Trojans on the verge of history

There’s no denying it.

Standing on the Howard Jones Football Field during the USC football team’s practice Tuesday evening, it’s clear that with each drill, each tackle, each snap of the ball, the No. 1 team in the nation is preparing for the game that will have the entire nation watching this Saturday when they take on UCLA at the Coliseum.

For three former local prep football standouts, the biggest rivalry game in the Southland holds special meaning for each player.

For Andre Woodert, a senior running back for USC and former Agoura and Calabasas high schools standout, Saturday’s game will the be the last time he dons the cardinal and gold to play UCLA.

For Clay Matthews, a freshman linebacker and former Agoura High phenom, his presence at the game will make him the fourth member of his family to play for USC against their crosstown rivals.

And for Jimmy Miller, a red shirt freshman tight end and former Westlake High School star, the 75th-annual game will be another chance to get playing time on a team deep with talent.

“I know I’m really pumped up, and I know everyone on the team is really pumped up,” Miller said. “I know the Coliseum is going to be packed and a lot of people are excited for (the game).”

Both high school stars, Miller and Matthews admit the jump to Division I football has taken some adjustment.

“It’s faster,” said Miller, who graduated from Westlake High School in 2003 and was named the All-CIF Div. IV Defensive MVP and was the Los Angeles Times’ All-Ventura/ North Coast Lineman of the Year. “It takes a little a while. . . .to get acclimated. Mentally, it’s almost harder than it is physically because you’re learning a new playbook and have to learn new reads. It takes some time to get it together.”

Matthews, who was a red shirt freshman last year, said playing for a team like USC means playing with the best in the nation. Matthews said. “We have a Heisman winning quarterback and a future Heismanwinning running back. Everyone is just a five-star recruit.”

USC quarterback Matt Leinart—the 2004 Heisman Trophy winner—and USC running back Reggie Bush are both top Heisman prospects this year.

Miller said that Leinart and Bush motivate the team to play at a higher level.

“Everybody has expectations of us, and the (players) want to do well,” Miller said. “We want to go out there and accomplish what we are capable of accomplishing. That’s why everyone works so hard.”

Matthews’ family has a long history at USC. His brother Kyle; his father, Clay II, and an uncle Bruce Matthews all played for the school.

Both Clay II and Bruce Matthews were All-Americans who went on to become Pro Bowl players in the National Football League. The brothers were inducted into the USC Athletic Hall of Fame in May.

Matthews said his grandfather told him the same thing he told his father when he first started playing college ball.

“He said, ‘Do you want to be a big fish in a small pond, or a big fish in a big pond?’” Matthews said. “I know have some big shoes to fill. . . .but I want to come out here and let everyone know what I can do.”

Of the three local prep stars, Woodert has had the most playing time. His career includes eight carries for a total of 44 yards.

Matthews also has seen playing time as a Trojan. He’s posted two tackles and a pass deflection.

To say that the Trojans have a lot riding on this game is an understatement. A win on Saturday means USC would capture its thirdstraight Pacific 10 Conference Championship, it would earn them a berth in the national championship game, and would ensure the continuation of their 33 consecutive game win streak, as well as their seven-game win streak over UCLA.

“It’s a big rivalry,” Matthews said. “We all know that. Obviously, it makes it a little more important of a game. . . .It’ll be fun to line up with the team on Saturday.”