Fargas Runs to Center Stage

SHERMAN OAKS â€”  Deceptive strength. Excellent balance. Above-average speed. And, above all, the ability to break tackle after tackle.

All of which seemingly no one was prepared for when junior tailback Justin Fargas of Notre Dame High burst into the spotlight with a 215-yard, season-opening performance against Alemany.

From there, Fargas, The Times’ Valley player of the year, turned the season into a personal showcase, rushing for 2,945 yards and 34 touchdowns while leading Notre Dame to the Southern Section Division III championship game against Camarillo.

Notre Dame (12-2) lost, 20-14. But in defeat, Fargas (6 feet, 180 pounds) rushed for 201 yards and two touchdowns, his 10th 200-yard performance of the season.

Not since Russell White of Crespi High rushed for more than 2,000 yards as a sophomore in 1986 has an area back raised more eyebrows. And never has a player from the region rushed for as many yards in a season.

Fargas, whose rushing total is the third-best in state history, won’t be sneaking up on anyone next fall. But it probably won’t make much difference.

“He’s one of those kids who just has great determination and will,� Notre Dame Coach Kevin Rooney said. “Guys have a hard time tackling him because he just runs through tackles. He’s just that kind of kid that’s got the stuff that makes a good running back.�

In an early season game against Burroughs, Fargas was shaken up and spent most of the first half on the bench. Notre Dame won, 37-14, and likely would have had little trouble dispensing of Burroughs without its offensive star. However, Fargas returned and finished with 269 yards.

Against Camarillo, Fargas suffered a knee injury on a one-yard touchdown run that pulled the Knights to within six points in the opening minute of the fourth quarter.

Wincing in pain, he limped to the sideline, only to return to the backfield for the Knights’ next series. He carried six more times for 26 yards.

When it was over, Fargas, overwhelmed with physical and emotional pain, openly wept. But he offered no excuses.

“I just got hit, that’s all,� Fargas said. “I’ll be all right.�

So, too, will the Knights, as long as Fargas remains healthy. He has decided to forego basketball season and concentrate on preparing for his senior year of football.

It should be quite a show.