`WILD BULL CUT LOOSE' A.V. FULLBACK WALLACE DOMINATES IN SPITE OF DISABILITIES.

Byline: Ross Siler Staff Writer

LANCASTER - Antelope Valley High fullback Sean Wallace was long gone on a 34-yard touchdown in the second quarter of last Friday's game against Quartz Hill when junior Kreig Peters happened to overhear what two officials were saying about his backfield mate.

``I heard one ref say there was no way they could tackle him,'' Peters said of Wallace, who ran for 165 yards on only 11 carries in A.V.'s 31-6 victory over the Rebels. ``The other ref said he was just bouncing off everybody.''

It wasn't until Monday's practice, though, that Wallace learned from Peters what had been said on the field. Few words, in fact, reach the ears of the 245-pound fullback, who has developed into a force at the position despite battling both a hearing and learning disability all his life.

``When he runs the ball,'' A.V. coach Brent Newcomb said, ``it's like a wild bull cut loose out there. He's carrying guys into the end zone and everything. If you've ever got a picture in your mind of what a fullback is, he's it.''

But football has been far from a picture-perfect proposition for Wallace. Although the senior can read lips and carry on a conversation, he has struggled sometimes just listening to his coaches' instructions on the sidelines. Picking up the snap count is another significant problem.

``I either go with the ball or tell the quarterback to speak up,'' said Wallace, one of nine players on fourth-ranked A.V. to take special-education classes. ``It's not too bad.''

In his sophomore season, the Antelopes' quarterbacks used hand signals to help Wallace whenever they made reads at the line. Newcomb also keeps a pocket guide to sign language handy on his desk.

The coach knows one sign better than any other - the one for ``outstanding'' that he made to Wallace over and over last Friday.

``I like to give him that sign,'' Newcomb said, adding, ``It's just amazing what he's done. He'll be walking away from you sometimes and you'll be right there going, `Sean, Sean.' And he'll keep walking.''

Despite his disability, there was never a doubt Wallace was going to play football for A.V. In fact, Wallace hails from one of the school's greatest athletic families. His uncle, D.J., was a standout for A.V. in the 1970s and went on to play at Arizona State. His father, Dwayne, also played for Newcomb.

Added up, Wallace counts eight relatives who have played football for A.V. over the years - and the senior rates as one of the most successful.

Wallace has rushed for 537 yards and four touchdowns this year, probably will be named All-Golden League again and is one of the Antelopes' four team captains.

``I always liked football,'' said Wallace, who also plays center on A.V. boys' basketball team. ``I just started playing when I was little. ... It means a lot because it runs in the family.''

The only problem Wallace has was growing too big to play with the other kids. As an over-200-pound eighth-grader, Wallace wasn't allowed to suit up in Lancaster's youth league. When he arrived at A.V. the next year, Newcomb put him on the varsity out of fear Wallace might hurt someone at the freshman level.

``It might not have been the best thing for him then because he got beat up a little,'' Newcomb said. ``But I wanted the chance to bring him along for four years. And I think that's worked out real well for us.''

Ever since that decision, Newcomb has watched Wallace wreak havoc on opposing defenses. The A.V. coaches count on Wallace to occupy up to five defenders as he bursts through the line, either with the ball on a quick handoff or on a fake. And assistant coach Brandon Newcomb likes to tell Wallace ``he's his own blocker.''

In A.V.'s Golden League opener against Highland, Wallace showed just how dangerous he can be. On his first carry of the night, Wallace took off on a 49-yard touchdown run that sparked his team. He sprained his ankle later in the game but returned last week and demolished Quartz Hill.

Wallace's size is almost unheard of at the high school level, where fullbacks usually run 200 pounds or less. And he hits like a heavyweight fighter in pads.

``If you had the ball, he'd knock you out to Division Street,'' Newcomb said, pointing toward the road that runs in front of the school.

Of all the players Newcomb has coached in his 25 years at A.V., he counts Wallace as one of his favorites. The senior has been as consistent as a classroom bell, missing just three practices in four years. And in drills, Wallace has displayed the kind of footwork that would make a double-dutch team envious.

Antelope Valley will travel tonight to face Littlerock, hoping to extend its Golden League winning streak to 14 in the second-to-last week of the regular season. Once the playoffs end, though, Newcomb will start trying to find a program for Wallace to play in next year.

