AVC HOPES TO BUCK TREND.

Byline: Gerry Gittelson Daily News Staff Writer

Antelope Valley College's football team looks to snap a trend today against host Grossmont. The last four meetings between the junior colleges have seen the home team win.

Kickoff is 3 p.m. in El Cajon.

If things are going to be different this time, the Marauders must stop Grossmont's passing attack, sparked by returning quarterback Bryan Halvey (1,500 yards splitting time last year), wide receiver Bill Hammett (a 6-3, 220-pound Division I prospect), and tight end Jeff Udvarhelyi, a 6-4, 240-pound preseason J.C. All-Americanwho had 18 catches for 280 yards and four TDs last season.

``It's a tough opener,'' said 28th-year Antelope Valley College coach Brent Carder, whose Marauders beat Grossmont 26-14 last year. ``They've got their quarterback, running back, and wide receivers back, and quite a few defensive players. Plus they're a big school.''

Sophomore Justin Holtfreter (Quartz Hill High) is AVC's starting quarterback. Considering 1997's top four receivers are gone, the Marauders look to returning running backs Tyree Booker and Jan Brown.

Carder cites running back as AVC's main strength. K.C. Young, a bulldozing 265-pounder from Mojave High ('96), might emerge at the position.

Grossmont has a bright running back prospect of its own in returner Corey Ransom, a 5-11, 190-pounder who ran for 211 yards (4.9 average) and two touchdowns last year.

AVC, ranked No. 19 in California in the JC Athletic Bureau preseason poll, was 7-4 in 1997, finishing second in the Foothill Conference. The host Marauders lost 31-20 to Santa Ana in the inaugural McDonald's Community College Bowl. They lead 6-3 in the Grossmont series.

The Griffins (5-5, 4-4 in Foothill Conference) finished in fifth place last season.

The game is scheduled for radio broadcast on Sports Radio 610 (KAVL AM).

ANTELOPE VALLEY vs. GROSSMONT

Where: Grossmont College in El Cajon

When: Saturday, 3 p.m.

Coaches: Brent Carder, AVC; Dave Jordan, Grossmont

Nicknames: AVC Marauders; Grossmont Griffins

1997 record: AVC 7-4; Grossmont 5-5

Last year: AVC 26, Grossmont 14

Series: AVC leads 6-3

Radio: 610-AM (KAVL)

CAPTION(S):

2 Photos, Box

PHOTO (1--2) AVC's K.C. Young, top left, and Jan Brown, above, lead the Marauders against Grossmont today in El Cajon. The home team has won the past four meetings in the series. AVC must stop Grossmont's potent passing attack if it hopes to change the pattern.

Jeff Goldwater/Daily News

BOX: ANTELOPE VALLEY vs. GROSSMONT (see text)