FLYING AT THE FINISH; CAMPBELL HAS BIG POSTSEASON.

Byline: Gerry Gittelson Daily News Staff Writer

``I have a dream,'' says Travis Campbell, Westlake High's all-purpose football star.

Scoring the winning touchdown in the Southern Section championship? Returning an interception 100 yards? Holding a press conference to announce his college choice?

No, the fantasy goes like this: ``I'm going across the middle, I make a jumping catch, somebody takes my legs out, and I go flying. . . .''

Welcome to Travis Campbell's world.

Campbell is perhaps the top junior defensive back on the West Coast, maybe the nation. He's had a career in just two years, totaling a school-record 14 interceptions - eight this season. Even more impressive, considering the risks interception-hungry cornerbacks often confront, Campbell hasn't been burned for any touchdowns this year.

With prime receiver Joey Cuppari nursing an injured ankle, Campbell has stepped forward as the go-to wideout in Westlake's pass-crazed offense, responding with 13 catches for 190 yards - including touchdowns of 32 and 10 yards - to carry the Warriors to a 21-17 playoff comeback over San Marcos.

``I liked it,'' Campbell said. ``It was great.''

But not surprising, according to coach Jim Benkert, preparing Westlake (8-3) for a quarterfinal matchup at Santa Maria Righetti (6-5) on Friday.

``We can play Travis at any position because of the kind of kid he is,'' said Benkert, noting that Campbell also did the place-kicking in Cuppari's absence. ``He's just so athletic and confident of his abilities.''

Tight end Mike Seidman, whose 47 catches make him a star in his own right, is amazed by Campbell's ability ``to do everything.''

But Seidman, perhaps Campbell's closest friend on the team, swears all the heroics have never swelled Campbell's head.

``He's pretty into it, but Travis is the kind of player who lets his actions speak louder than words,'' Seidman said. ``But he's huge, the best cornerback/wide receiver in the league.''

On a team loaded with probable All-Southern Section selections - Cuppari, Seidman, quarterback Zac Wasserman, lineman Karl Holley, safety Kevin Howard - senior linebacker Matt Goldstein insists Campbell is the key.

``Travis is our most valuable player, period,'' Goldstein said. ``He's our best athlete, and he does everything we ask. When Joey went down and Travis became the go-to guy on offense, he really felt the fire. It was unbelievable.''

Goldstein marvels at the weekly advantage Campbell gives the defense by totally shutting down the opposition's best receiver.

``You know going in their top guy isn't going to do anything, so you don't even worry,'' Goldstein said. ``Travis can keep up with anyone, plus he really gives a lot of run support. You should have seen - or heard - the hit he put on (Agoura standout quarterback) Ryan McCann.''

Campbell, a 6-foot, 185-pounder with 4.5 speed, says his basic theory on defense is to avoid big plays and try to be in the right place at the right time. He enjoys playing receiver - he has 54 catches (22 the last three games since Cuppari's been hurt) for 833 yards and eight touchdowns - but prefers defense because ``it's more challenging.''

Mother Karen Campbell, acknowledging her house is cluttered with trophies, award plaques and athletic equipment, takes some of the credit herself: ``I guess some kids are just born with athletic ability.''

Campbell says Travis has been sports-dominant since he was a little boy.

``In soccer, he was always the best,'' she recounted. ``In Little League, he was always on the all-star teams. He was even good at diving.''

Campbell's grades are also impressive; he held a 3.5 grade point average as a freshman, and a 3.1 last year.

``He's doing really good,'' Karen Campbell said, ``but if he put half the effort he puts into sports into his studies . . .''

Athletic accomplishments aside, Campbell is certainly well-rounded enough to impress his coach.

``Travis is not only a great football player,'' Benkert said. ``He really is a super person.''

CAPTION(S):

2 Photos

PHOTO (1) Westlake's Travis Campbell, a top defensive back, has also delivered big plays as a wide receiver.

Gene Blevins / Special to the Daily News

(2) ``Travis (Campbell) is our most valuable player, period. He's our best athlete, and he does everything we ask.''

- Matt Goldstein, Westlake linebacker