MOORPARK'S ROCKIN' RECEIVER; WHETHER IT'S THE STAGE OR GRIDIRON, SHOOP IS A HIT.

Byline: Jim Inghram Daily News Staff Writer

He's either the singing drummer that can catch, or the receiver that can sing and drum.

Whether its the former or the latter, Moorpark junior Jeremy Shoop is multi-talented. He could be singing the lead in the school musical, handling the national anthem, drumming in his band, called SLPY, or what he has been doing with regularity this fall - making the clutch catch or hit for the Musketeers' football team.

``I like doing it all,'' said Shoop, who will line up with his teammates against St. Monica in tonight's Division X championship game at 7:30 p.m. at Moorpark High. ``When I was younger some of the guys would get on me about singing, but now everybody encourages it. They're behind me.''

Shoop figures that his singing and drumming have helped him in football. ``They are different, but they complement each other. I take my football attitude into drumming, and the rhythm of it and singing to pace myself on the field.''

This season he has 21 receptions for 343 yards and six touchdowns.

Shoop's singing career started in his pre-kindergarten days when he won a talent show singing ``Puff the Magic Dragon.''

``I don't really remember it,'' Shoop said. ``My mom told me about it.''

Shoop was the lead in ``Lil' Abner'' last spring and took on the national anthem at Moorpark's homecoming game.

``I'm in the chorus and the teacher said he wanted me to sing the national anthem,'' Shoop said. ``I asked coach (Wilford) and he said it was all right with him.''

After he hit the last note, Shoop was pummeled with high-fives and good natured shoves from his teammates.

``I was pretty relieved when it was over,'' Shoop said. ``I was kind of stressed about it.''

As great as the feeling of hitting a note just right is, Shoop said that scoring a touchdown - something he hopes to do in tonight's game - is even better.

``I'd take scoring a touchdown over singing, definitely,'' Shoop said. ``They are pretty different, but scoring is the best.''

Shoop, who formed his band with friends Greg Dora and Mike Hedyati, has seen his role on the field increase as the season has progressed.

``I wasn't that big a part of the offense at the start,'' he said, ``but I've been getting more passes thrown my way.''

Said teammate and fellow receiver-defensive back Erris Green: ``He's been coming on since the beginning of the season. He's a great receiver and a great all-around athlete. He's one of the best athletes on the team.''

Quarterback Chad Willis agreed. ``Shoop has saved me a couple of times. I'll be in trouble and he finds ways to get open. He's pretty dependable.''

A dependable receiver. The same could be said about singing and playing the drums.

``I like to keep active,'' he said. ``We have one more game to win and then I'll focus more on the band.''

S. SECTION DIVISION X CHAMPIONSHIP

WHO: Moorpark (12-1) vs. St. Monica (10-3).

WHERE: Moorpark High School.

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Saturday

CAPTION(S):

2 Photos

PHOTO (1--2) Moorpark High football player Jeremy Shoop is a sure-handed receiver who has helped the Musketeers reach the Southern Section title game, but he is equally renown for his singing and drumming. When not playing football, Shoop might be seen playing the lead in a school play or leading his performing with his band.

Tina Gerson/Daily News