DOSS-CARTER DOES IT ALL FOR PALMDALE COLLEGE-BOUND DEFENDER HAS HELPED FALCONS TURN THEIR FORTUNES AROUND.

Byline: Heather Gripp  Staff Writer

PALMDALE - Jason Doss-Carter longed to prove to his mother that he could play soccer. He's done that and convinced many more along the way.

The Palmdale High senior can play any position extremely well, which is why he's being recruited by Division I colleges. He's also been key in turning his team into a playoff contender, a year after Palmdale won just two Golden League matches.

``He's really been playing well all season but especially lately,'' Falcons coach Jeremy Kriss said.

Although he's usually a defender, Doss-Carter ranks among the team's scoring leaders with 10 goals and 11 assists.

Scoring goals is something he's been doing most of his life. He remembers kicking balls around with his older brother almost from the time he started walking. He begged to play on a team like his brother was and was granted his wish when he was 4.

``I saw my brother play and I wanted to show my mom I could play,'' said Doss-Carter, who turns 18 on Thursday. ``I wanted to show her I could do what he could.''

He made his point - almost too well.

One of his youth-league teams voted him out of his age group, he said, because he dominated games and his teammates weren't getting to do much. However, he remained with his peers because his mother was leery of creating a rivalry between her sons at the next level, the domain of Doss-Carter's brother.

Still, a rivalry did exist as one constantly tried to outdo each other. Ultimately, Doss-Carter's brother quit soccer in favor of football and baseball in high school but continues to share his knowledge of the game.

``He's my biggest critic,'' Doss-Carter said.

Doss-Carter hopes to play soccer as long as possible. When he's not playing for the high school, he plays for the Palmdale Thunder club team.

``I knew real early this was my sport,'' Doss-Carter said. ``I played baseball and basketball, but I didn't really have that love for them. I knew I just loved soccer, just everything about the game.

``I like that it's a team sport and that the coach can only coach you in practice. Once you get on the field, it's all up to you. There's no timeouts; you've gotta think quickly and know what to do. I'm very competitive, so it's the perfect game for me.''

His speed and ability to win balls in the air make him a perfect fit almost anywhere on the field.

``He is multitalented,'' Kriss said. ``He can play anywhere. That's what's attracted the colleges. He plays sweeper for us, but we can move him up to midfield or even forward and he does fine.''

He is also the one the Falcons turn to for guidance.

``You can see it in the huddles even,'' said Doss-Carter, a second-year team captain. ``They look to me like, 'Now what?' I like being the leader. I help in any way I can.''