PREP FOOTBALL: GASKINS NEEDED CHALLENGE : ONCE NEAR QUITTING, HE'S BECOME A FORCE.

Byline: Kirby Lee Special to the Daily News

Blake Gaskins was ready to call it quits. Upset by constant riding by Paraclete High coach Steve Hagerty over lackadaisical play, the senior offensive lineman tore off his jersey and shoulder pads and flung his helmet to the ground.

As the burly 6-4, 300-pound Gaskins stormed off the field during the preseason workout in August, Hagerty issued an ultimatum: ``If you leave now, don't come back.''

Gaskins barely reached the end of the field before he was corralled by teammates, who convinced him to stay. Five minutes later, Gaskins was back on the field with renewed intensity.

``There is no secret we run behind him,'' Hagerty said. ``He was underachieving and just getting by. It was important to let him know what he is capable of.''

There are no hard feelings between coach and player. In fact, Gaskins is grateful for Hagerty's psychological ploy.

``He's a great coach and I am happy he did that,'' Gaskins said. ``It definitely got me going.''

So did a talk from Deacon Jones. Gaskins met the NFL Hall of Fame lineman when Paraclete was invited a taping of ABC's ``Monday Night Live'' to honor Hagerty as the show's high school coach of the week.

``He told us the offensive line is the heart and soul of the team even if they are not getting a lot of credit,'' Gaskins said. ``They need to lay the foundations if your team is to do well.''

The Spirits' running game has reached another gear this season behind Gaskins. With him leading the way, sophomore Curtis Brown has rushed for 2,507 yards and quarterback Rob Fockaert has been sacked only once.

Gaskins, an All-Southern Section right tackle who is being recruited by San Jose State, Humboldt State and Occidental College, has bench-pressed nearly 300 pounds and can clean and jerk more than 200. In classes, teachers have set aside special desks for Gaskins because he is unable to fit in the chairs for the general student population.

``When there is a big run on third-and-2, we go to his sideline,'' Fockaert said. ``Last year, he showed glimpses of a huge and massive dominating lineman. That is the guy we want on every play. This year, he is the centerpiece and the big guy we need on the line.''

Gaskins and the rest of the Spirits' offensive line of left tackle John Solarzano, left guard Geoff Phelan, center Frank Saenz and right guard Mike McCartin, figure to play an integral role in the Spirits' bid for a third consecutive Southern Section title when Paraclete (10-3) plays host to Kilpatrick in the Division XII championship at Antelope Valley College on Saturday night.

Saenz, a close friend who played youth football with Gaskins in the eighth grade, was among the first players to pull Gaskins aside and persuade him to return to practice. Saenz had been debating whether to return for his senior year until Gaskins convinced him to play.

``Blake is a huge leader,'' Saenz said about Gaskins, an Eagle Scout who huddles the lineman for a pep talk before very game. ``The season would not be the same without him. He just needed a little cooling off.''

Gaskins, who was called up from the junior varsity for the playoffs during his sophomore season, is among nine players who will be making their third title-game appearance. Robert Watts, Fockaert, Joey Rispaud, John McMurtry, Brian Whisler, Matt Meyer, Chris Sheaffer and Morgan McGuire were also members of the Spirits' 1997 and 1998 Southern Section-champion teams.

``I am going to be a little apprehensive when I have to say goodbye to all of my teammates,'' Gaskins said. ``Even though we have a lot of experience, each year is different. Every season has had its trying times.''

Paraclete struggled through a 2-3 start this year after finishing 13-1 last season. The Spirits, though, have won the last eight in a row, including a 36-20 victory over Kilpatrick to clinch the Alpha League title in the ninth week.

``There were a lot of questions,'' Gaskins said. ``In a way it opened our eyes to the things we needed to do. It is hard to gauge from past teams, but I think we have one of the best lines this year. We knew we could be a good with a lot of hard work.''

And, for Gaskins, a little extra prodding from Hagerty.

AT A GLANCE

What: Southern Section Division XII championship game

Teams: Paraclete vs. Kilpatrick

Where: Antelope Valley College

When: Saturday, 7:30 p.m.

Note: Paraclete is seeking its third consecutive section title in a rematch of the 1998 title game.

CAPTION(S):

Photo, box

PHOTO Blake Gaskins, Paraclete's 300-pound offensive tackle who nearly quit the team in frustration earlier this season, has led the Spirits' rush to the Division XII football championship game.

Jeff Goldwater/Staff Photographer

Box: At a Glance (see text)