RISING STAR WATCH: CAJON HIGH BALLERS

Elijah Lilly is one of two under-the-radar athletes for San Bernardino powerhouse Cajon High School, starring at wide receiver, returner and cornerback (photo credit: 247Sports).

We’re going to do something rare with this latest feature for Cali Gold Mine. We’ll highlight not one, but two prep teammates who have brought versatility, physicality and play-making prowess to traditional San Bernardino based powerhouse Cajon High School.

Elijah Lilly and Tyrone Gasaway have made fools out of defenders who have done the following: cover them on punts, try to run past them at wide receiver or attempt to tackle them at running back.

Their big plays is among the reasons why the Cowboys sit at 11-1 and have continued their pursuit of a California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Southern Section Inland Division title.

Here’s a breakdown of both:

ELIJAH LILLY: “Feisty” describes the 5-foot-11, 170-pound senior, who has made his top plays on defense. Lilly takes on the role of blanketing the opposition’s top receiver and responded with five interceptions and 24 pass breakups, both team-high’s through 12 games. He’s physical at the line and stays near the hips of the receiver during coverages. Quarterbacks have a difficult time throwing the ball his way. He won’t just stay over his receiver, but he has keen awareness of where the ball is going and is strong at reading the quarterback’s eyes. As a return ace, he shows an explosive second gear with the ball and can stretch plays for 90-yard scampers. He doesn’t get the ball much at receiver and has done his most damage on swing passes. If he stays at receiver, he’ll have to polish his deep game.

TYRONE GASAWAY: “Power” describes Gasaway’s game at running back. On Wing-T formations, Gasaway takes the pitch, finds his opening and then barrels past one to three defenders for extra yards. With his 6-foot-2, 195-pound frame, he’s reliable on third and long plays or inside the red zone. He gains good separation on his routes against defenders and wins one-on-one battles consistently. Also claims victories against soft zone coverages. I’ll need to see more of his ability to fight jams and how he does as a deep threat. Overall, he’s a reliable target.

FINAL BREAKDOWN: These 2016 guys are late bloomers on the recruiting trail and they look like they can land at a college between now and the spring, regardless if they go the junior college route or four-year level.