ANDERSON STANDS OUT ON OR OFF FIELD.

Byline: GIDEON RUBIN Staff Writer

PALMDALE -- Fred Anderson says that getting started is the hardest part. Once he gets going, everything just seems to flow.

Anderson is a standout Highland High defensive back/wide receiver with a propensity for making big plays and an animated playing style that has made him one of the Golden League's most exciting players.

Anderson wasn't talking about the adrenaline rush he experiences when he cuts across the field eluding the grasp of defenders trying to drive him into the turf.

He was describing one of his favorite hobbies outside of football.

Creative writing.

``Sometimes it's hard to get started with a statement, but once I get started I can't even stop,'' Anderson said.

``I love to write.''

Anderson said he enjoys writing descriptive essays, a pastime that he said helps him unwind.

He said navigating through paragraphs and defenders aren't altogether unrelated, noting that both require some imagination.

``On the field when I return the kickoff, right before the play starts I try to visualize it before I do it,'' he said. ``I think it helps.''

It's hard to argue with the results.

Anderson has already returned a kickoff for a 95-yard touchdown and had another from a similar distance called back because of a penalty.

``He's dynamic in what he does,'' Highland coach Jim Root said. ``Any time he touches the ball he's capable of changing the game. He does the same thing on defense and special teams that he does on offense.''

Anderson is a Div. I defensive back prospect whose 4.55-second 40-yard dash time is average for a player at his position. His height _ he's 6 feet 2 inches _ and leaping ability are considered above average.

His intelligence, instincts and ability to lift the emotions of his teammates are tremendous assets, too, Root said.

``When he makes big plays, he gets excited. He jumps up and down. I think that's contagious,'' Root said.

Anderson's leadership role has been especially important for a Highland team that has struggled, going 0-3 in nonleague play.

``It's always easier with Fred,'' Highland quarterback Kevin Bevans said. ``He's always giving us a little bit of encouragement here and there.''

Anderson said he takes most pride in his leadership role.

``I always like to be a leader when I'm out there, but I like to listen to what other people have to say,'' Anderson said.

``At any time, I can be wrong, and sometimes I need to correct myself, too. I try to learn from my mistakes, and I guess that's what makes (teammates) look up to me more.''

Anderson is being recruited by several high-profile Div. I programs but does not wish to discuss his collegiate plans publicly. He focuses on this year's team -- and this week.

Anderson is considering majoring in creative writing. Business management is a possibility, too, he said, because he has always wanted to start a business with his brother Vincent, a former Highland basketball standout.

Whatever Fred Anderson decides, he has enough to offer colleges to write his own ticket, Root believes.

``He's a kid that's worked really hard in the classroom and on the football field to put himself in the position he's in,'' Root said. ``He's a quality young man with a great demeanor. He's part of what the game is about.''

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TONIGHT'S GAMES

BURROUGHS of Ridgecrest (0-3) at PALMDALE (1-1), 7 p.m.

PLAYER TO WATCH: Palmdale So. RB Marquell Jefferson. Jefferson rushed for 113 yards in last week's 14-9 victory over Kennedy of Granada Hills.

OUTLOOK: Four-time Golden champs are heavy favorites, but Div. VIII champion Burros shouldn't be underestimated. Palmdale Sr. QB David Coleman is back after missing two games for unspecified disciplinary reasons.

ANTELOPE VALLEY (0-2) at WEST BAKERSFIELD (1-2), 7:30 p.m.

PLAYER TO WATCH: West Bakersfield Sr. RB Ryan Matthews. Matthews has scored seven touchdowns and is averaging 185 rushing yards.

OUTLOOK: Even an inspired effort might not be enough for rebuilding Antelopes against the defending Central Section champions. Antelope Valley's best hope is to control the ball and create turnovers against a traditional power running team.

INGLEWOOD (2-0) at HIGHLAND (0-3), 7 p.m.

PLAYER TO WATCH: Inglewood Sr. RB David Freeman. Freeman has five touchdowns and is averaging 164.5 yards.

OUTLOOK: Snake-bit Bulldogs looking for breakthrough after last week's fourth quarter collapse. Highland can focus on the run against Inglewood, which has only attempted 12 passes. Avoiding penalties and turnovers a big key for the Bulldogs.

CAPTION(S):

2 photos, 3 boxes

Photo:

(1) Highland and High School's Fred Anderson plays defensive back and wide receiver. He enjoys creative writing as a hobby and finds imagination useful both in essays and on the football field.

(2 -- color) Highland's Fred Anderson is a college prospect as a defensive back who has a 4.55-second, 40-yard dash time. He is 6 foot 2, and his leaping ability is considered above average.

Jeff Goldwater/Staff Photographer

Box:

(1) FIRST AND 10

(2) INSIDE THE NUMBERS

(3) TONIGHT'S GAMES (see text)