Star RB Ford moves back to Calif.

Spencer Patterson

Thursday, Feb. 14, 2002 | 11:06 a.m.

One year after moving to Southern Nevada and enrolling at Foothill High, John Ford is back at his old California school.

The star running back left Foothill last week and has re-enrolled at Littlerock High School, Littlerock athletic director Jim Bauer confirmed Wednesday.

"I was shocked, absolutely shocked (when I heard)," Foothill coach Ray Fenton said. "Everything was going well for him; things were looking good."

Ford, a senior who rushed for 2,206 yards and 32 touchdowns to lead the Falcons into the 4A State Tournament last fall, moved to Henderson last January after his father suffered a fatal heart attack. He moved in with his aunt, uncle and cousin, Lorenzo White, another Foothill football player.

"He was telling people at school he was going to move back, but I didn't believe it until I came home and he was packing all his stuff," White said.

According to White, Ford is now living with his stepmother and his siblings.

"I think he wanted to be with his brothers and sisters," White said.

Considered one of the top running backs in the Southwest, Ford verbally committed to UNLV last summer. He has not taken the SAT or ACT yet, however, and recently revealed he may not have the grades to qualify to play at a four-year school.

Fenton said Ford was expected to run for the Falcons' track team this spring, and could have been a contender for the state's 100-meter title.

"I'd talked to him several times about running track. We were expecting to see him out there," Fenton said. "But he was an absolute pleasure to coach, and I hope he stays in touch."

Ford could not be reached for comment.