OLD FRIENDS, NEW FOES VAIANA FOND OF FORMER PLAYERS HIS NEW TEAM, HIGHLAND, PLAYS TONIGHT.

Byline: Ross Siler Staff Writer

PALMDALE - The only thing that post-game custom called for was a handshake at the 50-yard line between players and coaches. But Highland High defensive coordinator Sam Vaiana couldn't forget about the kids he'd coached at Antelope Valley High during his final season there in 2000.

Even though Vaiana's Bulldogs were on the wrong end of a 14-7 loss to A.V. last October, the coach walked over to then-juniors Johnny Walker, Sean Wallace, Frank Morin and Marcos Huerta and gave them a hug. With tears in his eyes, Vaiana told his former players how proud he was of them.

``I have very deep feelings for some of the kids over there,'' Vaiana said this week. ``You cant break up that bond. Even though I'm not there anymore and I'm kind of the enemy now, there's always a special relationship between an ex-player and a coach. I still consider them my boys.''

Three months later, Lin Parker was fired as Highland's head coach and Vaiana was hired to be his successor. And after opening this season 4-1, Vaiana has found the stakes raised for tonight's rematch against A.V., where he served as an assistant coach and defensive coordinator for three seasons.

``He says before every game that it's the biggest game of the season,'' senior linebacker Mike Alonzo said. ``But I know this one means a lot to him.''

``This is his old team,'' senior quarterback Gary Rosales added. ``He's 10 times more intense than usual. And that's pretty hard for him.''

Since he took over as coach in January, Vaiana set about turning around everything associated with Highland's program. He installed a new spread offense and a new attitude as well.

The results speak for themselves: Highland already has equaled its victory total from all last season despite playing a nonleague schedule that featured four playoff teams plus undefeated Canyon.

With the majority of area coaches watching, the Bulldogs gave Vaiana a water-cooler shower after Highland upset Division IV powerhouse Paso Robles 22-18 last Saturday. Highlands defense, already ranked No. 3 in the area, surrendered zero points in the second half and has allowed only one touchdown after halftime this year.

But the Bulldogs will get their toughest test of the season tonight against A.V., the two-time defending Golden League champions. The Antelopes employ a triple-option offense led by Walker, a dynamic playmaker who has rushed for 569 yards so far this season. Wallace and junior Kreig Peters round out the Antelopes talented backfield.

If anyone knows how to beat A.V., though, its Vaiana. He started by restructuring his entire defense for this week's game. The coach also spent time under center during drills on Tuesday, trying to mimic Walker and the pitches he makes in the option. But Vaiana's instructions to his players were simple.

``We just need to keep Johnny from making the big play,'' Vaiana said. ``We also need to have confidence that we can beat A.V. Even though there may be some adversity, their guy might break a long run and score, that's not the game. We can come back and score and be right back in it.''

The task of stopping Walker will fall to senior Victor Watkins at one cornerback spot and either junior James Florence or senior Kris Theus at the other. Alonzo, meanwhile, will anchor the linebackers. But the Bulldogs don't plan to be intimidated by A.V., especially on their home field.

``We had a tough enough preseason schedule,'' Alonzo said. ``Were pretty comfortable coming in and playing another good team.''

That's the same tact the Antelopes are taking. A.V. came within one blocked field goal of going 5-0 in the nonleague season after a 21-19 loss to Loyola of Los Angeles. A.V. is coming off a 19-0 victory last Friday over Barstow in which Peters ran for 184 yards and two touchdowns and also returned an interception for a score.

``Were just hoping that our big game experience can override all the new energy they have in their program,'' A.V. offensive coordinator Brandon Newcomb said. ``This is something we've been through before over the years.''

But regardless of whether his team wins or loses, Vaiana said he always will hold a special feeling for Walker and his other former players. He went up to talk with them at passing league games this summer and plans to greet them again after the final horn tonight.

``I wish them great success,'' Vaiana said. He paused, then added: ``Just hopefully not this week.''

