Football: Norco trying to make best of trying week

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It’s been a difficult few days for the Norco football program after one player returned home from practice earlier this week to find his father had died at their home, Cougars Coach Todd Gerhart said.

Gerhart declined to name the player, who traveled with Norco today for its game against top-ranked Crenshaw. The player might play, Gerhart said.

Norco, ranked No. 22 in the Southland by The Times, could also be without defensive back Joe Smith, who has not practiced all week because of a thigh bruise. Smith has committed to Utah.

A Crenshaw assistant coach said running back DeAnthony Thomas, who was sidelined for the second half of the Cougars’ season-opening victory over Lakewood, would play tonight.

--Ben Bolch