NEWS FLASH

On the outside: Antelope Valley (2-6-1, 1-3) doesn’t figure to receive an at-large berth to the Southern Section playoffs when pairings are announced Sunday.

It would mark only the fourth time the Antelopes have missed the postseason in 21 seasons under Coach Brent Newcomb, and means the Golden League game tonight against Lancaster could be the last for running back Bruce Molock.

Despite ankle problems and a tough nonleague schedule, Molock has rushed for 1,275 and 12 touchdowns in nine games.

Ground zero: Village Christian (2-7, 0-3) needs a victory tonight against Paraclete (8-1, 3-0), ranked No. 1 in Division XII, to avoid going winless for the first time since joining the Alpha League in 1983.

The Crusaders will miss the playoffs for the first time since 1984.

“They say you learn more when you lose,” Coach Mike Plaisance said. “I’ve learned an awful lot this year.”

BASEBALL

New Wave: Greg Ramirez, The Times’ Ventura County pitcher of the year from Rio Mesa High, has committed to Pepperdine.

Ramirez was 8-2 with a 3.21 earned-run average last season. He struck out 88 batters in 72 innings.

Clinic: Jon Tucker, former Chatsworth High first baseman who plays in the Montreal Expos’ organization, and Wayne Nix, a former Monroe High pitcher who is in the Oakland Athletics’ organization, will conduct a clinic for players 13 and up Dec. 5-6, 12-13 and 19-20 at Northridge Little League.

Brad Fullmer of the Expos and Troy Glaus of the Angels are expected to make appearances. Cost is $150. Information: (310) 208-8400.

BASKETBALL

Coming home: Bell-Jeff High’s boys’ team will play alumni members of the 1992 team from 9 p.m. to midnight Saturday in the Bell-Jeff gym.

Bell-Jeff lost to Crossroads in the Southern Section Division 4-A final in 1992. The 1998 squad features junior guards Mike Yildiz, a transfer from Grant, and Christian Gopez, who came from from Marshall.

There will be shooting contests for spectators. Admission is free, and free food and beverages will be provided.

No Fluke: For two years, Kevin Taylor told Bobby Braswell, his coach at Cal State Northridge, he wanted to follow in his footsteps. Braswell good-naturedly tried to discourage Taylor, telling him he was destined for a grander occupation than coaching.

However, Taylor is following his heart. The former Matador center is teaching history and coaching junior varsity basketball at Chatsworth High.

Coach Fluke Fluker of Chatsworth, a Northridge alumnus, recommended Taylor for the job.

“Coach Fluker looked out for me,” Taylor said. “I’m real happy with it.”

TRACK AND FIELD

Fast four: The Taft High boys’ 1,600-meter relay team that finished second in the state championships in June has earned All-American honors from Track & Field News magazine for the 1998 season.

The Toreador foursome of senior twins Larry and Lawrence Jones and juniors Blaine Bussey and Lawrence Wallace was ranked fourth in the nation after setting a region record of 3:13.21 in finishing second to Compton Dominguez (3:12.64) in the state final.

Dominguez’s time was the fastest in the nation and earned it a No. 1 ranking in the 1,600 relay, followed by South Grand Prairie, Texas, and Hillsborough, Fla.

Relay teams or individuals ranked among the top five in their events are All-Americans.

CROSS-COUNTRY

In reverse: La Canada High, defending state Division III girls’ champion, is ranked 20th in Harrier magazine’s national poll.

The Spartans were previously ranked 16th.

VOLLEYBALL

Best in West: Junior Kim Gibson and sophomore Beth Barrington of The Master’s College have been named to the NAIA All-Far West Region women’s team.

Gibson is a 6-foot middle blocker and Barrington is a 5-8 outside hitter.

Kati Lehr, a 5-9 freshman setter, was named to the second team.