HOT OFF THE PRESS: EIGHT-MAN RETURN IS A WINNER.

Once among the nation's most dominant Eight-man football programs during its prime in the 1970s, Montclair Prep of Panorama City has returned to its roots.

The Mounties also were successful as an 11-man program the past 20 years, but winless seasons in 2004 and 2005 and decreasing participation prompted them to switch back to the Eight-man game, which started with Saturday's 55-0 victory at All Tribes American Indian Charter of Valley Center, near Escondido. Jacob Franco, a 5-foot-4 tailback, rushed for nearly 300 yards.

Coach George Giannini played Six-man football at Montclair Prep in the late 1960s. He coached the Mounties to an Eight-man title 30 years ago, followed by two 11-man titles in six championship appearances.

``This is just something we had to do because of enrollment,'' athletic director Ken Smith said. ``We've only got about 15 or 16 players, including six returners, and no JV program. ... Our kids were disheartened, but the reality is it's still football. Once you're on the field, it's still the same game.''

-- Gerry Gittelson

You're in the Army now

Oaks Christian of Westlake Village's two biggest names are in, and two other Lions are out, as the U.S. Army All-American Bowl ``selection tour'' got under way Tuesday.

Quarterback Jimmy Clausen and running back Marc Tyler were presented All-American Bowl jerseys and caps in a ceremony at the school that featured Brig. Gen. Robert Cone and Arena Football League commissioner David Baker.

Coach Bill Redell, who also will participate in the Jan. 6 game in San Antonio, also was honored.

Safety Marshall Jones and defensive end Duke Lemmens, also nominated for the game, were not selected.

-- Scott French

Raynr joins U.S. residency

Viewpoint of Calabasas' Evan Raynr has joined U.S. Soccer's under-17 residency in Bradenton, Fla. He scored a goal Sunday in a 6-2 victory over Guatemala.

Raynr, a midfielder-forward who turned 16 Monday, is one of 40 players attending classes at Edison Academy and training at IMG Academy. Former Westlake standout Danny Barrera is a returning player in the residency.

The residency, in its eighth year, has produced dozens of pros, including Galaxy star Landon Donovan, his World Cup teammates DaMarcus Beasley, Bobby Convey and Oguchi Onyewu, and D.C. United's Freddy Adu.

-- Scott French

Chatsworth duo in Cuba

Chatsworth High baseball players Matt Dominguez and Mike Moustakas are participating for the USA Baseball junior national team at the IBF AAA World Championships in Cuba.

The U.S. opened Monday with a 4-1 loss to Chinese Taipei and today faces Canada.

Moustakas batted .471 with three home runs in seven games during team trials.

-- Heather Gripp

CAPTION(S):

2 photos

Photo:

(1) CLAUSEN

(2) TYLER