NO QUARTERBACK NO PROBLEM FOR ROYAL JUNIOR VARSITY.

Byline: Jim Inghram Daily News Staff Writer

No coach wants to change his game plan midweek, but that's exactly what Jim Thornton, Royal High School's junior varsity coach, had to do.

Because of injuries on the varsity team, Thornton lost quarterback John Palacios to the Highlanders' varsity squad Wednesday. Palacios, a sophomore, had passed for more than 1,000 yards, including a 17-of-22, 312-yard effort in a victory over Agoura the previous week.

``We had one day to go from a run-and-shoot offense to a running-based offense,'' Thornton said. ``It wasn't easy.''

So Thornton started Casey O'Quinn at quarterback, changed the offense and the Highlanders (5-0-1, 2-0-1) posted a 20-7 victory over Thousand Oaks on Friday.

``We ran the ball well,'' Thornton said. ``We did it by committee, but Jesse Morris, Mark Brown and Tyler Williams stood out.''

In the old offense Williams was the team's leading receiver. Now Thornton has moved him to the backfield.

``He's a talented kid,'' Thornton said. ``And we have to find a way to get him the ball as many times as we can.''

Although the Highlanders won by two touchdowns it was not easy. The Highlanders trailed 7-6 at the half and were clinging to a 13-7 lead in the fourth quarter when Williams provided some breathing room.

Williams fielded a punt near the Lancers' 40-yard line and zig-zagged his way into the end zone to give the game its final score.

``I'm not counting on John being back,'' Thornton said. ``We'll just become a running team and have to play better defense to keep winning.''

Valley 27, Newbury Park 14: In a battle of league unbeatens the Pioneers came out on top and continued their march for the Marmonte League title.

Quarterback Ben Santiago led the way. He completed 22 of 35 passes for 299 yards and two touchdowns. Both scores went to his brother Julian Santiago.

He also contributed seven solo tackles on defense.

The Pioneers (6-0, 3-0) led throughout the game, but the Panthers closed the gap to uncomfortable levels at times. Simi Valley led 13-0 at the half. The Panthers (4-2, 2-1) closed to 13-7. The teams traded touchdowns and headed into the fourth quarter with the Pioneers leading 19-14.

Midway through the fourth, the Santiagos hooked up to extend the lead to 27-14.

``Our defense has been leaky at times,'' assistant coach Steve Galvan said. ``But they were able to stiffen up when it mattered.''

Josh Schadt was a defensive standout for the Pioneers. He had 2.5 sacks and had tackles that resulted in 30-yard losses.

On offense, Calvin Bell had a 65-yard touchdown run that put the Pioneers up 13-0.

In another Marmonte League game, Camarillo defeated Agoura 26-18.