Former Mater Dei and Newport Harbor quarterback Cole Leinart made a strong debut for Redondo Union on Friday.
The junior completed 8 of 13 passes for 153 yards and three touchdowns in a 32-7 victory against visiting Banning.
Leinart (6-4, 190) played his first game since transferring from Newport Harbor and observing the CIF-SS sitout period for transfers.
He competed for Redondo in 7-on-7 passing games over the summer but didn’t play in the team’s first four games this fall.
Leinart, the son of Heisman Trophy winner Matt Leinart (Mater Dei/USC), transferred to Newport Harbor from Mater Dei late in September 2023.
He spent his freshman year and the early part of his sophomore football season at Mater Dei.
Leinart practiced with the Sailors’ football team last season but didn’t play in any games.
His sitout period for football was essentially one year.
Redondo (4-1) plays Torrance (5-0) in their Pioneer League opener this Friday.
