LOCAL NOTES

Orange County resident Matt Capelouto finished second Sunday at the Las Vegas International Marathon, his first race at that distance.

Capelouto finished the 26.2-mile race in 2 hours 18 minutes 34 seconds, 19 seconds behind winner Mike Dudley of Bend, Ore.

Capelouto met his goal of running a qualifying time for the Olympic trials, even though the qualifying period for 2004 won’t begin until January.

FOOTBALL

Mater Dei got a big boost last week when Rafael Rice, a running back from L.A. Loyola, transferred to Mater Dei.

Rice, who will be a junior next season, rushed for 20 touchdowns and more than 1,400 yards last year for the Cubs. He had an 80-yard touchdown run in Loyola’s 24-21 loss to Mater Dei.

BOYS’ BASKETBALL

Southern Section Commissioner James Staunton has denied a hardship waiver filed by Pacifica High that sought to restore a player’s eligibility.

Pacifica Principal John Johnson, who ruled the player ineligible because of an illegal transfer, said he is still investigating the matter.

Pacifica forfeited 10 victories, moving it from first place to last in the Garden Grove League.