is organizing a youth camp Friday and Saturday on campus for football players 10-15 years old. The fee is $20. Information: [phone].

After Glendale trudged through an 0-10 football season last year, returning multi-purpose back Haneef Smith has vowed the Nitros will improve.

"We're going to be good -- way better than last year," Smith said. "Everyone has gotten better, especially the offensive line. We're a lot stronger."

Unlike most top prep football programs, Canyon took its three-week summer break immediately after the spring semester, preferring to practice uninterrupted through the season opener.

The two-time Southern Section champions are beginning to find their rhythm in 7-on-7 passing competitions, winning eight games over two days to take the 24-team Claremont tournament.

The Cowboys, led by receivers Mark Urbina and Stephen Wirthlin, defeated neighborhood rival Hart in the championship game.

Speaking of Canyon football, among the first fellow staff members former coach Harry Welch bumped into at his new coaching job at St.Margaret's in San Juan Capistrano was volleyball legend Karch Kiraly, a three-time Olympic gold medalist who coaches the school's volleyball team.

"Karch taps me on the shoulder and asked for some coaching advice -- I didn't even know he was the volleyball coach here," Welch said. "I couldn't believe it. Here's the greatest man ever in his sport, and he says he wants to learn from me."

Former Chaminade of West Hills assistant Sean Jackson is the new head coach of the eight-man football program at Valley Prep in VanNuys.

"It's our first year, and we're trying to stay under the radar, but I've got some players," Jackson said.

Anthony DeFilippo, an undersized linebacker who totaled 151 tackles and 24 sacks in 2004 at Valencia High, has given up football at College of the Canyons. Instead, he plans to finish his AA degree, then transfer to a four-year university.

"Unfortunately, he hated gaining the 30 pounds that COC required, so he's not playing," said DeFilippo's mother, Linda.

Lavelle Peterson, La Canada High's star running back last season, is hoping for a late scholarship offer from Utah, providing he can meet academic requirements.

Peterson rushed for 113 yards in an all-star game two weekends ago.

[e-mail]

[phone]