Barkley Is Finding His Way

It takes either a leap of faith or a leap off a cliff for a football coach to start a freshman at quarterback.

What poor soul would agree to subject himself to the torture of experiencing so many highs and lows that come with turning over a varsity offense to a 15-year-old?

Bruce Rollinson of Santa Ana Mater Dei, that’s who. He set himself up to be a genius or a fool by handing over the Monarch offense to freshman quarterback Matt Barkley.

After a 1-3 start, Rollinson didn’t look too good. But the Monarchs are 3-3, won their Serra League opener, and it’s now clear that Barkley is no ordinary freshman.

“He’s got all the makings to be a great one,” Rollinson said.

In the sixth week of the season, Barkley demonstrated how far he had come, completing 13 of 16 passes for 172 yards and two touchdowns in a 35-17 victory over Anaheim Servite.

“I don’t feel like a freshman anymore,” Barkley said.

At 6 feet 2, 200 pounds, Barkley doesn’t look like a freshman either. His size, combined with good leadership skills and a willingness to learn, made Rollinson open to the suggestion of starting a freshman.

Mater Dei had no players returning at quarterback with any significant varsity experience, so Rollinson let Barkley compete for the job since the summer.

“I think I stepped up in the weeks prior to them making the decision,” Barkley said. “They were looking for a leader.”

There have been the expected mistakes, such as forgetting a play or misreading the defense, but Barkley has also impressed people with his arm strength and ability to call an audible.

“We’ve survived the infantile stages, and we’re now taking baby steps toward maturity,” Rollinson said.

Barkley’s father, Les, was an All-American water polo player at USC in 1979, but his son wants nothing to do with water, other than occasional body boarding at the beach. He has decided, instead, to follow in the footsteps of the most famous Mater Dei graduate, Heisman Trophy winner Matt Leinart of USC.

“I think it’s pretty cool,” Barkley said. “I see his jersey in the hall.”

A year ago, Barkley was sitting in the stands as an eighth-grader, dreaming of starting at quarterback for Mater Dei’s freshman team. Instead, he’ll be at the controls of the varsity offense again tonight for Mater Dei’s homecoming game against Santa Margarita at Santa Ana Stadium.

It was an extraordinary challenge that Barkley accepted when the season began. Give credit to Rollinson and his assistants for having the gumption to let him try to pull it off.

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The mystery team in the City Section this season is unbeaten Sylmar (6-0, 1-0). No one really knows how good the Spartans are because they have played a weak nonleague schedule, outscoring their opposition, 262-38.

Finally, they face a credible opponent in host Granada Hills Kennedy (5-0, 1-0) in a game tonight that should decide the Valley Mission League championship.

Sylmar Coach London Woodfin understands the skepticism about his team, but says he believes others will soon learn the truth.

“I don’t want to toot the horn, but I think we’re a pretty good team,” he said. “It’s a veteran team. Everyone knows the system. We haven’t been tested, but we will this week.”

Leading the way is senior running back C.J. Gable, who has rushed for 1,110 yards, scored 18 touchdowns and is averaging 14.2 yards a carry.

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Scott Stephens of unbeaten La Canada St. Francis (6-0) leads the state with eight interceptions. It’s a surprise, since this is Stephens’ first year playing cornerback. But Coach Jim Bonds said, “We think he’s a Division I prospect.”

Stephens normally plays receiver and runs the 100 in 10.75. He’ll be tested in two weeks when St. Francis plays unbeaten Sherman Oaks Notre Dame (6-0).

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Verdugo Hills could win its first league football title since 1980. The Dons (3-2, 1-0) have emerged as the favorite in the Sunset Six League behind junior middle linebacker Peter Seller.

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Junior defensive end Akeem Ayers of Los Angeles Verbum Dei is one of the state leaders in sacks with 16.

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Eric Sondheimer can be reached at eric.sondheimer@latimes.com.