FOOTBALL NOTEBOOK: POSSIBLE RAIN DOESN'T FAZE BOWL COACHES.

Byline: GERRY GITTELSON Staff Writer

After 14 weeks of near-perfect football weather for high schools across the Valley areas, an early weather report said there's a 60percent chance of rain Saturday in Carson.

That means showers could put a damper on the inaugural CIF State Bowl Championships tripleheader at Home Depot Center, featuring Oaks Christian of Westlake Village in the Div. III final at 11 a.m., and Canyon of Canyon Country in the Div. I final at 7:30 p.m.

Oaks Christian's opponent, heavy underdog Cardinal Newman of Santa Rosa, probably would have a better chance in a downpour. Oaks Christian, led by quarterback Jimmy Clausen, loves to pass the football, and Cardinal Newman, led by running back Brian Hutton, is more of a smashmouth team.

``I've seen the weather report, and I don't think it will matter too much because the rain is supposed to hold off until the evening,'' Oaks Christian coach Bill Redell said. ``Plus, the field at Home Depot Center isn't the type that's going to get all muddy. There's no advantage (for Cardinal Newman) if it rains.''

Canyon coach Harry Welch also doesn't appear concerned. Asked for a comment about the rain, he said: ``We're going to get wet.''

Canyon gets a kick-start: Among those helping Canyon this week is former kicker Chris Chalmers, who spent one redshirt season at Boise State before playing at College of the Canyons this past season. He's been tutoring Christopher Chapman, who kicked the winning field goal in the final seconds of Saturday's 24-22 victory over Moorpark.

``Christopher is definitely an advanced kicker,'' Chalmers said.

Hey, Harry, remember me? Redell and Welch were in the same room during a press luncheon Monday, and Redell recalled the night in 1985 when Welch's Canyon team defeated Redell's Crespi squad, 35-0.

``It was the only time in my career I've ever been shut out,'' Redell said. ``Then Harry said he wouldn't play us the next year because he knew we were going to have Russell White, who was going to be coming up from the frosh team.''

When asked about it, Welch smiled.

``That's not exactly how I remember it,'' Welch said. ``I wouldn't have said something like that. It might have been true -- but I wouldn't have said it.''

Speaking of what Welch said and wouldn't say, he was informed about 90 minutes before his players Sunday that the Cowboys had been voted into the championship bowl. But he didn't ruin the surprise for the players, whose joyous reaction to the news was caught live on television on FSN, as most of the players gathered in front of a TVcamera at linebacker Nick Jurado's house.

``When I got the call, my wife and I were extremely elated,'' Welch said. ``I guess I could have told them, but I didn't.''

More than a football event: There will be a lot going on Saturday at Home Depot Center in addition to the three football finals.

SPARQ assessment will provide free testing for football players in the 40-yard dash, 15-pound bench press, vertical jump and shuttle. Individual ratings will be posted on the Web. There is also a cheerleading contest and football coaches' clinic featuring Colorado's Dan Hawkins and Washington's Tyrone Willingham.

Information: www.cifstate.org.

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CAPTION(S):

photo, box

Photo:

Aubrey Smith

Box:

SMITH HEADED TO SDSU 

Aubrey Smith, a receiver/safety from Chaminade of West Hills, has committed to San Diego State.

- Gerry Gittelson