DENOVE IS MOVING UP IN THE WORLD.

Byline: Jim Inghram Staff Writer

On the junior varsity football team, Chris Denove became the master of the comeback. As the team's quarterback, he saved the Agoura High Chargers from defeat so many times, it almost became second nature.

His best effort last season was a stunning 63-yard, four-play drive that took 46 seconds and gave Agoura a 35-29 victory over Thousand Oaks as time expired. Another time, Denove drove the Chargers 52 yards in 26 seconds to defeat Simi Valley 19-13.

``It was weird,'' Denove said. ``We seemed to play our best with our backs against the wall.''

This year, he takes his act to the varsity. Denove, a junior, will be the starter. And while he can't guarantee any heroics, he is expecting to be successful.

``I'm really looking forward to the season,'' Denove said. ``I've put in a lot of time to make sure I'm ready to help the team.''

Throughout the summer, Denove, 16, would rise by 5 a.m. to be at Agoura High and work on a speed-training program. He was there until 7 a.m., then attended summer classes from 7:30 to noon. After a two-hour break, Denove would work out with his Legion baseball team or throw passes with teammates in preparation for passing-league games.

During his daily two-hour break, Denove would take a nap and get a bite to eat.

``It was tough,'' Denove said. ``Every morning I hated getting up. But I knew it was going to help me in the long run and I can feel the results. I'm faster and I think better prepared to do the thing I need to do.''

The hectic schedule didn't seem to affect the 6-foot-2, 190-pounder. He played well for the Chargers' passing-league team and excelled playing Legion baseball on a limited basis.

As good as Denove has been between the sidelines, he might be better on the diamond. In 12 Legion games, he hit .609 with seven doubles, five home runs, 16 runs scored and 25 RBI.

``He's very productive,'' said Legion coach Zach Miller. ``He doesn't waste effort. You don't have to ask him to do anything. He kind of knows what the coach is thinking out there. It makes him an excellent leader and that's probably from playing at quarterback.''

Ah, quarterback. It's where Denove feels right at home.

``Chris is going to be one of the best quarterbacks in the league,'' said Agoura football coach Charlie Wegher. ``Leadership-wise, he is outstanding. He had two great years on the junior varsity and we are excited to have him on the varsity.''

Although Denove took time off to participate in baseball at times, Wegher feels Denove will have the offense down.

``He has been able to digest everything we have given him. Our sophomore team ran a sophisticated system and he handled it well. He just has those intangibles that make him a winner.''

It also helps that Denove has the physical size to be successful. He also has an uncanny knack for shrugging off pressure.

``There were times during games when it seemed like we might have some pressure on us,'' Denove said, ``but when everyone focuses on what they have to do, you can accomplish a lot.''

DENOVE FILE

Name: Chris Denove

School: Agoura High

Year: Junior

Position: Quarterback

Height/weight: 6-2/190

Born/place: Dec. 9, 1982/Westlake Village

Notable: Was the junior varsity starting quarterback as a freshman and sophomore. . . . Played varsity baseball as a sophomore and was selected second team All-Marmonte League. . . . Hit a home run in his first varsity at-bat.

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Box: DENOVE FILE (See text)