TODAY'S GAMES

No. 4 ANTELOPE VALLEY (4-1) at HIGHLAND (3-1) 7 p.m.

--Players to watch: Victor Watkins and James Florence, CBs, Highland.

Watkins and Florence will share the burden of trying to contain Antelope Valley quarterback Johnny Walker in the Antelopes' triple-option attack. Highland coach Sam Vaiana has restructured his entire defense for the game, and the two cornerbacks will be counted on to stop Walker from breaking big plays.

--Key stat: 10

Consecutive Golden League games won by Antelope Valley, which has claimed back-to-back league championships. The team's seniors also played on an unbeaten freshman squad, giving Walker and Co. an unbeaten record in their career in the league.

--Why Antelope Valley will win: The Antelopes pride themselves on their big-game experience, having defeated Palmdale twice to win the Golden League crown, advanced to the Southern Section Division III quarterfinals last year and lost on a blocked last-second field goal to Loyola of Los Angeles this month. With fullback Sean Wallace and running back Kreig Peters, the A.V. offense is frightening to opponents.

--Why Highland will win: All the intangibles point to the Bulldogs, from their big victory over Paso Robles last week to their home-field advantage to Vaiana's experience as a former A.V. defensive coordinator. Vaiana feels that without a couple of disputed calls in its loss to Canyon, Highland could be 5-0 heading into this game.

--Last week: Antelope Valley 19, Barstow 0; Highland 22, Paso Robles 18

--Perspective: Vaiana served 22 years as an assistant before making his head-coaching debut this season. Highland's defense has surrendered only one touchdown in the second half all year. Bulldogs senior running back Kris Theus has been a do-everything threat and racked up 223 yards against Paso Robles. A.V. coach Brent Newcomb was bothered by the flu earlier in the week. Vaiana served on Newcomb's staff for three seasons before leaving for Highland last year. A.V. threw only four times against Barstow and won't get away with that this week.

--Outlook: Even Highland's impressive defense will have a hard time containing Walker. If they do, he can pitch to either Peters or Wallace and watch them do the work. Highland ultimately loses, but it still will reach the playoffs come November.

No. 5 PALMDALE (5-0) at LITTLEROCK (2-3), 7 p.m.

--Player to watch: Kwincy Edwards, WR, Palmdale.

Although he is a year younger than junior wideout JaVonte Holmes, Edwards has come to resemble his all-league teammate this season. Edwards ran for a touchdown last week against Locke, and coach Jeff Williams is high on the sophomore.

--Key stat: 25

Number of years - at least - it has been since Palmdale opened up 5-0. Williams never had done it in his 15 years as a coach or in his seasons before that as a player at the school.

--Why Palmdale will win: The Falcons scored 42 unanswered points in routing Locke of Los Angeles last Friday, but Williams said his team quickly regained its focus and had a great week of practice. Then there's Lobos coach Jim Bauer's motto for this week's game: ``Don't get embarrassed.''

--Why Littlerock will win: The Lobos are coming off a victory over Harvard-Westlake of Studio City that gave them some much-needed momentum. A year ago at this time, starting quarterback Herb Dominguez had broken his thumb. He's healthy and coming off a three-touchdown performance last Friday.

--Last week: Palmdale 49, Locke 15; Littlerock 38, Harvard-Westlake 28

--Outlook: It will be interesting to see how Palmdale responds after the blowout of Locke. If the Falcons suffer a letdown, the Lobos could have a chance. But if Palmdale's offense continues clicking, Littlerock could be in for a long night.

QUARTZ HILL (1-4) at LANCASTER (1-4), 7 p.m.

--Player to watch: Roosevelt Monroe-Truitt, RB, Lancaster.

Only a sophomore, Monroe-Truitt has been receiving more and more action at running back for the Eagles. He carried eight times for 40 yards and a touchdown last week in Lancaster's loss to Serrano of Phelan. Coach Troy Jackson said he is trying to acclimate his running back of the future to the position.

