AVC NOTEBOOK TWO QBS ARE BENEFIT FOR AVC.

Byline: Sean Ceglinsky Staff Writer

A theme has developed within the Antelope Valley College football program. Two helmets are better than one.

The Marauders (1-1) feature two freshman signal callers, Cory Allred and Jamar Culver, both of whom have seen extensive playing time at quarterback and figure to do so throughout the year.

At 6-foot-4 and 200 pounds, the mobile Culver, a Bethel Christian graduate, had the more effective outing in a 48-9 loss Saturday to College of the Canyons. He completed six passes for 136 yards - 78 yards coming on the Marauders lone touchdown drive, which culminated with a 29-yard touchdown pass to Craig Harris.

Allred (Rosamond) threw two interceptions - one that was returned 100 yards for a score - that effectively ended a day in which he completed only eight of 22 passes for 80 yards.

Allred was impressive leading AVC back from a 18-0 halftime deficit in the first week against host Santa Monica. He displayed composure in the pocket (11 for 23, 121 with a touchdown) and showed the ability to scramble (51 yards in 12 carries) when needed, as the Marauders came back to win 19-18.

Coach Brent Carder dispelled rumors of a quarterback controversy and maintained, ``Both kids work well together and they each know their role is to help this team win.''

``In week one, Allred got better as the game progressed and we learned we can come from behind and win,'' Carder added, ``and Culver has come along.

``Jamar made a big step forward against COC. He kept his composure, and it's good to know that he's improving.''

The bottom line?

``Repetition and game experience will help (Allred and Culver),'' Carder added. ``They'll both have opportunities this season and will have to take advantage, though we have to execute better as a team if we're going to be successful.''

The freshmen tandem have their first Foothill Conference test Saturday, against a traditionally tough Grossmont program.

--Manor among boys: Through the first two games of the year, Jamie Manor's versatility has been one of the Marauders' biggest assets. He leads the team in all-purpose yards with 152, averages 6.9 yards per touch, and his two fourth-quarter touchdowns against Santa Monica in the opener sealed the victory for AVC. And to think Manor could be in uniform somewhere in the Midwest right now.

Manor, a Clark High of Las Vegas graduate in 1999, originally signed to play football at Weber State. After practicing in the spring with the Division I-AA program, Manor changed his mind and enrolled at AVC with the hopes of being a quarterback, his position in high school.

He trains and gets reps with QBs Allred and Culver in practice. But when it comes down to doing what is best for the AVC program, Manor is the man. Quarterback, running back or slot receiver, you name the position and the freshman will play it.

``If you have a roster full of players with Manor's character, you'll have something really special,'' said Frank Blua, the offensive coordinator. ``He's very receptive to doing what's best for the team. He'll do anything to win; that's the type of person Jamie is.''