MATTER TO QB STATE'S ATTACK IN SHRINE GAME.

Byline: Chris Cocoles Staff Writer

California coach Greg Gano is confident his team can compete with a loaded squad of Texas high school football standouts in the 50th Shrine All-Star Game on Saturday.

``We will give Texas a run for its money,'' said Gano, the coach at Los Altos High of Hacienda Heights.

But Gano added: ``California is losing a few ballplayers.''

Try Mater Dei of Santa Ana quarterback Matt Leinart (a USC signee), linebacker Marvin Simmons and defensive lineman Ray Tago of Southern Section Division I champion Long Beach Poly. All three were unavailable to participate in the California-Texas game because of scheduling conflicts.

Also left off the roster were Loyola's Matt Ware and Cleveland of Reseda's Matt Clark, who both signed with UCLA.

Add the loss of record-setting Ventura High running back and Bruins recruit Tyler Ebell - he suffered a sprained ankle - Texas has an excellent opportunity to snap its losing streak to the Californians at six games.

The Texas contingent includes some of the state's top seniors. A combined 13 players signed with the Southwest's most decorated programs: defending national champion Oklahoma and preseason Sporting News No. 1 Texas.

Texas A&M, Arkansas, Kansas State, Michigan, Texas Tech, Texas Christian and Mississippi State and Louisiana State, all 2000 bowl teams, have at least one recruit playing for Texas.

California's losses are impossible to replace. But there isn't a shortage of talent.

Without Leinart, the quarterbacking duties will be primarily handled by Hart of Newhall product Kyle Matter, who guided the Indians to back-to-back Southern Section Division III championships.

CAL-TEX SHRINE GAME

When: Saturday, 5 p.m.

Where: Mount San Antonio College

Tickets: $10 and $15. Call [phone] or 1-800-749-0839

Local players: Westlake DB Ryan Foltz (signed with Cal), Valencia DL Kaelen Jakes (Texas), Hart QB Kyle Matter (Stanford), Malibu LB Dane Skophammer (UCLA), Loyola LB Jordan Trott (Virginia Tech), Birmingham DB John Walker (USC).

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CAL-TEX SHRINE GAME (see text)