By Howard hurting

Los Altos High graduate Willie Howard’s rookie year in the NFL has come to an early end. The defensive tackle, drafted in the second round by the Minnesota Vikings, suffered a season-ending knee injury Dec. 9. Howard, who played his college football at Stanford University, tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee in the Vikings’ win over Tennessee. He finishes the year with 15 tackles, 11 of them solo.

County kudos

Three players on the Los Altos High field hockey team were named all-county for their performance during the fall. Senior Kelsey Alloo earned first-team honors, while freshman Jooske De Groot and junior Jeanette Hayman were selected to the second team.

Lessons for Los Altos

In an effort to raise money for the Los Altos High girls softball team’s April trip to Anaheim, coach Bernie Quintero is giving fast-pitch softball pitching lessons and clinics. For more information, call Quintero at 965-8153.

Play ball

Mountain View Little League, which provides T-ball and baseball opportunities for children 5-12, have scheduled the following in-person registration dates: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Jan. 5; 7-9 p.m., Jan. 9; and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Jan. 12. Registration is held at Rengstorff Community Center. Those who sign up prior to Dec. 31 will receive an “early bird” discount. For more information, call 961-2065 or logon to www.mvll.org.

Play ball, part II

Registration for Babe Ruth baseball, serving ages 13-18 in Los Altos and Mountain View, is set for 7 p.m., Mondays, starting Jan. 7 at McKelvey Ballpark on Miramonte Avenue, Mountain View. Information: 966-8027.