HS FOOT: Daily News All-Star Game set for Sunday at COC

For the first time in the 15-year history of the Daily News East-West All-Star Football Game, the event has been switched from the summer to the winter, and this year's game is scheduled for Sunday at College of the Canyons in Valencia. Kickoff is 3:30 p.m.

Proceeds benefit the Valley Youth Conference.

Rarely have there been so many talented participants, particularly at the skill positions.

Some of the West's top players include quarterbacks Nick Isham of Westlake and Richie Harrington of Oaks Christian, receivers Richard Mullaney of Thousand Oaks and Devin Lucien of Crespi, defensive lineman Dillon van der Wal of Oaks Christian and kicker Matt Goudis of Chaminade.

The East roster includes quarterbacks Vernon Adams of Alemany of Alex Bishop of Valencia, running backs Steven Manfro of Valencia and Malcolm Thomas of Panorama, receiver Shane Drozdowski of Alemamy, offensive lineman Akeem Gonzales of Alemany and return specialist Austin McBroom of Campbell Hall.

Even the coaches are all-stars - Westlake's Jim Benkert for the West and Notre Dame's Kevin Rooney. They're in the midst of a two-week preparation period that includes nine practices. Special rules allow for limited blitzing on defense and for kickoffs to be returned from the end zone, so there should be plenty of big plays and scoring.

"It's one of the most talented groups, overall, that I've seen, especially the quarterbacks," Rooney said.

At Notre Dame, Rooney runs a sophisticated motion offense, but on Sunday the plan is to keep it simple and to try find ways to get the football to his assortment of speedy backs and receivers.

"The Manfro kid from Valencia looks really good. We plan to give him the ball," Rooney said.