1ST-YEAR MARAUDER RUSHING TO STARDOM : TAILBACK LEADS TEAM IN SCORING.

Byline: Robert Rundquist Special to the Daily News

Lafayette Bailey's freshman year at Antelope Valley College has been a blur.

And not just for the 5-foot-11-inch, 170-pound tailback, who has been timed at 4.4 seconds in the 40-yard dash. Bailey has raced past Foothill Conference defenses all season, placing second in rushing and third in scoring, heading into Saturday's 1 p.m. game at Chaffey College.

``Speed is certainly his big asset,'' said Antelope Valley College coach Brent Carder. ``(He's) improving in a lot of other aspects as well.''

In nine games, Bailey leads the Marauders in rushing with 837 yards and 11 touchdowns. He averages 9.3 yards per carry. Four times he rushed for more than 100 yards, going over 200 yards in two of those games. Twice, he has been named player of the week in the state.

Rio Hondo College was victimized by Bailey's speed in the second week of the season when he blew by defenders for 249 yards - fourth best in the school's 50-year history - and four touchdowns on 12 carries.

With his small stature he may not appear to be able to overpower tacklers, but since coming to Antelope Valley he has worked hard to build up his strength. ``He's never going to be a 220-pound back,'' said Carder. ``But he's spending more time in the weight room, and he will get a lot stronger.

``(Bailey's) not a power runner, but an aggressive runner. He's quick, and has good vision. He's not afraid to run inside.''

Bailey's success at Antelope Valley was preceded by a great career at Littlerock High School, where he rushed for over 1,300 yards in his senior year.

Littlerock coach Jim Bauer stresses that whatever Bailey may lack in size, he makes up for in toughness.

``(Bailey) has a linebacker personality. A gentle, wonderful soul off the field, tough as a two-dollar steak on the field,'' said Bauer.

In fact, the greatest complement to Bailey's speed is his attitude. He has a strong work ethic and is very coachable.

``(Bailey's) got a good head on his shoulders,'' Carder said. ``He's a very nice, courteous young man, a pleasure to coach. His positive attitude is good for a football team.''

Bailey considers himself a football player first, but his speed has translated to success on the track as well. He once ran a wind-aided 10.3 second 100-meter sprint.

In his senior year at Littlerock he was Golden League champion in the 100-meter sprint with a time of 10.6. He also captured titles in the 200-meter (21.24 seconds) and the long jump (23 feet, eight inches). He plans to compete in all three events this spring for the Marauders.

CAPTION(S):

Photo

Photo: (AV edition only) Antelope Valley College freshman Lafayette Bailey is second in rushing and third in scoring this season in the Foothill Conference.

Jeff Goldwater/Daily News