UPON FURTHER REVIEW: CHEERS THROUGH THE YEARS.

Byline: VINCENT BONSIGNORE

If you closed your eyes and just listened as the crowd roared Friday night at San Fernando High, you would have sworn those were the footsteps of Anthony Davis galloping down the sideline for another long touchdown run.

And for a moment it was 1974-75 again and Charles White was headlining the ``million-dollar backfield'' along with Kenny Moore and Kevin Williams, the three of them dominating opponents with their sensational running styles and breathtaking speed as they led San Fernando to back-to-back City championships.

For one night, at least, the old roar was back in the gritty little town that time, politicians and surrounding neighbors either conveniently forget or try to avoid.

And for those with long memories and deep roots, it was a beautiful sight indeed even if San Fernando couldn't quite keep up with talented Sylmar in 57-27 loss.

``This is what San Fernando High football is all about,'' said Tigers assistant Terry Carter, his eyes surveying a standing-room-only crowd.

``You've got a rivalry game, you've got all the marbles sitting on the table and you've got the whole town watching. This is how it's always been done in San Fernando. And this is what we're trying to bring back.''

More than the Valley Mission League championship was at stake Friday night - which Sylamr and San Fernando officially shared after the Spartans' win.

In many ways, it was as if the restored pride of an entire city was laid out on the field.

``This is a neighborhood school,'' said assistant principal Robinson Acosta, a 1982 San Fernando graduate. ``We get some kids bussed in, very, very few. You look around on the field, and in the crowd and its kids from the neighborhood. It's family.''

It is a family that's always cared about its football team, which is why it was so special for the old-timers who still come around to see the entire town shut down when there is a game.

Long before the Tafts and Harts and the Westlakes of the region pushed San Fernando from the spotlight, the Tigers were a main vein pumping blood into the local football scene. The school has been around since 1898, played football since 1914 and sent countless players to college and the NFL.

Thanks to this year's team - coached by former San Fernando star Tom Hernandez (now in his second coaching stint) and five assistants with San Fernando ties - there has been a resurgence of energy and excitement.

It has been six years since the Tigers last won a league title and an eternity since winning their last City Title in 1975.

But with Rafael Reynolds and Anthony Cullars running and dashing behind a big offensive line, San Fernando surprised everyone this season by working itself back into the picture.

It remains to be seen what the Tigers will do in the playoffs - speedy Sylmar exposed some weaknesses - but it's obvious the team has more and more fans jumping back on the bandwagon.

The San Fernando sideline was filled with ex-players and students showing their support, and some people parked more than a mile away from the school and walked the distance to the game.

``It used to always be like this,'' assistant coach Bill Frazier said.

``We have a ton of history here, history that not too many schools can match. It's nice to see a team like this come along and get it all revved up again.''

Not many schools can claim a Heisman Trophy winner, USC's White, and a Heisman runner-up, Davis, also from USC, as alumni. And not many teams can boast having four future college stars as the 1974-75 team did with White, Williams and Moore, all of whom played at USC, and Raymond Williams, who played at Washington State.

And few schools can say they have won five City championships. San Fernando won titles in 1937, `53, `67, `74 and `75.

``This place drips with history,'' Carter said.

``It's always been special to put the San Fernando uniform on. It was when I came in here. I mean this place has been here for more than 100 years. That's a long time to be creating history.''

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Photo:

It's almost like a high school reunion on the sideline during San Fernando football games.

Edna T. Simpson/Daily News