PREP FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2001: PALMDALE'S NEW GO-TO GUY.

Byline: Gerry Gittelson Staff Writer

PALMDALE - After waiting in line for what seemed like forever, it's Derek Hagen's turn to shine for the Palmdale High football team - and there's no way he's going to let this opportunity slip away.

``I've been working hard, and this is my year,'' said Hagen, a receiver. ``I was unstoppable during the summer and now's my chance.''

Last year, when quarterback Terry Furlow wasn't scrambling, he almost always looked for Tyrone Culver, who caught 31 passes and scored five touchdowns for the Falcons (9-3). Furlow and Culver received scholarships to Fresno State, while Hagen earned first-team All-Golden League honors as a defensive back. He caught 15 passes as an offensive player.

Coach Jeff Williams has no doubt Hagen will flourish as the go-to receiver. In fact, he calls Hagen ``an All-American prospect.''

The last time Williams used the word All-American, he was referring to defensive lineman Matt Leonard, who became one in 1998.

``Derek's going to be a player this year,'' Williams said. ``He's 6- foot-2, 185 pounds, and he's got all the tools to be a big-time wide receiver.''

``We have some secret weapons,'' junior quarterback Jacob McCravey said. ``But Derek's our go-to guy right now.''

Meanwhile, McCravey's development is crucial.

When Furlow was injured late last season, McCravey, then a 10th-grader, stepped in and completed 15 of 26 passes for 200 yards and two touchdowns and almost led the Falcons to an upset over Antelope Valley in the finale. A victory would have meant a Golden League championship.

``Jacob's doing real well,'' Williams said. ``He came in as a sophomore last seasons and we kind of threw him to the dogs, but he responded real well. He's a gamer and he plays with a lot of confidence.''

With Antelope Valley rebuilding and no other league team having finished better than .500 last year, Palmdale is the team to beat.

``I'm confident,'' McCravey said. ``We've got some senior leaders.''

Stocky running back Laron McIntyre (5-7, 180) is back. He scored three touchdowns in 19 carries as a short-yardage specialist last year, and he flourished with more responsibility. Ryan Haynes, now the full-time tight end after Donald Powers' transfer to Highland, should provide help.

Defensively, defensive backs Hagen, Marlon Washington and Sean Edwards are the key figures. Junior Matt Valentino, Palmdale's kicker since his freshman season, also returns. He had five field goals and averaged 35.8 yards as a punter last year.

AT A GLANCE

Team: Palmdale football

Last year: 7-3-1 (lost in first round of Division III playoffs)

Key returnees: WR/DB Derek Hagen, QB Jacob McCravey, K Matt Valentino, RB Laron McIntyre, TE Ryan Haynes, DBs Marlon Washington and Sean Edwards.

Top newcomer: OL Trent Gunn

Season opener: Next Friday, 7:30 p.m. at Barstow

CAPTION(S):

photo, box

Photo:

Derek Hagen of Palmdale is awaiting the team's season opener and his new role in the offense.

Gerry Gittelson/Special to the Daily News

Box: At A Glance (see text)