CALIFLORIDA BOWL: CALIFORNIA FALTERS FLORIDA DROPS STATE TEAMS TO 7-1 IN ALL-STAR GAMES FLORIDA 17, CALIFORNIA 14.

Byline: Julio Cortez Staff Writer

GOLETA - Birmingham High of Van Nuys' John Walker said he felt sluggish because of the nerves caused by playing with the best players from two states in the second edition of the CaliFlorida Bowl on Saturday at UC Santa Barbara.

Perhaps the rest of his California teammates felt the same as California fell short 17-14, snapping the team's 7-0 record in all-star appearances, including a 6-0 mark against Texas.

``It's overwhelming to come here and play with and against all these stars,'' said Walker, a 6-foot, 175-pound defensive back who led the Patriots this season to a 10-2 record. ``We had a short period of time to get prepared for this game.''

Despite just one week of practice going into the game, there were many with the credibility to lead the way for California.

Running back Tyler Ebell of Ventura, who set a national record with his 4,494 yards last fall, had a tough time moving the ball upfield against a tough Florida defense. The UCLA-bound Ebell was limited to 61 yards on 12 carries, including a 1-yard touchdown plunge with eight seconds remaining in the first half to cut Florida's lead to 10-7.

Also battered by the Florida defense was quarterback David Koral of Palisades, who set a national single-game record with his 764 yards last fall against Grant of Van Nuys. He was shut down while completing just 6 of 13 passes for 67 yards. He also was intercepted twice.

Two players who performed well, however, were Dan Catalano of Westlake and Josh Martin of Sylmar. Catalano blocked a 36-yard field-goal attempt by Ryan Rankin midway through the third quarter, keeping California within three points. Martin had a crucial sack of Adrian McPherson on a third-and-10 play inside the California 25-yard line, forcing Florida to attempt a field goal. The kick was eventually blocked, preserving a scoreless tie.