Cvijanovich Replaces Fired Football Coach

Lou Cvijanovich replaced fired football coach Dave Gutierrez at Santa Clara High on Wednesday.

Santa Clara is 0-3 and has been outscored, 112-13, but Principal Martin Young said Gutierrez’s dismissal had nothing to do with the Saints’ futility or “the ability or character” of Gutierrez.

In a written statement, Young said, “Santa Clara has decided to go in a different direction with its football program.”

Cvijanovich, 74, a basketball coaching legend in Ventura County, coached football at Santa Clara from 1958-75 and led the Saints to Southern Section titles in 1963 and ’65.

“We’re trying to be realistic,” Cvijanovich said. “But we’ll be competitive, I can tell you that.”

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Jashaun McCowan is only 5 feet 6, 160 pounds, but he’s made a sizable impact at cornerback for St. Bonaventure.

McCowan, a transfer from Oxnard whose goal is to be the state’s top defensive back, has four interceptions, tying him with Julian Gooden of Hueneme for most in the region.

“He gets a great break on the ball, has very good hands and great speed,” Coach Jon Mack said.