VALLEY / VENTURA COUNTY SPORTS : HIGH SCHOOL NOTEBOOK

Fillmore’s key to a 2-0 start has been different than last year, when the Flashes relied on Ted Chewning, who gained 777 yards and rushed for nine touchdowns in 168 carries.

With Chewning missing because of a strained knee, the Flashes have filled the running back positions by committee.

C.J. Hernandez, Johnny Uribe and Isaac Flores each have rushed for 130 yards or more in their second year in the Flashes’ wing T offense.

“We actually tried to do this last year but Ted was the only one that was really effective,” Coach Matt Suttle said. “More things are working for us this year.”

And the players have worked harder, according Hernandez, who already has 194 yards in 18 carries after gaining only 30 yards last year.

“The guys are all working pretty hard and we’re trying to improve every game,” Hernandez said.

Hernandez, a 5-8, 160-pound senior, credits an experienced offensive line that includes left tackle Rudy Murrillo, left guard Alfredo Hurtado, center Scott Meierhoff, right guard Henry Velasco, right tackles Sam Noriega and Robbie Aguilar, and tight end Paul Naumes.

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The Flashes will get a boost tonight from Chewning, who is expected to play for the first time this season against El Segundo.

The 5-7, 210-pound senior fullback was evaluated by an athletic trainer late last week, has been riding a stationary bike during practice this week and will be checked by a trainer again before the game.

“He’ll probably play a little bit, a couple of series,” Suttle said. “We’re going to see how it goes. These games are fun and we’d love to have him back but they’re not as important as the last few games.”