Clausen Emerges for Taft

After spending the last two years on the Alemany High sideline as the backup quarterback to his older brother, left-hander Ricky Clausen showed Saturday he’s more than ready to step out of Casey’s shadow.

In his first summer passing tournament since transferring to Taft, Clausen, who will be a senior in the fall, led the Toreadors to the Beverly Hills tournament championship Saturday at Beverly Hills High.

Taft went 7-0 in the 24-team tournament, including a 20-8 victory over Banning in the semifinals and a 30-0 victory over Santa Ynez in the final.

“I thought Ricky threw great,” Coach Troy Starr said. “He made big throw after big throw.”

It certainly helps that Clausen has one of the top receiving groups in the region.

Start with sophomore Steve Smith. Does anyone know what Jerry Rice looked like as a 15-year-old?

Smith invites lofty comparisons because of his speed, large hands and leaping ability. Against Banning, he made a one-handed catch over the middle that resulted in a 40-yard touchdown. Against Santa Ynez, he had two touchdown catches.

Smith has yet to play a down of varsity football because he was only 14 last season.

“He’s phenomenal,” Clausen said. “No one can jump with him.”

Taft senior Greig Carlson caught two touchdown passes in the championship game. Carlson, who had 55 receptions last season, looks stronger and faster. Add state hurdles champion Chris Morgan and tailback Lee Marks to the receivers and you can understand why Clausen considers himself fortunate.

“It’s exciting to throw to guys like this,” Clausen said. “This is what you play for. It’s a quarterback’s dream.”

Taft is loaded with outstanding sophomores. Besides Smith, there’s defensive backs Paul Pratt and Clarence Simpson, and linebacker Lance Broadhus

“I’ve never had a group like this,” Starr said of his sophomores. “They’re so talented.”

It remains to be seen if Clausen can reach the level of his older brother. Casey was an All-American at Alemany who’s competing for the starting quarterback job as a freshman at Tennessee.

“I’m always going to be under his shadow, being a younger brother, but at least I have a chance to make a name for myself,” Ricky said.

Crespi made it to the quarterfinals before losing to Taft.