TOP QUARTERBACKS GATHER.

Byline: JUSTIN FRANK Staff Writer

To see the area's top quarterbacks on the field at the same time the occasion would either have to be a key league game or deep in the playoffs.

But, at Saturday's Saugus Passing Tournament many of the area's top quarterbacks will be on display.

The tournament will feature 20 teams, including Hart of Newhall, Valencia, Canyon of Canyon Country and host Saugus from the Santa Clarita area.

But, the most interesting matchup could come at 8 p.m. Saturday.

Birmingham of Lake Balboa will play Oaks Christian of Westlake Village and Notre Dame-bound quarterback Jimmy Clausen.

``Oaks Christian has a lot of talent,'' said Birmingham coach Ed Croson. ``We are going to play our pass defense and see what happens.''

To counter Clausen, Croson will use James Beloff, who has filled out his 6'4 180-pound frame from his junior season by gaining 20 pounds of muscle for his senior campaign.

``He is good at reading coverage,'' said Croson of Beloff, who has been working with former NFL quarterback Erik Kramer this offseason. ``These games aren't like real a football game but, they will give (Beloff) and our receivers to develop chemistry.''

Developing chemistry will be very important for the Patriots, who have arguably the most difficult nonleague schedule in the state featuring Notre Dame of Sherman Oaks, Valencia, Poly of Long Beach, Hart of Newhall and Dorsey of Los Angeles, which boasted a combined record of 127-41 last season.

Hart will use Alex Pettee, who played well last season in place of injured first-stringer Tyler Lyon and finished 2-0 as a starter last season.

On Saturday, the Indians will play Notre Dame at 7 p.m., Thosand Oaks at 8 p.m. and Campbell Hall at 9 p.m.

justin.frank(at)dailynews.com

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FIVE TO WATCH

Jimmy Clausen, QB, (Oaks Christian): He is one of the top recruits in the nation and will be developing under coach Charlie Weis at Notre Dame in 2007, so it goes without saying that he will be on everyone's radar.

Alex Pettee, QB, (Hart): Was a super sub last season, playing well in place of injured starter and Arizona-bound Tyler Lyon, and the team is now his.

Dayne Crist, QB, (Notre Dame): Another player who played well in place of an injured starter, Crist will try to pick up where USC-bound Garrett Green left off for the defending Southern Section Div. III finalist Knights.

Milton Knox, RB/DB, (Birmingham): As a sophomore, Knox ran for 1,606 yards last season and is expected to be an improved defender and better pass receiver this season.

James Beloff, QB, (Birmingham): Has put on 20 pounds of muscle in the offseason to prepare for the Patriots' tough nonleague schedule and their annual meeting with Taft of Woodland Hills in West Valley League play.

CAPTION(S):

photo, box

Photo:

Saugus High quarterback Nick Gauthier practices on the field Thursday afternoon.

Tom Mendoza/Staff Photographer

Box:

FIVE TO WATCH (see text)