AMERICAN LEGION NOTEBOOK: FROM ONE FIELD TO THE OTHER.

Byline: Sean Ceglinsky Staff Writer

Evan Johnson figures to be a busy athlete today. Busier than most.

He'll pull double duty, competing with his Highland High football teammates in a summer passing league tournament in the late afternoon before putting on his Bulldogs baseball gear for a game in the evening.

But make no mistake, baseball is his sport of choice.

``It's my first love, ever since diapers,'' he said. ``I can't get enough of it.''

Highland and Palmdale renew their crosstown football rivalry at 4 p.m. today and Johnson figures to see plenty of action at quarterback and receiver. Then, it's off to the diamond, where he'll start at shortstop, time permitting, for the baseball team in an American Legion game against visiting High Desert at 5:15 p.m.

``I never get tired. I'm used to playing both sports,'' Johnson said. ``I just hope I'll be done in time to make it for the baseball game.''

So does the baseball coaching staff, particularly varsity coach Mike Van Cheri. ``He's a good glove manager. He's a tremendous athlete. He can play any position on the field. He's got it all together.''

The senior-to-be is expected to be the leader of the baseball team in the fall. And he also could be the starting quarterback for the football team.

``I couldn't imagine not playing both sports. I feel like Deion Sanders sometimes,'' Johnson said. ``Baseball is going to take me further though.''

--New look: Quartz Hill lost 10 seniors to graduation, including pitchers Brian Chavez and Matt Ware, who are at NCAA Division I programs.

But the departure of so many starters means plenty of playing time for underclassmen such as Kyle Harris, Chase Tigert and Justin Stofik.

``Those are our big guns now,'' Quartz Hill coach Lance Pierson said. ``There shouldn't be any added pressure on them, their talents will lead them along. They should thrive in their new roles.''

They've been doing just fine Valley Invitational Baseball League play. Quartz Hill (3-4) plays at El Camino Real of Woodland Hills on Thursday.

The Rebels have been dominant during the regular season in recent years, winning three consecutive Golden League titles. And if the team is to duplicate the feat, Harris, Tigert and Stofik will have to be major contributors.

All three juniors-to-be are right-handers. And all three have played varsity since their freshmen seasons.

``They'll be important to our success, especially if we want to win four (league titles) in a row,'' Pierson said.

Beyond that, there will be a battle at every position this summer. In fact, the infield will have four new starters in the fall.

``This is a great opportunity for some of our younger guys to get exposure,'' Pierson said.

Sean Ceglinsky, [phone]

sean.ceglinsky(at)dailynews.com