CHATTER: USC-BOUND CASSEL READY FOR LAST HURRAH BOWL IS QB'S FINAL PREP GAME.

Byline: Gerry Gittelson Staff Writer

Recent Chatsworth High graduate Matt Cassel, a quarterback in the inaugural CaliFlorida Bowl all-star football game at the Rose Bowl on July 22, says he'll be looking for receiver Keary Colbert of Hueneme.

Both have accepted scholarships to USC and this is their first chance to get acquainted in a game situation.

``We've worked out a little bit at USC, and Keary's great,'' Cassel said. ``He just runs unbelievable routes.''

Cassel, who decided not to return to Chatsworth's baseball team last year so he could prepare for college football, probably will start the USC season behind returnees Carson Palmer and Mike Van Raaphorst. But he plans to be in the mix.

``I might play or I might redshirt, but I'm going to be traveling with the team and taking snaps (in practice),'' Cassel said. ``My time will come.''

Twelve regional players are competing in the CaliFlorida fest - Notre Dame lineman Travis Johnson announced he's dropping out to honor academic commitments at Florida State - but Cassel is one of the few who hasn't participated in any other summer all-star game.

``It's going to be a lot of fun,'' Cassel said. ``It's kind of the end of high school and the start of big-time football all at the same time - like saying goodbye and hello at the same time.'' . . .

Quarterback Rick Clausen, who completed only two passes - both for touchdowns - as a junior at Alemany last season, transferred to Taft amid skepticism that he could contribute immediately. But Clausen led Taft to a championship in his first passing tournament at Beverly Hills High, followed by a berth in the finals at the competitive Cal State Northridge tournament.

Many were disappointed when Taft dropped out of the recent Valley College tournament because many starters were unavailable. Running back/defensive back Lee Marks (ankle) and receiver Chris Morgan (ribs) were injured, and touted receiver Steve Smith (basketball tournament) was among at least three others honoring previous commitments. . . .

Johnathan Oller is having a big season for Crespi High's Palomino League baseball team, batting .563 with five home runs, 15 extra-base hits and 33 RBI in 21 games. He's also 2-0 with a 0.80 ERA and 11 strikeouts in 8 2/3 innings. Damian Alonzo is hitting .522 with three home runs and Chris Gallo is hitting .471 with two homers. . . .

The Lancaster Park View Little League baseball all-stars, featuring two dominating pitchers in Chase Tigert and Matt Hutchinson and a lineup filled with home run hitters, already have their sights set on Williamsport. The 11- and 12-year-olds outscored opponents 25-0 and struck out 23 in 10 innings in two District 51 Area 3 victories this week. . . .

Alemany running back De'Andre Scott, expected to be the region's prized major-college recruit this fall, might play some quarterback if the Indians experiment with a wishbone offense.