--Key stat: 16

Consecutive quarters played by Quartz Hill this season without holding a lead. That streak ended when Zach Bursley kicked a 35-yard field goal to put the Rebels ahead 3-0 against Paraclete in the first quarter last Friday.

--Why Quartz Hill will win: The Rebels played an incredible final two minutes to upset Paraclete. Senior quarterback Josh Fricke moved the team 80 yards in less than a minute to score the go-ahead touchdown. ``They definitely have some momentum,'' Jackson said of his opponent. Fricke is dangerous as a running and passing threat.

--Why Lancaster will win: Quartz Hill coach Pat Degnan is impressed with how hard Lancaster plays and finds many similarities between the two teams. Lancaster has a pair of talented running backs to call on in junior Will Morgan and Monroe-Truitt. Lancaster played Serrano close before losing last week.

--Last week: Quartz Hill 19, Paraclete 14; Serrano 27, Lancaster 21

--Perspective: Although Fricke led Quartz Hill to the victory last week, Degnan and his staff named senior tackle Michael Williams the game's offensive MVP for his pass blocking on the final drive. The Rebels intercepted five passes last week but nearly killed any hope they had in the game with a fumbled snap and two interceptions. Serrano ran for 260 yards against Lancaster, something the Eagles must improve on this week. Quartz Hill has numerous players nursing minor injuries, including senior tight end B.A. Harrell (ankle), a problem with only 29 total varsity members.

--Outlook: Nobody wants to say it, but the loser of this game will be hard-pressed to stay out of the Golden League basement with A.V., Palmdale and Highland all appearing formidable. Look for Lancaster to prevail on its home field.

PARAMOUNT (0-5) vs. PARACLETE (3-2) at Antelope Valley College, 7:30 p.m.

--Player to watch: Tommy Caton, QB, Paraclete

After throwing five interceptions in Paraclete's loss to Quartz Hill last week, Caton will attempt to bounce back against the Pirates. He has battled a sprained left knee for two weeks, but Spirits coach Jeff Cortez expects Caton to be recovered for tonight's game.

--Key stat: 45.4

Average points given up per game by Paramount this season. The Pirates

have been outscored 227-44 in their five losses, which have come by an average of 36 points.

--Why Paramount will win: The Pirates have a school enrollment more than five times the size of Paraclete and compete in Division III. Paramount has a potential college prospect in 6-foot-6, 270-pound junior tight end Louis Saucedo. Senior John Lehauli has rushed for more than 300 yards this season.

--Why Paraclete will win: The Spirits are desperate to get back in the win column after dropping back-to-back games for the first time since 1999. Caton's knee injury prevented the Spirits from running the option last week, but they should return to it this week. Even with the losses, Paraclete has won 28 of its past 30 games.

--Last week: Newport Harbor of Newport Beach 49, Paramount 12; Quartz Hill 19, Paraclete 14.

--Perspective: The two schools both needed a Week 6 game, leading to their first-ever meeting tonight. Paramount coach Stephen Collins stresses his team's record is more indicative of the competition it has played than its overall talent. Pirates quarterback Rodolfo Sarabia is in his first year as the team's starter. Paraclete likely will be missing junior center Chris Galdanez, who was knocked out of the Quartz Hill loss with a first-half knee injury.

--Outlook: Cortez stressed to his team its three games against Kaiser of Fontana, Quartz Hill and Paramount were designed to be tougher than league play. Paraclete should win the last of its three tuneups and enter league competition on a positive note.

--Looking ahead:

Highland at Palmdale, Oct. 25, 7 p.m.

If the Bulldogs can get past A.V., they could be playing for the Golden League crown next weekend. Highland coach Sam Vaiana remains unsure whether getting the league's top two teams first on his schedule was a favor. He will know after next week.

CAPTION(S):

photo, 6 boxes

Photo:

Highland coach Sam Vaiana's Bulldogs will face his former team tonight.

Gene Blevins/Daily News

Box:

(1) TODAY'S GAMES (see text)

(2) LOOKING AHEAD (see text)

(3) STANDINGS

(4) LOGS

(5) LEADERS

(6) GAME DAY