COLLEGE FOOTBALL NOTEBOOK: HERBERT HELPS HAWAII RAINBOWS CLINCH BOWL.

Byline: Chris Cocoles Staff Writer

Hawaii wide receiver Clifton Herbert (Quartz Hill) didn't produce the big numbers like teammates Justin Colbert (11 catches for 156 yards) and Neal Gossett (seven for 119 yards). But one of the most spectacular, and critical, receptions in the Warriors' 40-31 victory over San Jose State was turned in by Herbert.

With Hawaii's lead over the Spartans cut to 30-24 in the fourth quarter, Warriors quarterback Timmy Chang threw a bullet pass on a post pattern that was well covered by San Jose State. But Herbert made a running catch for a 41-yard gain that led to a Hawaii field goal and an important nine-point lead.

``I wouldn't say there's any one play designed for a specific (receiver),'' Herbert told the Honolulu Advertiser regarding Hawaii's successful passing game. ``It's just a matter of getting open. Timmy got me the ball on that play, and I caught it.''

Herbert finished with three catches for 57 yards to help Hawaii clinch a berth in the Dec. 25 Hawaii Bowl. For the season, Herbert has 26 receptions for 353 yards and three scores.

--Wayne's world: Wayne State's two local players, all-purpose player Stephen Stokes and Shaun Holiday, are both having solid seasons.

Stokes (Valencia/College of the Canyons) is fifth on the team in all- purpose yards, gaining 145 yards receiving, 118 in punt returns and 48 in kickoff returns. He's scored one touchdown.

Holiday, a senior who resides in Canyon Country but attended Kennedy High of Granada Hills and Moorpark College, has 12 total tackles, including a pair for a loss.

--Record-setter: California senior Kyle Boller (Hart) is becoming one of the greatest quarterbacks at a school that has produced some good ones. Steve Bartkowski, Joe Kapp, Craig Morton or Joe Roth haven't thrown for as many career touchdowns as Boller.

In his last game, Boller's streak of games with at least one scoring pass was snapped at 10 by Oregon State. But in a season where his vast potential is being fulfilled, Boller's 55 touchdowns have established a school record. He's also three away from cracking the top 10 all-time in the Pacific-10 Conference.

``Kyle has worked very hard mentally and physically. He has worked very hard at practice, and he is very coachable. He prepares hard for the games,'' said first-year Cal coach Jeff Tedford, who has the 5-3 Golden Bears on the brink of their first winning season in nine years.

``I am very impressed and proud of what he has done. It is not easy to take this offense over in a short period of time, and he's done a nice job of it.''

Boller has thrown for 19 touchdowns and just six interceptions this season. The Bears play at No. 25 Arizona State today. The Sun Devils know Boller is a big reason why Cal has turned around last season's awful 1-10 record.

``Kyle Boller is playing the best he's played in his career. Jeff (Tedford) has him playing very well, and he's making good decisions,'' ASU coach Dirk Koetter said. ``He's not as mobile as (Washington State quarterback Jason) Gesser and doesn't have as quick of a release. He's having an excellent year, and he's right in there as one of the best quarterbacks in the league and he can definitely beat you.''

--Howling Lobo: New Mexico wide receiver Joe Manning (Antelope Valley) shares the team lead in receptions (26) with teammate Dwight Counter. Manning, a senior, also has gained the most yards by a Lobos receiver (273) and scored a touchdown.

--Cardinal rules: Stanford senior defensive lineman Matt Leonard (Palmdale) has 16 total tackles - four for losses - two sacks, two interceptions and a forced fumble for the Cardinal.

--Injury bug: San Diego State defensive back Marcus Demps' (Highland) knee problems have limited him to just four games for the Aztecs. He's made four tackles.

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Cal quarterback and former Hart High star Kyle Boller set a school record with 55 touchdowns this season.

Paul Sakuma/Associated Press