ROBERT ANDREWS is only a high school junior, so his career path is nowhere close to being determined.

It says here he might have a future in short, to-the-point grief counseling.

Two weeks back, when Andrews learned of the archdiocese's plans to whack North Catholic and Cardinal Dougherty at the end of this school year, a million thoughts raced through his mind, and a knot returned to the pit of his stomach.

Ah, you're saying, kids transfer all the time.

True. But take it from the 5-6, 150-pound Andrews, who has emerged this fall as a star running back for West Philadelphia's football team. It's different when you're being forced to leave, and that goes double when your school will cease to exist.

"It's tough losing someplace you love to be," he said. "Even if you don't love it, you're used to being there.

"Plus, not only do you have to leave, but the place is going out of existence. Makes it even rougher."

Andrews formerly attended the Scotland School for Veterans' Children, a boarding school in south-central Pennsylvania that was shut down last June after the state decided it could no longer provide funding.

Scotland had existed since 1895 and, by all accounts, had done a wonderful job of providing a comfortable, supportive home away from home. In recent years, especially, many of its students had boasted Philadelphia roots, and out there, they'd often learned to thrive, even if their original situations had not been the best.

"When I heard about North and Dougherty, it reminded me so much of my own situation," Andrews said. "I can confirm what all of those students are going through.

"I loved Scotland School. Everybody was friendly, and you always felt safe. There was some stuff I didn't like, sure. But the strengths far outweighed the weaknesses.

"Those North and Dougherty kids will have to make an adjustment. Know what? Nothing you can do about it. Make the best of what you've got."

Simple point by a sensible kid.

Andrews attends Parkway West, a couple of blocks from his home at 45th and Fairmount, and is able to play football for West, because of a cooperative sponsorship.

Though he's not as well known to coach Pat O'Hara as most of the Speedboys, whom he sees all day in school, Andrews has made a wonderful impression.

"After our opener with Upper Merion, I mentioned that Rob had done a good job running," O'Hara said. "He said right away, 'Because my line did a good job blocking.' He's a classy kid."

Added Larry Bledsoe, the offensive coordinator: "He apologizes even when he does nothing wrong."

In the early part of yesterday's practice, another assistant, Ron Johnson, was directing a reaction drill. Run quickly in place. Fall to ground. Do pushups. Jump up and run to the goal line.

At pushup time, Andrews did plenty of extras.

"He wants it! He wants it!" Johnson roared. "He wants to be a good player!"

Andrews last year was a shared-time tailback for a squad that settled for two wins. With the closing of Scotland, he wasn't sure he'd be able to continue his football career.

"I didn't even know what school I'd be attending," he said. "When my mom said I'd been accepted at Parkway West, I was very happy. As far as football...I just knew I'd work my hardest, even if they put me on the line."

He laughed. "Well, at this size, I knew that wasn't going to happen...I'm surprised to be having this kind of success."

Andrews is not alone among '08 Cadets now playing football around the city. He ticked off the names of Future's Kamel Powers and Jermaine Kirby, Delaware Valley Charter's Sean Christmas, John Bartram's Michael Burton, West Catholic's Erik Harper and Tristin Freeman...

"As last school year ended, it was very emotional," Andrews said. "People kept holding out hope that the school would stay open, but deep down I think we all knew, 'This is it.'

"I was collecting phone numbers of all my friends. Since a lot of them were from Philly, I knew I'd be able to see them. But there were also kids from Harrisburg, Pittsburgh...I knew I wouldn't 'see' them again aside from the Internet.

"My brother, Tahj [now a sixth-grader at a Philly charter school], was really upset. He loved Scotland School, too."

In seven games for the 4-3 Speedboys, who host University City tomorrow at 2 o'clock, Andrews has posted 795 yards and nine touchdowns on 132 carries. As this school year continues, he hopes to compete for Parkway in basketball and track.

"When I first realized I'd have to go school in Philly again, I didn't know how things were going to go," he said. "I was losing something that was very important to me. Now? I'm doing fine. I was able to adjust."

Much of that credit, no doubt, goes to the good folks who once worked at Scotland.i