TRANSFER TO HART UNLIKELY FOR CAREW.

Byline: GERRY GITTELSON Community Sports

High-profile high school football transfer Ryen Carew, hoping to play at Hart after getting kicked off Sylmar High's team 10 days ago, won't be coming after all.

His father, Allen Carew, said there were too many paperwork hassles involving the William S. Hart High School District, so the younger Carew probably will end up at a private school such as Alemany of Mission Hills or Chaminade of West Hills. Verdugo Hills of Tujunga is also an option, as is San Fernando, although San Fernando isn't among the top choices.

Carew rushed for more than 2,000 yards as a junior at Sylmar. He has been offered a scholarship by Colorado and others, and he is considered the region's top running back.

Carew's father works in Stevenson Ranch as a restaurant manager, and he said he was willing to drive Ryen to school every day. Valencia High football standout Geoff Tisdale, former Valencia receiver Desmond Blair and former Taft of Woodland Hills receiver Cory Dove also work at the restaurant.

There was talk of the Carew family renting an apartment in the Hart district, but the father said he didn't think that would look right, and he was concerned doing so would jeopardize his son's eligibility.

--Speaking of Tisdale, it looks as if he'll play receiver, not running back, this season even though he's the league's leading returning rusher after gaining 460 yards as a backup last year.

``I'm getting a lot more comfortable at receiver,'' said Tisdale, who also is starting at defensive back. ``Our quarterback, Michael Herrick, has come a long way.''

Tisdale, a 6-foot-1, 165-pounder, is the fastest player in the league after winning the 100 and 200 meters at the track finals last spring. He said he's looking forward for opportunities to catch the football in the open field.

``You never know if someone is going to catch you from behind, but with me it's not going to be easy,'' he said.

Meanwhile, linebacker Torrey O'Brien, a junior, is competing with Jeff Bomberger and junior Anthony DeFilippo for Valencia's starting running back spot. It's an important position considering the team's tailback has gained 1,500 yards or more the past five seasons in a row.

--Jenna Dennis, a 10-year-old from Canyon Country, won the regional title at the National Roller Figure Skating Championships in Lincoln, Neb., earlier this month. Fellow Canyon Country hopeful Kelly Nicolas, 11, placed fourth in the same event.

``Jenna has a natural ability and works very hard. I expect big things from her in the future,'' coach Linda Gyenese DeFilippo said. ``Kelly also has worked very hard this year.''

Fellow locals Kayla Griffin, Gia Patafio, Marie Yokers, Kelsey Sato and Gina Chiech also finished among the top six in their events.

--Elite Cheerleading in Castaic is looking for spirited types who want to become cheerleaders. Information: [phone].

--Canyon Country Little League's winter-ball season begins Sept. 13 for boys and girls 5-14. The next signup sessions are from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Classic Grill at 18730 Soledad Canyon in Canyon Country, and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Canyon Country Little League at 16066 W. Sierra Highway in Canyon Country. The cost is $65, and credit cards are accepted.