High School Football Week 1 Highlights: Top Performers in the Southland
As the high school football season kicks off in the Southland, fans and players alike are buzzing with excitement over impressive performances. Week 1 showcased standout athletes in various categories, including rushing, passing, receiving, defense, and special teams. Here’s a breakdown of the top performers who made headlines during the inaugural week of the season.
Rushing Leaders
The rushing game was dominated by Moyo Odebunmi of Cleveland, whose remarkable performance led him to rush for 303 yards and score an astounding five touchdowns, including an incredible 99-yard kickoff return in a commanding win over Arleta. Not far behind, Demanie Bell from Westlake notched 229 rushing yards and two touchdowns in a successful outing against Agoura, showcasing his capability to break tackles. Meanwhile, AJ McBean of Mira Costa and Brian Bonner of Valencia delivered impressive performances, amassing 185 yards and 159 yards respectively, both contributing two touchdowns for their teams. Freshman Adrian Petero from Santa Margarita also made waves by rushing for 103 yards and scoring the winning touchdown in overtime to clinch victory against Corona Centennial. For additional insights on high school football stats, check out MaxPreps.
Top Passers
In the passing arena, Michael Wynn Jr. from St. Genevieve stole the spotlight by completing 17 of 22 passes for 442 yards and throwing six touchdowns in a decisive win over Antelope Valley. Jack Thomas from Palisades wasn’t too far behind, racking up 410 yards and five touchdowns against Harvard-Westlake. Other notable performances included Jesse Saucedo’s impressive 304 yards and three touchdowns for Monrovia, and Jeremiah Duhu from Beaumont, who passed for 186 yards, three touchdowns, and showcased his versatility with 167 rushing yards. Luke Fahey of Mission Viejo also posted an impressive stat line, going 23-of-26 for 365 yards and three touchdowns in a win over St. Paul. Discover more high school sports news at ESPN High School.
Standout Receivers
The receiving corps was highlighted by Demare Dezeurn of Palisades, who delivered a jaw-dropping performance with 13 receptions for 202 yards and four touchdowns, further solidifying his status as a top contender in the league. Elias Redlew from San Pedro also made headlines, catching six passes for 202 yards and two touchdowns in a victory over Kennedy. Eric Osorio of Damien added another layer to his team’s success with 13 catches for 228 yards and a touchdown against JSerra. Additionally, Matthew Curry of Newbury Park demonstrated his reliability with 17 receptions for 171 yards in a successful game against Arroyo Grande. For in-depth analysis on receiving records, visit The Athletic.
Defensive Titans
Defense was not to be outshone, with several players making critical contributions to their teams’ successes. DeVohn Moutra Jr. of Gardena Serra recorded three tackles, playing a crucial role in his team’s second shutout of the season against Hamilton. Ca’ron Williams from Santa Margarita showcased his prowess with two interceptions, including a pick-six to secure a win over Corona Centennial. Elyjah Staples of Marquez made an incredible impact, returning an interception for a touchdown, catching two touchdown passes, and racking up two sacks in a dominant performance against Bell. Caysen Badawi of Valencia, contributing to his team’s victory, made two interceptions against Chaminade. Dive deeper into game strategies at Football Outsiders.
Special Teams Highlights
Special teams also featured impressive plays, notably by Blaise Burwell from Edison, who returned a kickoff 99 yards for a touchdown despite his team facing off against Yorba Linda. Samael Cerritos of Cleveland excelled by making 10 for 10 on PATs, ensuring a successful win over Arleta. Noah Thayer from JSerra nailed a 53-yard field goal to provide his team with necessary points in their loss to Damien, while Nico Talbott’s crucial 49-yard field goal contributed to Mira Costa’s win over St. Francis. Additionally, CJ Wallace from St. John Bosco secured his team’s edge with a 47-yard field goal in a victory against El Paso (Texas) Eastwood.
Conclusion
As Week 1 of the high school football season wraps up, the performances by these outstanding athletes hint at an exhilarating season ahead. From explosive rushes to strategic passes and game-changing interceptions, the excitement is just beginning for fans across the Southland. Stay tuned for upcoming weeks and catch all the latest coverage and stats to keep up with your favorite teams.
Attention sports fans! Power up your active lifestyle with Nature Made Supplements. Feel unstoppable, stay energized, and save 25% on your first order. Click now—your winning wellness starts here! Nature Made Supplements.
