Slimmer Norton Has Blond Ambition

UCLA-bound fullback Patrick Norton of Hart High is sporting a different look during practice for the East-West all-star game Saturday at Cal State Northridge.

For one, he bleached his hair.

“If I came home with hair like that, my mom would be all over me,” assistant coach Rick Herrington said of Norton’s blond look.

But the most glaring change is in Norton’s weight. At the end of last season, he had ballooned to more than 280 pounds.

“My body swelled up on me,” he said.

Norton has slimmed down to 253 pounds and is ready to play linebacker and fullback for the East team, coached by Mike Herrington of Hart.

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One of the most impressive players at the East practice has been defensive end Julius Roberts of Poly. The 6-foot-6 Roberts, who signed with Boise State, is making life difficult for offensive linemen.

“As a pass rusher, he’s so good,” Mike Herrington said.

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Handling quarterback duties for the East are Scott Vossmeyer of Crescenta Valley and David Parker of Saugus.

“I’m really looking forward to passing a lot,” said Vossmeyer, who signed with Oregon.

East receivers include Stephen Stokes of Valencia, Derek Goodman of Alemany, Steve Carballo of Crescenta Valley, Jared Bazar of Hart and Nathan Steele of Saugus.

It will be the final game for Bazar, one of the most successful receivers in Hart history. He has decided to concentrate on studies at Loyola Marymount.

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The West team, coached by Bob Francola of Kennedy, is using two former rivals as its quarterbacks--Jason Winn of Granada Hills and Ruben Zaragoza of Kennedy.

“He’s everything as advertised,” Francola said of Winn, who is bound for Texas Tech.

The West has an excellent group of receivers that has been strengthened by the addition of Deandre Phillips of Monroe. Known more for running the ball, Phillips has adjusted well to pass catching.

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At 3:30 p.m., two all-star teams of eighth-graders from the Valley Youth Conference will play.

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The Ventura County all-star game is set for 7 p.m. Saturday at Camarillo High. Larry Miller of Hueneme is coaching the West team, with Dick Billingsley of Oak Park directing the East team.

WHAT

East-West All-Star

Football Game

WHEN

6:30 p.m. Saturday

WHERE

Cal State Northridge

TICKETS

$7 adults, $3.50 children

12 and under