All-Star Forced to Adjust His Game : Football: Fountain Valley’s Leimbach gets a taste of different styles in training camp.

Brandon Leimbach froze the linebacker with a quick move, ran past the safety and cut to his right to await the pass.

The former Fountain Valley tight end was in the clear and eager to make the catch. Only one problem: It was a running play.

Such is life when practicing for the 35th Orange County North-South All-Star football game. Leimbach and his South teammates hope to iron out the wrinkles before kickoff at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Orange Coast College’s LeBard Stadium.

“Everything was a little confusing at first,” Leimbach said. “We’re running Huntington Beach’s offense, which is a lot like (Fountain Valley’s), but some of the calls are different.

“One call can make the whole thing change.”

As Leimbach has learned. Judging by his past performances, though, Leimbach should be in sync by game time.

Leimbach (6 feet 4, 215 pounds) was a two-sport standout at Fountain Valley. As a senior, he was the Barons’ second-leading receiver during the regular season with 28 receptions for 387 yards and four touchdowns.

His blocking and receiving helped Fountain Valley reach the semifinals of the Southern Section Division II playoffs. The Barons lost, 42-21, to eventual champion Los Alamitos. Leimbach was selected second-team all-county by The Times.

What’s more, Leimbach is skilled in basketball, too.

A nimble post player, Leimbach led Fountain Valley in scoring with a 17.4 average last season.

His postseason performance also was a key, as the basketball team advanced to the quarterfinals of the Division I-AA playoffs. The Barons were defeated, 50-48, by Long Beach Poly, which won the title.

Earning a football all-star selection, Leimbach said, capped his sensational senior year.

“I’ve been having a great time (in practice),” Leimbach said. “All of the guys are really nice and we’ve all been having a lot of fun.

“But we’re also trying our hardest to win. We’re ready.”

Leimbach said things have come together nicely.

“Actually, we’re kind of sick of practice,” Leimbach said. “We all just wish the game would hurry up and come.”

Shortly after the game, Leimbach will head north for more practice.

He received a football scholarship to St. Mary’s, and will leave Aug. 9 for the Division I-AA school in Moraga.

“I’m really excited,” Leimbach said. “I have no clue about what I want to study yet, I know I just can’t wait to get there.”

North vs. South

Records: North leads the series, 18-14-2.

Site: Orange Coast College’s LeBard Stadium.

Time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.

Cost: $7.

North: A powerful offensive line and running back Chris Draft should provide a potent ground game. Draft, formerly of Valencia High, said he wants to put on a show. The Stanford-bound Draft was selected as The Times Orange County back of the year in 1993 after gaining 1,338 yards rushing with 24 touchdowns.

South: Tony Gonzalez’s presence provides a boost. One of the best all-around athletes in county history, Gonzalez, a tight end and linebacker, is a force. As a senior, Gonzalez led Huntington Beach in receiving (63 catches, 950 yards, 14 touchdowns) and tackles (131). The Times’ lineman of the year, he also was all-county in basketball. Gonzalez will play both sports at California.

Key to the Game: Familiarity. Practice began June 22 for the North and one day later for the South, but many players from both sides have dropped out. The coaching staff that best handles the changes has the edge.

Consensus: The North won, 14-3, last year. This time, the South will finish ahead.