Forfeit gives Pointers football title Point Loma High School’s (PLHS) football team has been declared 2010 Western League champions after a recent CIF ineligibility ruling stripped Madison High School of 11 victories. Essentially, a ruling of ineligibility against Madison all-section quarterback Chase Knox has resulted in forfeiture of the school’s entire 2010 season — except for the season opener when Knox did not play. The Warhawks spoiled the Pointers’ 85th Homecoming with a 33-7 trouncing on Oct. 29 and finished with a 5-0 league record. With the forfeit, PLHS moves to 5-0 in league and 10-3 overall. Madison later won the CIF Division IV Championship in December before losing in a state championship game to Escalon 30-14. Knox was previously cleared to play before the season and again before the state championship game. Girls’ swim to top of tournament The Pointer girls’ water polo team swam to the championship game of the East County Invitational Tournament before being swamped 7-1 by Patrick Henry in the title match. Their second-place finish is the team’s highest ever in the tourney. To reach the finals, the Pointers defeated Ramona 4-2, Monte Vista 10-3, El Cajon Valley 15-6 and El Capitan 6-5. Goalkeeper Samantha Pugh was named to the All-Tournament Team. Soccer team reaching its goal atop the league In girls’ soccer, the Lady Pointer team has taken over sole possession of first place in the Eastern League. With a 2-0 victory over San Diego last week, the team’s record stands at 8-5-4 overall and 6-1-1 in league. Scripps Ranch and Patrick Henry occupy second and third place. Top scorers are Megan O’Beirne and Carly Holly, while goalkeeper Lily Edwards is allowing less than one goal per game (.882) with seven shutouts. PLHS football awards handed off at banquet PLHS varsity football awards were announced at the team’s annual banquet Jan. 30 at Phil’s BBQ in Point Loma. Scout Team Players of the Year went to Austin Jesus (offense) and Gio Munguia (defense). Coach Bill Hastings’ Special Teams Players of the Year: Robby Pejovich and Thomas Mize. A new award, the Coach Bob Hammes Award for Most Improved Student-Athlete: Gio Gonzalez. Highest Grade-Point Average: Martin Gelenter (4.50). Semper Fi Award: Johnny Castaneda. Most Inspirational Player: Sean McKaveney. Coach Steve Harrow Memorial Award: Hunter Hirsch. Coach Bennie Edens Award: Eddie Frakes. Head coach Mike Hastings also thanked numerous parents and others who volunteered to assist in the program. Baseball fundraiser to honor Don Larsen The PLHS Baseball Boosters club and the Point Loma Optimist Club are working together to plan a major fundraiser featuring one of the sport’s biggest names. Don Larsen, who graduated from Point Loma in 1947, will be honored at a dinner March 5. Details are currently being finalized. Larsen will forever be remembered for pitching a perfect game Oct. 8, 1956 for the New York Yankees in a World Series game against the Brooklyn Dodgers. Tickets for the event will be limited, and those wishing to receive an invitation should contact booster Julie Mudgett at: [email protected]. Heyward headed to Trojan territory Highly-recruited Pointer football player Christian Heyward ended months of speculation Feb. 2 when he announced he will accept a scholarship to play for the University of Southern California (USC). He had previously narrowed his choices to USC and San Diego State University.