SECOND FIDDLE TUNED UP.

Byline: Jim Inghram Daily News Staff Writer

Playing in the shadow of a potential All-American and a certain Division I college quarterback can be a cold and lonely place.

But Westlake's Beau Brannan, who is Zac Wasserman's backup, refuses to idle in the background.

Brannan watches the game intently, he cheers, he stays loose, knowing he is one late-hit from switching places.

Wasserman has proved one of the most durable quarterback's in the region, but that hasn't kept Brannan from being prepared.

That was crucial in the final regular-season game last year, when Wasserman suffered a concussion. Brannan went in, stayed calm, and drove the Warriors to the game-winning touchdown in a 27-22 victory.

This season he's had a sprinkling of assignments, because Westlake coaches want to keep him game ready.

``That's something we've been trying to do for the last year,'' said Westlake coach Jim Benkert. ``Ever since we had the competition before last season and Zac won out, we've wanted to get Beau in the game as much as we could. He has a lot of talent. It's not like he is out there just to fill a spot.''

In the league finale last week against Agoura, Brannan's number came up. He learned the previous Monday he would be starting.

``I'm not sure what I thought,'' Brannan said. ``When they told me about starting, I was nervous, sure, but after the first snap I was OK. I have a lot of confidence in the line and the other players. I know they will make the plays, so it took some pressure off of me.''

Brannan played flawlessly in the Warriors' 38-16 victory. He completed 8 of 10 for 137 yards and two touchdowns.

``We want Beau to feel comfortable in there,'' said Benkert. ``Not just mop-up, hand-it-off-type of play either. We want him to know that all of his hard work will pay off. It serves everyone's best interest for Beau to be ready.''

Thus the decision to give Brannan the start against the Chargers.

``I pulled him and Zac aside and let them know of my decision,'' Benkert said. ``Beau worked hard and he deserved to get the start.''

How did Wasserman react?

``I agreed 100 percent,'' Wasserman said. ``Beau deserved a chance to show what he can do. He's a hard worker and I'm sure he's the best backup around. I was positive that he would do the job.''

Said Benkert: ``It was neat to see Zac on the sidelines rooting for Beau. When Beau completed his first touchdown pass, Zac was the first person there to congratulate him. As a coach you get caught up in wins and losses, but as an educator you're trying to do what's best for kids and this was something that worked out.''

Wasserman was not the only Warriors player who was confident with Brannan at the controls.

``When they told us Beau was starting,'' said senior wide receiver Travis Campbell, ``I was comfortable having him in there. He's talented; he can scramble and fire the ball in there. They gave him a chance and he took charge.''

BRANNAN FILE

Name: Beau Brannan

School: Westlake High

Year: Senior

Position: Quarterback

Height/Weight: 6-1/165

Born/Place: March 11, 1981/Dallas

Notable: Moved to California at age 6. . . . Played football all four years for the Warriors, including two years on the varsity. . . . Sometimes called B.J. for Beau Justin.

CAPTION(S):

Photo, Box

PHOTO Westlake backup QB Beau Brannan has won kudos from coaches and teammates.

Michael Owen Baker/Daily News

BOX: (Ran in Simi Edition only) BRANNAN FILE (See text)