Moment of silence for Lepas to precede Rangers' football game
by Jesse Phelps

Tonight's Nordhoff High School football game against winless Bishop Diego figures to be an excellent opportunity for victory for this year's young Ranger squad.
"It's two teams that are struggling right now," head football coach Cliff Farrar said. "So both are very hungry programs."
But the night promises to be special for another reason, too. The school community will come together to remember longtime teacher Deno Lepas before the the opening kickoff.
The 58-year-old Lepas, a 35-year metal shop, auto shop and sculpture arts teacher at Nordoff, died at UCLA Medical Center Monday after a losing battle with pancreatic cancer.
"It's going to be a special night," said Farrar. "The Junior High band will come over with the Nordhoff band for the pre-game, so you'll want to come early. There will be a nice pre-game meal, and (Lepas) will be honored."
In last week's game, Andy Bowman, who started at quarterback at the beginning of the year, but was injured playing Moorpark, led the team on a lengthy touchdown drive in the fourth quarter.
Farrar, however, was non-committal about who would start at quarterback this week.
"Andy's been coming off his injury and that felt like the appropriate time to give him some snaps," Farrar said.
Preparing for this week's game, Farrar spoke to the team about refining some things he feels they are not doing very well.
"Turnovers," he said. "trying to run five, six, seven, eight plays in a row without mistakes; trying to do some things special teams-wise; trying to pick up maybe a blocked kick here or there."
The game begins at 7:30 p.m. but everyone is encouraged to arrive early and take part in the moment of silence.
Tickets are $6 at the door, or $3 for NPA members, ASB cardholders and children up to age 12.

© 2002 The Ojai Valley News

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