GRIFFIN IS BIG MAN FOR LITTLEROCK.

Byline: Gerry Gittelson Daily News Staff Writer

Leonard Griffin of Littlerock High has missed most of preseason soccer practice because he was busy trying out for the Olympic National Team. He did not play in the first half of the first game in fairness to others who had been to every practice, but coach Eric Stanford kindheartedly decided to give Griffin some minutes in the second half.

Griffin scored a goal within 90 seconds - that's how good the junior returning All-Golden Leaguer is. He has scored four goals for the 3-1-1 Lobos despite filling in on defenses a lot of the time.

Griffin, who made the national team last year and finds out in January if he qualified again, is a big reason why Littlerock is one of the favored entries in the Royal High tournament starting this morning. The Lobos open against San Marcos at Santa Margarita Park in Simi Valley at 9:30 a.m.

``Leonard Griffin is a great player,'' Stanford said. ``More than anything he's real smooth and real fluid. He's nice to look at on the field because there is no herky-jerky movements.''

Littlerock has not had an easy time despite such an impressive team record. Two starters, forward Saul Briseno (back) and midfielder Fernando Rojas (knee), have both been out since Dec. 3 and are doubtful for the Royal tournament. Two others starters, David Hurtado and Jesus Venegas both have broken toes and are ``day to day'' according to Stanford.

All four were missing when Littlerock lost to Sultana two weeks ago.

Griffin, who scored 12 goals last season, has sacrificed his statistics to fill in where Stanford needs him.

``Leonard can play anywhere on the field,'' Stanford said. ``That's a good thing because we have been decimated by injuries, and also some discipline problems - players missing practice - that has resulted in some players missing games.''

Stanford said sweeper Darren Cannone has joined Griffin to provide leadership.

``Darren has been great, a very vocal leader,'' Stanford said.

Hailing from a region best known for football - and lately, softball - Griffin is doing his part to uncover the Antelope Valley as a hotbed for soccer players. Tony Lawson of Quartz Hill High and Allen Freder of Highland High joined Griffin in Coco Beach, Fla. to try out for the national team.

``The Antelope Valley doesn't have such a strong soccer reputation as L.A. or Orange County,'' Griffin said. ``But that's changing. I really think players from around here are stepping up and making a big improvement.''

If Griffin again qualifies for the national team, his season will be interrupted again by another trip to Florida in January. For Littlerock and coach Stanford, not having Griffin is frustrating. But the coach understands Griffin has a big future in the sport.

``Leonard is very driven,'' Stanford said. ``How far he eventually really is up to him. It all depends on his own work ethic.''