Villanova’s Brian Finneran Wins Top Division I-AA Award

Brian Finneran, a former standout at Santa Margarita, was named recipient Monday of the Walter Payton Award, given to the nation’s top offensive college player in Division I-AA.

Finneran, from Mission Viejo, is the first wide receiver to win the Payton Award. He has 80 catches for 1,207 yards and 17 touchdowns this season for Villanova, the top-ranked I-AA team in the country.

“To be mentioned in the same breath as Walter Payton is truly an honor,” he said. “When you think about all the great players around the country, it is really overwhelming to know that I was fortunate enough to win this award.”

Villanova Coach Andy Talley, who has recruited 10 current players from Orange County, won the Eddie Robinson Award as the nation’s outstanding coach in Division I-AA.

Finneran, a 6-5, 200 pound senior, also was the Atlantic 10 Conference player of the year. Villanova is 12-0 and hosts Youngstown State on Saturday in the second round of the national tournament.

Finneran holds 16 school records at Villanova, including career receptions (250) and yards (3,682).

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Irvine softball player Katy Morrison has signed a letter of intent to attend San Diego, Irvine Athletic Director Rick Curtis announced Monday.

Morrison, who was an All-Sea View League selection last season, batted .362 with 19 runs batted in.