ANTELOPE VALLEY COLLEGE FOOTBALL GAME MORE THAN A TEST AVC TO FACE NO. 8 APACHES.

Byline: Sean Ceglinsky Staff Writer

This season is no longer a test for the Antelope Valley College football program. Its a crash course in big-time junior college football.

After facing Chaffey, which was ranked No. 8 in the state when it defeated the Marauders 31-21 last week, today's opponent is just as formidable.

The Southwestern Apaches head into the Foothill Conference contest - which kicks off at 3 p.m. - winners of five straight and hold this week's No. 8 ranking in California. Chaffey has since moved up to No. 6.

``We lost our chance last week, so we're looking forward to another opportunity to knock off a ranked opponent this time around,'' AVC coach Brent Carder said.

``There's a conscious effort for this team to get better each week and this would be a big win for us.''

The offense for the Apaches (5-0, 3-0) is third in the conference in total yardage and led by receiver Shannon Guthrie, running back James Jones and quarterback Frank Kielbasa, all of whom earned co-Foothill player of the week selections last week in a 31-18 victory over San Bernardino Valley.

At 6-foot-3, 175 pounds, Guthrie presents a big target for Kielbasa and poses a problem for the Marauders' secondary. The tandem teamed for 124 of Kielbasa's 264 yards passing and hooked up for a touchdown last week. Jones gained 97 yards on 18 carries.

The Marauders counter with an offense second in the conference in passing, averaging 211 yards per game. The unit had success last week against Chaffey, punishing the Panthers for 21 second-half points, the most yielded by Chaffey this year.

Freshman quarterback Cory Allred and company face another stiff challenge: An Apache defense which is giving up just 234 yards per game, second overall in the conference.

On the season, Allred has thrown for 826 yards and six touchdowns. Five of his scores have connected with different receivers - two each to Jerome Wright and Demareo Robinson and one apiece to Brandon Eggerth, Craig Harris and Steven Sedlacek.

--Change of scenery: Last year, Southwestern finished 8-2, its best season in 15 years. The Apaches were invited to participate in the McDonald's Bowl - which AVC had hosted the previous two years - against L.A. Southwest.

However, the Commission on Athletics awarded El Camino the bowl game instead, resulting in the cancellation of the McDonald's Bowl. Southwestern instead hosted the new South County Bowl and lost to El Camino 49-7 in the inaugural game.

There is a possibility AVC could host the Southern California Bowl - which is traditionally awarded to the Foothill Conference champion - this year.

``The potential is there and we would love to host another bowl game,'' sports information director Glenn Haller said.

--Get some rest: Defensive end Edwin Reed and running back Demareo Robinson will not suit up for today's game.

Robinson, who leads the Marauders with 20 points scored, injured his knee against Chaffey and is scheduled to have an MRI this week. Reed will sit out his second game after suffering the injury in during Week 3.