VALENCIA STAR EYES RETURN VS. HART.

Byline: GERRY GITTELSON Community Sports

Football standout Jason Engleberg, Valencia High's top receiver and part-time defensive back, remains sidelined with a ankle injury, and he hopes to return in three weeks for a showdown against Foothill League rival Hart on Oct. 28.

Engleberg, who sprained his ankle during the first half against St. John Bosco of Bellflower last week, was in street clothes during a 35-28 loss at Notre Dame of Sherman Oaks on Friday.

``The doctors told me I'm not supposed to be walking, but I can't stand crutches,'' Engleberg said.

Engleberg, the team's only experienced returning receiver, has 13 receptions for 328 yards - an average of 25.2 yards - and two touchdowns. Valencia missed him against Notre Dame, as the Vikings dropped several passes - two of which were tipped and eventually intercepted.

Running back Shane Vereen help make up for Engleberg's absence against Notre Dame, catching seven passes for 174 yards, including touchdowns of 36 and 86 yards. Backup running back Nick Hale, one of the team's fastest and most athletic players, has moved to receiver so he can get more touches. He caught three passes for 71 yards against Notre Dame.

Engleberg was also missed defensively, as Valencia continues to shuffle defensive backs in hopes of finding the right mix. Starting safety Ricky Crouch was replaced by Jordan Turbyfill even though Crouch was coming off his most productive game of the season after totaling seven tackles against St. John Bosco.

Herrick's 320 yards pushed his career total to 8,812 - 1,159 shy of Keith Smith's state record of 9,971 (Newbury Park, 1991-93).

--West Ranch High, composed of freshmen and sophomores, won't play varsity sports until the 2006-2007 school year, but the boys' basketball team already is developing into an impressive group.

This season's junior varsity team, which includes eight sophomores and six freshmen, should make an impact after finishing 14-11 at the freshman level last season - including winning the Ventura Tournament championship.

``Although we're young, we're going to surprise a lot of people with the way we play,'' coach Sean LeGaux said. ``The kids are working extremely hard, and I expect it to pay off as we take on the 'big boys' from around the Valley.''

Among West Ranch's key players are sophomores Malik Bradley, Morris Williams and Jordan Qualls, and freshmen Kevin Franklin, Beau Martin and Marcus Garner.

LeGaux, a former seven-year assistant at Saugus, played on Saugus' Southern Section 3A championship team in 1987 - Santa Clarita's only boys' basketball title. He plans an uptempo style and full-court pressure this season.

Meanwhile, West Ranch is looking for a boys' frosh coach. Contact LeGaux at slegaux(at)hartdistrict.org.

--After watching Notre Dame's remarkable quarterback Garrett Green run for 219 yards and three touchdowns and pass for 155 yards during Friday's victory over Valencia, I'm convinced an elite scrambling quarterback is the most dangerous weapon in football at any level - high school, college or pro.

--Local boxers Julio Ramos, Tim Williams, Ofelia Martinez, Joana Pereyda, Mailene Castro, Jazmin Vasquez and Leonardo Vasquez from the Santa Clarita Community Center boxing program are scheduled to participate in the fourth annual Desert Showdown tournament at the Trump 29 Hotel Casino in Palm Springs beginning Oct. 19. The USA Amateur Boxing-sanctioned event includes hundreds of participants from across the U.S.

``We're excited that so many of our boxers are participating,'' said SC Community Center coordinator Gilbert Amaro. ``Our boxers have trained for months to get into top form, and their hard work is going to be evident.''

--Foothill League tennis matches have been switched from Thursday to Wednesday this week because of a Jewish holiday.

--The American Bass Association plays host to a team tournament at Castaic Lake on Oct. 29. Entry forms are available at americanbass.com/TeamEntry.htm.