Football

Sophomore running back Jeff McKinley, Canyon High’s leading rusher who has been declared academically ineligible, and two other Cowboys will not be in uniform for the team’s Southern Section Division II playoff opener against Peninsula at Torrance High on Friday night.

Also missing will be senior tight end Rob Varnon, who quit the team last week. Backup quarterback Brian Bialas, who quit the team last season, was voted off the squad by his teammates, Mohr said.

Canyon (3-5-1) will add two players for the game against Peninsula (9-1), the No. 1 team from the Bay League. Senior Konstantin Chigrin, a senior defensive tackle, will make his first varsity start after securing academic eligibility Monday. In addition, running back Monte McKeon will be promoted from the sophomore team to replace McKinley.