'BOYS SHOWS SIGNS CANYON IS 0-3 BUT IMPROVING.

Byline: Gerry Gittelson Staff Writer

SANTA CLARITA - Nate Longshore has every reason to be frustrated, but his optimistic, enthusiastic attitude never has wavered.

Longshore, developing into one of the region's brightest young quarterbacks, took a short break during practice Wednesday and looked into a reporter's eyes.

``We're 0-3, but we're getting there. We really are,'' he said. ``We've just got to execute.''

Longshore admitted last week's 24-17 loss to high-powered Crescenta Valley was ``a big disappointment.'' After convincing losses the first two weeks, Canyon wasn't supposed to give Crescenta Valley much of a game, but there the Cowboys were, tied 17-17 late in the fourth quarter, when the Falcons scored on a long gadget play. Then Longshore completed two long passes and rallied the Cowboys all the way to 2-yard line with under a minute left, but they came up empty.

Longshore, just a sophomore, will have a lot more chances. But as things are, Canyon hasn't won a football game since coach Harry Welch returned after a seven-year hiatus.

The Cowboys get another chance at 7:30 tonight at Highland of Palmdale (1-1). If Longshore, who has passed for 453 yards and four touchdowns, continues to find Sean Coen (15 catches, two TDs) and Robert Hendricks (nine catches, two TDs), perhaps his team has a shot tonight. More production from the backfield - five running backs are averaging a combined 2.2 yards per carry - wouldn't hurt either, but that's what happens when most of the blockers are underclassmen, including two sophomore starters.

``We're definitely a whole lot better now than we were when the season started,'' Hendricks said. ``The passing game is really coming along and the line is improving.''

Lineman Fred Gamble, who has two sacks, agrees. ``We've come a very long way,'' he said. ``I think we're finally realizing what it takes to get it done and we're coming together as a team.''

Welch, who led the Cowboys to 46 consecutive victories and three consecutive Southern Section titles during his heyday in the mid-1980s, is patient, not by choice but because he has to be.

``It's always difficult for young men to be 0-3, but I think we're working very hard,'' he said. ``Having a chance to beat Crescenta Valley last Friday was both elating and disappointing. They're a classy team.''

Highland doesn't have the firepower of Canyon's previous opponents, but the Bulldogs run a tricky ``fly offense.'' Victor Watkins leads the team with 112 yards rushing and an 8.6 average. Gary Rosales has thrown for 244 yards and two TDs, and Kris Theus has eight catches for 116 yards and two scores.

Highland had some breakdowns in Friday's 38-28 loss at Burroughs of Ridgecrest, surrendering 419 yards.

``We didn't tell anyone, but he had five linemen hurt (the previous week),'' Bulldogs defensive coordinator Sam Vaiana said. ``I was putting 150-pound guys at tackle who had never played on the line before.''

Highland is hoping top lineman Jacob Buckhalter (shoulder) returns, along with Lee Keyes (back) and Garrin Burger (stomach).

CANYON VS. HIGHLAND

Records: Canyon 0-3; Highland 1-1

Coaches: Harry Welch, Canyon; Lin Parker, Highland

Players to watch: Canyon - QB Nate Longshore, WRs Sean Coen and Robert Hendricks, DL Fred Gamble. Highland - QB Gary Rosales, RB/DB Victor Watkins, LB Mike Alonzo, DL Jacob Buckhalter.

CAPTION(S):

photo, box

Photo:

(ran in SAC edition only) ``We've come a long way,'' Canyon lineman Fred Gamble said of his Cowboys, who play Highland of Palmdale tonight.

Gerry Gittelson/Daily News

Box: CANYON VS. HIGHLAND (see text)