A.V. PROVING IT'S FOR REAL.

Byline: VINCENT BONSIGNORE

One tenth of a second. A blink of an eye, really. That was the difference between Antelope Valley High losing to Loyola of Los Angeles Friday instead of winning.

Antelopes coach Brent Newcomb should know. On Sunday he put a stopwatch to the play that led to the heartbreaking 21-19 loss just to make sure.

One tenth of a second.

Here was the situation: Antelope Valley, which had raced back from a 21-0 deficit to close to within three points of a win, had driven to the Loyola 6-yard line in the final seconds and set up for what appeared to be an easy game-winning field goal attempt.

But Loyola's Jesus Cuellar broke through the line of scrimmage and blocked Johnny Walker's kick, preserving the Cubs' slim victory and denying Antelope Valley one of its biggest wins in years.

On Sunday, Newcomb watched the play over and over on video tape.

``From snap to hold to kick, you want to get a field goal off in 1.3 seconds,'' Newcomb said. ``When I timed it off the tape, it was 1.4.''

Newcomb sighed.

``That would have been a really, really nice win for us,'' he said.

Just then Newcomb's mood brightened.

``Here's the thing: It gave us the chance to identify the problem. Now we'll work on it and get it straightened out. Next time we'll get it right.''

The tough loss aside, these are good times for Newcomb and the Antelopes. They've won three of their first four games this year despite playing one of the toughest schedules in the region.

Loyola was just the latest quality opponent for Antelope Valley, which started the year with impressive wins over Bakersfield, Santa Barbara and Victor Valley.

The Bakersfield win was especially telling. Last year Bakersfield routed Antelope Valley 43-0.

``So to beat them this year - and they're one of the top programs in the state - that just gave us all kinds of confidence,'' Newcomb said. ``It's snowballed ever since.''

Even the loss to Loyola carries good vibes. As usual, the Cubs are one of the top-ranked teams in the state. So the fact Antelope Valley pushed them as hard as they did and nearly came away with a win sends a powerful message, one the Antelopes can take with them the remainder of the year.

For the first time since 1996, Antelope Valley might have what it takes to advance past the second round of the playoffs.

For a program that won a Southern Section championship in 1994 and lost in the final in 1995, it seems like forever since it has played for something important. The Antelopes have always been one of the better clubs in the Golden League, but lately they've stumbled in the playoffs, falling in the second round the last two years.

But with the multitalented Walker at quarterback - striking fear in opponents with his elusive running, and passing just enough to keep them honest and off balance - Antelope Valley is setting the stage for a prolonged postseason run.

Newcomb, who's been with the Antelopes for 34 years - the last 25 as their head coach - isn't afraid to proclaim this team a definite Southern Section Division III contender.

``I feel good about this club, I really do,'' Newcomb said. ``We've got some kids who have been in the program for four years and they've never lost a league game going back to their freshmen team. They know how to win and they're committed to doing what it takes to improve each week.''

The key is Walker, the most versatile player in the region and a threat to do something special on every play. Walker, an option quarterback, also plays defensive back and handles the punting and kicking duties.

Despite playing on two bad ankles and suffering from flu symptoms, he managed 82 yards rushing and a touchdown.

``I've always said that in all my years here, he's the best open-field runner I've had,'' Newcomb said. ``He can make people miss.''

Not that Newcomb doesn't have some concerns. The Antelopes' depth is suspect, and if a key starter goes down, they'll be in trouble. Unlike Loyola, which has second and third stringers ready and able to step in at any time, Antelope Valley can't absorb many injuries without feeling the effects.

And as Friday pointed out, the kicking game needs some tinkering. That Antelope Valley lost its long snapper, holder and kicker from a year ago doesn't help.

``You hope to be grooming guys to step in and take over, but it's tough sometimes,'' Newcomb said.

Then he caught himself.

``I coach the special teams, so it's my responsibility to get the problem fixed,'' Newcomb said. ``We'll get it done.''