QUIETLY WEARING THEM DOWN CHATSWORTH HIGH RB WALKER THRIVES LATE IN THE GAME.

Byline: SEAN CEGLINSKY Staff Writer

James Walker's eyes light up when he catches a glimpse of a tired defensive lineman gasping for air just before halftime or a weary linebacker doubled over with his hands on his thigh pads, attempting to take a break in between plays during the third quarter.

A cornerback cramping up on the sideline in the fourth quarter is a welcomed sight, too, an indication that fatigue is beginning to set in, meaning the time has come for Walker to do what he does best: impose his will on the opponent.

While others tend to struggle during the crucial stages of a game, the durable runner from Chatsworth High gets stronger, something he's done with regularity this season as the featured back in the offensive attack for the Chancellors.

``I want the ball in my hands,'' Walker said. ``It's my job to wear down the defense.''

The 5-foot-9, 195-pound senior has rushed for 869 yards on 134 carries and 10 touchdowns in six games thus far, doing so quietly while most Division I recruiters have been enamored with the abundance of talented backs in the area, including Moorpark's Darrell Scott, Oaks Christian of Westlake Village's Marc Tyler and Shane Vereen of Valencia.

Scott's 1,402 yards on the ground and 20 scores are impressive, to be sure, Tyler averages more than 12 yards per carry and Vereen is perhaps the most accomplished receiver out of the backfield with 366 yards on 22 receptions.

Walker, however, is just as valuable to his team as anyone else in the aforementioned group.

``James seems to thrive as we get deeper and deeper into games,'' Chatsworth first-year coach Ted Corcoran said. ``He gets a better feel for the game. He's a workhorse. He can carry the team on his shoulders.''

As a junior, Walker played a much smaller role in the offensive scheme, splitting time with Oliver Padre in the backfield as Chatsworth remained committed to the passing game throughout the season despite losing star quarterback Mike Moustakas to a broken leg early on.

The Chancellors finished 4-7 as a result, but Walker showed glimpses of his immense potential, gaining at least 100 yards rushing in all three games in which he had 20 or more attempts. He had a breakout effort Nov. 4 against ElCamino Real of Woodland Hills, finishing with 203 yards on 33 carries and five touchdowns.

``Honestly, I don't think James cares about how many carries or yards he gets and he doesn't worry about how many red zone touches he has over the course of a game, either,'' Corcoran said. ``He's a team player, willing to do whatever it takes to win. Those are the types of players coaches like having around.

``The thing that really impressed me, at least initially, was when I went through the interview process for the job at Chatsworth, James was one of the players the administrators brought in beforehand to meet me. He was very honest and straightforward and spoke about his desire to succeed.''

An unmatched work ethic during summer and spring practice sessions not only earned Walker the respect of his teammates and the new coaching staff, but an opportunity to see if he could handle an increased workload this season.

He's proved more than capable so far as the Chancellors (5-1, 2-0) head into Friday's game against perennial West Valley League power Taft of Woodland Hills (2-4, 0-1).

``James never takes a play off,'' Chatsworth quarterback Greg Jimenez said. ``He gives it his all. He doesn't slack off. He goes 100 percent all the time. We count on him.''

Only two other City Section backs -- Birmingham of Lake Balboa's Milton Knox and Garfield of East Los Angeles' Michael Aguilar -- have as many carries as Walker's 134. He's also rushed for more than 100 yards in all but one game this season.

The productivity has stirred up some interest from prospective colleges. Walker has been contacted by UCLA, Washington, Oregon State and Nevada, though no official offers have been made as of yet.

In the meantime, Walker remains focused on the task at hand.

``In the first quarter, I'm just warming up,'' Walker said. ``I start to feel more comfortable in the second quarter. The defense starts wearing down in the third quarter and when the fourth quarter comes, it's time to put the game away.''

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Chatsworth High running back James Walker has run for 869 yards and 10 touchdowns, and has received some Division I interest.

John McCoy/Staff Photograper

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