Newcomb said he has explored the possibility of Wallace playing for Gallaudet, a noted college for the deaf in Washington. Wallace also could end up at one of the area junior colleges if he doesn't want to live too far from home. Wallace's disabilities will allow him special exemptions at many schools.

But when Wallace departs, Newcomb will feel some sadness. He has coached more than 500 players in his career and few have meant more than Wallace. The coach has driven him home from practice when his mother couldn't and asks the senior about everything - from his homework to where he got his new clothes.

``He's kind of my sugar bear,'' Newcomb said. ``I've tried to help him out in every way I can. ... I'm going to be sad to see him go. But I'm sure other coaches won't.''

TODAY'S GAMES

Lancaster (2-6, 1-2) at Highland (6-2, 2-1)

7 p.m.

--Player to watch: John Keith, Highland, LB. Keith was the Bulldogs' defensive MVP last week against Littlerock and will be counted on to help stop Lancaster running back Will Morgan. Keith also scored two touchdowns last week as a goal-line back.

--Key stat: 5. Number of years since Highland last reached the Southern Section playoffs. With a victory tonight, the Bulldogs could clinch a postseason berth in coach Sam Vaiana's first year.

--Why Lancaster will win: If the Eagles can reverse a trend that has seen them fall behind in each of their three Golden League games, they could have a chance to make it competitive. Sophomore strong safety Bobby Thomas has provided a lift as a J.V. call-up.

--Why Highland will win: The Bulldogs have all the incentive entering the game - from their desire to win on Homecoming to their determination to host a playoff game in two weeks.

--Last week: Palmdale 31, Lancaster 7; Highland 20, Littlerock 9.

--Perspective: Lancaster's strength at running the ball plays into Highland's strength at stopping the run. Last week, the Bulldogs held Littlerock to six first downs while Lancaster completed only two passes. Theus gained 148 yards last week and is battling with A.V.'s Johnny Walker and Kreig Peters for the Golden League rushing lead. Lancaster's starting linebacker Mazen Haddad, who missed last week's game due to grades, will return. But the team will be without free safety Aaron Wilson, sidelined with a thigh bruise.

--Outlook: Highland running back Kris Theus has earned team offensive MVP honors so much this season it almost has become a joke. ``Everyone acts all surprised every time,'' Vaiana said. Look for Theus to have another big game and the Bulldogs to cruise to the victory.

Littlerock (2-6, 0-3) at Antelope Valley (7-1, 3-0)

7 p.m.

--Player to watch: Herb Dominguez, QB/DB, Littlerock. As one of the Lobos team captains, Dominguez not only will be counted on to provide a spark on offense but also leadership after the Lobos had seven players suspended for tonight's game.

--Key stat: 22. Combined points scored by Littlerock through the first three weeks of league play. The Lobos could be in for a long night against an A.V. defense that has allowed 74 points this season.

--Why Littlerock will win: After losing three consecutive Golden League games, Littlerock got another dose of bad news this week. Coach Jim Bauer suspended seven players who either were going to be academically ineligible next week or had failed to attend practice. With 28 players, Littlerock will have to run its Wing T offense to perfection and control the ball to have a chance.

--Why A.V. will win: The Antelopes seniors have never lost in Golden League play, starting on the freshman team and carrying through to the past two years on the varsity. With a victory tonight, the A.V. seniors will move within a game of going 20-0 in league play during their careers.

--Last week: Highland 20, Littlerock 9; Antelope Valley 31, Quartz Hill 6.

--Perspective: The Antelopes will conclude a stretch of three consecutive home games before traveling to face Palmdale next week in a season-ending showdown. None of A.V.'s offensive linemen, a unit anchored by senior Josh King, graded out at less than 82 percent in last week's game.

--Outlook: A.V. might get caught looking ahead to the Palmdale game but will undoubtedly put up big numbers. This is the week when Johnny Walker unofficially wins his second consecutive player of the year award.

Quartz Hill (2-6, 1-3) at Palmdale (7-1, 2-1)

7 p.m.

--Player to watch: Sean Edwards, Palmdale, RB/DB. The senior had a big game last week against Littlerock, running for three first-half touchdowns and also intercepting a pass. Edwards had only two carries the week before but figures to get a heavier workload the rest of the season.

--Key stat: 13. Points Quartz Hill trailed by at halftime last week against A.V. Rebels coach Pat Degnan thinks his team could have gone into the half on top were it not for a couple of missed plays.

