BRIEFLY.

Byline: The Register-Guard

Prep showdown at Autzen

The state football playoffs are several weeks away, but that hasn't stopped two Oregon high school teams from booking a doubleheader at Autzen Stadium on Friday night.

In what is being billed as the California/Oregon Showdown, Central High School of Independence will take on Sutter (Calif.) at 6 p.m., followed by Astoria against Yreka (Calif.) at 8 p.m.

All four schools have similar enrollments, and they will split the expenses.

The idea for the prep doubleheader was hatched this past summer when Astoria head coach Howard Rub and Yreka head coach Orland Culp both took their football teams to the Gold Beach training camp.

`That's how we got connected,' Rub said. `We initially pitched the idea to Oregon State, but unfortunately, it couldn't be accommodated.'

Rub, who also serves as Astoria's athletic director, knew Oregon strength and conditioning coach Jim Radcliffe, so before letting the proposal die, he decided to send an e-mail to Radcliffe.

`He took it to his administration, and from what I understand, coach (Mike) Bellotti and everyone involved was very supportive of the concept,' Rub said. `They wanted to help promote high school football in both states, and also help promote our kids and communities.'

Rub surmised that it didn't hurt their cause that Dan Williams, the assistant to the UO president for intercollegiate athletics, is an Astoria alum. He said Williams plans to rent a suite for the games.

Astoria, which is 4-0 and ranked No. 6 in the latest Class 4A poll, won't just be sending a football team to Autzen Stadium. The school's marching band, choir and dance team are all scheduled to perform at the game after visiting the Oregon campus during the day.

Royster shines for Devil Rays

Ryan Royster, a 2004 graduate of Churchill High School, was one of 12 minor-league baseball players honored by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays for their performances this summer.

The 6-foot-2, 205-pound outfielder was chosen as player of the year for the Hudson Valley Renegades, the Devil Rays' Class A short-season affiliate in the New York-Penn League.

Royster signed with Tampa Bay in June of 2004 after leading the Lancers to the Midwestern League title. He was a sixth-round draft choice and chose to sign with the Devil Rays instead of playing college ball at Oregon State.

During the 2006 season, Royster blasted eight home runs for the Renegades, which led the team and tied for the New York-Penn title. He also led the team with a .711 OPS - on-base plus slugging percentage - for all players with 50 or more at-bats, and his 29 RBIs tied him for the team lead.

`To be honest, I was a little surprised to get the award,' said Royster, one of 50 Devil Ray prospects participating in the organization's instructional league in Tampa Bay.

Royster, who earned the same honor during his first season of pro ball with Princeton of the Rookie League, is looking forward to having a spot at one of Tampa Bay's long-season clubs in the spring.

`I feel like I've paid some dues and earned the right to make a long-season team,' Royster said. `When I come to spring training next year, that's what I'm shooting for. Hopefully, it all works out.'