Gold mines from week zero

The first week of high school football in the Golden State is in the books. Some players raised their level of play, others from the Class of 2016 are beginning to carve their name into the recruiting trail.

Here's who stood out and caught Cali Gold Mine's attention:

OFFENSE

J.J. WILLS, WIDE RECEIVER, CLOVIS

Despite the 48-30 loss to Paso Robles, the 2016 prospect had Bearcat defenders chasing after the 6-foot-1, 170-pound Wills. What impressed me the most was his ability after the catch. Wills stretched the short inside routes and turned them into 20-plus yard gains. Clovis has made it clear that Wills will be the Cougars' go-to-guy.

More on Wills: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/635505/highlights/160982137

BAILEY GAITHER, WIDE RECEIVER, PASO ROBLES

Already armed with four scholarship offers (New Hampshire, Cal Poly, Montana State and Wyoming) and a 4.49 40-yard dash time, the senior burned Clovis with 148 yards on four catches and scored two touchdowns. One source at the game told CGM that the 6-foot, 165-pound Gaither looked like a young Austin Collie.

BLAKE JAECKLES, QUARTERBACK, ST. JOSEPH-SANTA MARIA

The 6-foot-2, 180-pound junior emerged as a potential rising star in the 805 after throwing for 270 yards, five touchdowns and adding 87 yards rushing with another score in the Knights' 42-20 rout of Santa Fe.

CHRIS BARGANIER, WIDE RECEIVER, ST. JOSEPH-SANTA MARIA

Barganier could be the most underrated prospect in the 805, after the tall 6-foot-3, 185-pound target hauled in seven catches for 117 yards and caught three of Jaeckles' touchdown throws. Barganier has played four varsity seasons. He has 66 career catches for 915 yards and 11 touchdowns.

MICHAEL WRIGHT, RUNNING BACK, DINUBA

Wright - another four-year varsity player - added north-south runner to his resume against an aggressive Mission Oak-Tulare defense, as the 185-pound Wright powered his way to 134 yards and the climatic two-yard touchdown run to lift the Emperors to the 19-17 home win.

EVAN HEROD, WIDE RECEIVER, DINUBA

Herod finished with 107 yards on six catches, which includes his 24-yard touchdown as he defeated Mission Oak's highly touted LeAndre Jefferson (UNLV and Wyoming offers) in one-on-one coverage for the score.

ISAAC LEPPKE, QUARTERBACK, DINUBA

Leppke didn't put up astounding numbers (12-of-18, 143 yards, one touchdown), but the 6-foot-4, 175-pound junior impressed Emperor fans with his composure and cool demeanor. Leppke engineered the final offensive drive for the defending Central Section Division III champs. Leppke's mobility also gave the Hawks' defense issues, as the 2016 prospect escaped three potential sacks with his legs.

DEFENSE

JONATHAN BALDWIN, OUTSIDE LINEBACKER, PASO ROBLES

The two-way threat at tight end and OLB returned two defensive touchdowns against Clovis. He added an offensive touchdown as well.

BRYSON YOUNG, OUTSIDE LINEBACKER, BUCHANAN-CLOVIS

Young - Class of 2016 - finished with one quarterback hurry and a devastating pop against Edison quarterback Hunter Swearengin that forced a fumble in the Bears' near upset against Edison, as the Tigers escaped with a 13-7 victory. The 6-foot-5, 220-pound Young already has Fresno State and Colorado State offers.

BEN PARKER, DEFENSIVE END, BUCHANAN-CLOVIS

The 6-foot-4, 210-pound Parker wore down the Tigers' blindside and harassed Edison's backfield throughout the night. Like Young, Parker is another rising junior in the 559.

NICK NAVARRO, LINEBACKER, JURUPA HILLS-FONTANA

He said he was only 80 percent healthy against Gladstone-Covina, but the 6-foot-2, 230-pound Navarro tallied 11 tackles and forced one fumble in Jurupa Hills' 23-0 victory. Navarro holds one offer from the University of Idaho.

JOSEPH WICKER, DEFENSIVE END, LONG BEACH POLY

The senior showed a wicked explosion off the ball and ended with six sacks against Crenshaw. The 6-foot-4, 265-pound Wicker is already a hot commodity in the recruiting world with nine scholarship offers on his table. Norte Dame, Arizona, Arizona State, Washington and Miami are among the schools trying to lure this animal in.

More on Wicker: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ztn4LUG9BsA&feature=youtu.be

TWO-WAY

AARON WILSON, TIGHT END/OUTSIDE LINEBACKER, IMMANUEL-REEDLEY

Wilson was a mismatch against Dos Palos, as the 6-foot-3, 220-pound senior hauled in four catches for 92 yards and one touchdown on offense, then added five tackles, a 22-yard interception and a forced fumble on defense. He also finished with an average of 40.3 yards per punt on special teams in the Eagles' 29-15 victory.