--Why Quartz Hill will win: Degnan describes his team as running the 21st century version of the single-wing, with quarterback Josh Fricke serving as a tailback/quarterback. Fricke threw for 104 yards and a touchdown last week and has been his team's leading rusher for most of the season. The Rebels will need him to control the ball tonight.

--Why Palmdale will win: The Rebels are coming off playing Antelope Valley's triple-option offense. This week, they get a Palmdale team that can fly up and down the field. Senior quarterback Jacob McCravey bounced back from a loss to Highland to throw for 240 yards against Lancaster.

--Last week: Antelope Valley 31, Quartz Hill 6; Palmdale 31, Lancaster 7.

--Perspective: The Falcons made a concerted effort last week to get Edwards the ball and establish the running game early, something that didn't happen against Highland. Palmdale coach Jeff Williams said he will continue splitting his team's kicking duties between senior Matt Valentino and sophomore Ben Royce. Degnan said he has been pleased with how many of his players have caught passes from Fricke. Senior tight end B.A. Harrell leads the team in receptions with 20.

--Outlook: Three Golden League's top three teams are at home this week hosting the bottom three. The three games figure to provide easy victories as well. Palmdale running back LaRon McIntyre spent a rare night out of the end zone last week. Look for him to return against the Rebels.

Kilpatrick of Malibu (3-4-1, 0-1) vs. Paraclete (6-2, 1-0) at AVC 

7:30 p.m.

--Player to watch: Ron Mann, Paraclete, LG. The junior had an unheralded performance in the Spirits' victory last week over Montclair Prep. Mann's blocking helped clear the way for Jared Nelson to run for 241 yards, and he will need another big game tonight.

--Key stat: 81. Combined points scored by the two teams last year in Paraclete's Alpha League-clinching 41-40 overtime victory. Paraclete has won eight consecutive games over Kilpatrick, including victories in the 1998 and 1999 Southern Section Division XII championships.

--Why Kilpatrick will win: To have a chance, Kilpatrick needs senior quarterback Tim Perez to play. Perez suffered a bruised knee in last week's game and is questionable tonight, although he practiced during the week. Kilpatrick has a talented running back-receiver combo in Floyd Green and Dion Robertson.

--Why Paraclete will win: Paraclete is coming off a big victorylast week over Montclair Prep, scoring 28 unanswered points after falling behind 10-0. The Spirits have won three in a row after their 28-game winning streak came to an end earlier this season.

--Last week: Cerritos Valley Christian 41, Kilpatrick 7; Paraclete 28, Montclair Prep of Van Nuys 16.

--Perspective: Paraclete did not escape the Montclair Prep game unscathed. Starting linebacker Trevor Frazier is sidelined with a shin contusion and starting cornerback Zach Harris is out with a concussion. Kilpatrick has been shut out twice this season and an assistant coach said the school, a camp for juvenile offenders, has more inexperienced players than in years past.

--Outlook: Paraclete should make it four in a row overall, nine in a row against Kilpatrick and two in a row since joining the Olympic League. Kilpatrick can put points on the board, but the Spirits have an answer in Nelson.

Also

--Frazier Mountain (3-5, 2-1) at Desert (8-0, 3-0), 7 p.m.

Desert has grown accustomed to its running backs putting up big numbers all season. But tonight they will look to stop Frazier Mountain's Brandon Laborde, who is coming off a school-record 292-yard, five-touchdown effort last week against Rosamond.

--Kern Valley (1-7, 0-3) at Mojave (5-2, 1-2), 7 p.m.

Mojave will look to end its two-game losing streak tonight against last- place Kern Valley, which turned over the ball five times in a loss to Desert last week. Mojave trails three teams in the High Desert League standings and needs a victory to stay in the playoff picture.

LOOKING AHEAD

Antelope Valley at Palmdale, Nov. 15, 7 p.m.

The past two years, the two schools entered this game undefeated with the Golden League title on the line. But with Palmdale having lost to Highland two weeks ago, the game's importance may somehow be even greater. If Palmdale can pull the upset, then all three schools could end up with a share the league title.

CAPTION(S):

photo, 6 boxes

Photo:

(color) Antelope Valley fullback Sean Wallace, who has hearing and learning disabilities, is a force on the football field.

Phil McCarten/Staff Photographer

Box:

(1) TODAY'S GAMES (see text)

(2) LOOKING AHEAD (see text)

(3) STANDINGS

(4) LOGS

(5) LEADERS

(6) GAME DAY