O'BRIEN'S READY TO TACKLE NEW CAREER.

Byline: GERRY GITTELSON

Torrey O'Brien, a former Valencia High linebacker who graduated as the school's all-time leading tackler last spring, has decided not to pursue a college football career in favor of working as an assistant coach at Valencia - and he couldn't be happier.

``I love it. This is what I want to do - to be a teacher and a football coach,'' said O'Brien, who is the junior varsity team's defensive coordinator.

O'Brien, 17, is a year younger than most of his former classmates - and only about a year older than most of the JV players. He said he'll miss playing football but is proud to dedicate his life to helping others.

``This is what's best for me,'' he said. ``Sometimes coaching can be real frustrating, but to see the kids improve is a big payoff.''

The only setback is O'Brien won't have a chance to coach his younger brother, Tyler, a running back/receiver who has transferred to West Ranch after a fine season on Valencia's freshman team. The younger O'Brien probably would have been one of Valencia's top JV players or perhaps a member of the varsity team.

``Of course I wanted Tyler to stay because I bleed Valencia purple,'' O'Brien said. ``But it was his decision, and it's actually turning out pretty well for him.''

--Another former Valencia football standout, former All-Southern Section defensive back Brandon Nichols, said he hasn't given up on his football dreams even though he quit the team at L.A. Valley College after a solid freshman season.

Nichols, who said he left Valley to work in construction, has moved to the Antelope Valley and plans to play at Antelope Valley College in 2006.

--The William S. Hart Mustang baseball team was still alive in the Western Regionals in Lynwood after defeating Mira Costa of Manhattan Beach 8-0 in an elimination game on Monday night.

Cole Taylor pitched five innings, striking out six and allowing two hits. Dylan Freyre went 2 for 3 with two triples, two RBI and two runs.

Hart (9-1) must defeat East Long Beach twice to advance to the West Zone tournament in Chino Hills, which is the final qualifier for the annual World Series in Irving, Texas.

--After a tough junior year that saw his playing time dwindle toward the end of the season, Saugus High football player Ryan Purdy is ready for a comeback.

A solid performance this summer has won Purdy starting tailback and safety jobs, and coach Jason Bornn doesn't expect him to give ground once full-contact practices begin next month.

``I don't even know who Ryan Purdy is anymore. He's not the same kid as last year,'' Bornn said.

Other Saugus players who have impressed include receiver Alex Koval and linebacker Justin Skinner. Bornn calls Koval ``a vacuum,'' and Skinner has settled into his position after a season as quarterback Zach Summers' backup.

--Hart's football team, coming off an impressive summer where it won three of its last four passing tournaments, should be a Foothill League favorite once again after finishing third last season - and losing five games for the first time in coach Mike Herrington's 16-year career.

``The kids have had a real good summer, but it all depends on what our line looks like,'' Herrington said. ``We'll know a lot more once we put the pads on.''

--A group of Santa Clarita locals earned medals at the annual California State Roller Figure Skating Games in San Diego last week. Jenna Dennis, 12, won a gold and a silver. Kayla Griffin, 14, won three bronze medals. Megan Griffin, 11, won a gold, silver and bronze. Mariah Lopez. 8, won a silver. Giavanna Patafio, 14, won two golds and a silver. Meshy Fischelsohn, 10, won bronze.

The girls represent The Competitive team, coached by Linda DeFilippo, mother of former Valencia football standout Anthony DeFilippo, the 2004 Daily News Defensive Player of the Year.