Prospect watch from week five

Here's how some under-the-radar defenders fared under the lights this past weekend:

JUSTUS FAAIU, CABRILLO-LONG BEACH

Stats: 15 tackles, 12 solo stops and three sacks in 48-13 victory over Millikan-Long Beach

Overview: The versatile 6-foot-2, 225-pound Faaiu is a physical tackler who had his best pass rushing night on Friday over Millikan. He's got a relentless motor who could thrive in someone's 3-4 at the next level.

JOHN FERNBERG, IMMANUEL-REEDLEY

Stats: Four solo tackles, one sack, one punt block good for the safety in 43-6 victory over Sierra Pacific-Hanford.

Overview: The 6-foot-3, 230-pound junior defensive tackle is an emerging star for a vastly improved Eagles squad that once won a combined two games in the last two seasons. Fernberg is a rugged defender with powerful hands and a high motor for the 4-2 Eagles.

ERIC WINGFIELD, SUNNYSIDE-CLOVIS

Stats: 19 total tackles and one interception in 23-0 loss to San Joaquin Memorial-Fresno

Overview: Wingfield continues to play the safety spot like a linebacker, but snatched up one pick for the Wildcats despite the loss. He's a hard-nosed player who doesn't back down. Looks like a guy who can play up to the line of scrimmage at safety once he hits the college level.

Prospect watch: Hawks, Pioneers, Beavers and Rams

Contributed photo

Two marquee games this weekend under the lights have the following: a strong case for a CIF Bowl appearance, and a strong case for a state Junior College Bowl bid.

We're reaching the half-way point and this is where we really start finding out if teams and prospects hit a second gear, stay neutral, or run out of gas.

Here's one prep game in California to highlight:

MISSION OAK-TULARE (4-0) VS. MT. WHITNEY-VISALIA (3-1)

The Hawks are now in the driver seat in the Division-III So Cal rankings. A school that has only had four years of varsity existence has now emerged as the best team in the city of Tulare. As for the Pioneers, this game can really determine how elite they are, especially after falling to inner-city rival El Diamante last Friday.

PROSPECT WATCH FOR MISSION OAK: Quarterback Corbin Quinnonez (photo) continues to impress with his delivery and even his legs. The 6-foot-4, rocket-armed passer is a threat to get a combined five to six touchdowns throwing and running each game. Another lethal threat is 2014 prospect Elijah Porchia, an electrifying game-breaker and return man. Tight end/outside linebacker Kevin Palma continues to draw intrigue from the likes of the PAC-12 and Mountain West. An interesting match up will be seeing Palma covering the speed the Pioneers have on their offense.

PROSPECT WATCH FOR MT. WHITNEY: Tucker Mendonca may turn peeople away with his size (only 5-foot-8, 155-pounds). But make no mistake, he has zip and he can run. He has 1,001 yards in the no-huddle spread offense attack and 247 rushing yards for the Pioneers. He also has a combined 11 touchdowns. Darius Armstead is putting together a great season. The 5-foot-9 senior is yet to have a game where he falls below 115 receiving yards. His feet, soft hands, straight-line speed and production is making him an under-the-radar prospect on the recruiting scene. One player on defense to look for is junior safety Abel Tavarez. The 5-foot-10 safety has a mean streak and his hits energize the Pioneers. He plays the safety spot like an outside linebacker and he'll blow up ball carriers. Tavarez versus Palma and Porchia on offense should be an entertaining one. Adam Franco is another top defensive back for Mount Whitney. The 6-foot-1 senior has a team-high three interceptions for 66 yards and one fumble recovery. Sophomore Demarea Joyce is also an emerging star in the Pioneer's aggressive secondary, with two interceptions and 13 total tackles, including seven in an upset over Sanger.

Junior College Football

SAN FRANCISCO CITY (4-0) AT AMERICAN RIVER COLLEGE (4-0)

Last year's state bowl champion San Francisco City goes toe-to-toe with a school now having aspirations for hoisting the state title. A huge statement game for the undefeated Beavers.

PROSPECT WATCH FOR THE RAMS: In the thrilling 35-31 comeback victory over Fresno City where they were down 28-0, SFCC got a big-time performance from Kristoffer Olugbode in the backfield. The former Bellarmine Prep-San Jose weapon is fast and elusive, but has also improved his power and determination. He's a threat to go the distance and his big plays breathed new life to a Rams team that was nearly embarrassed by Fresno City. He finished with 134 yards rushing and one touchdown on Saturday. Paving the way on offense is guard Ahongalu Fusimalohi (6-foot-3, 315-pounds). He's one nasty run blocker who won't pop you just once, he'll try to drive you to the ground. He's shown excellent hands and vision when picking up blitzes. He also seldom gets bull-rushed. He's usually the one bull-rushing the defensive linemen. Defensively, former quarterback Broughan Jantz (6-foot-2, 205-pounds) is starting to emerge with three interceptions, including two last Saturday.

PROSPECT WATCH FOR THE BEAVERS: Former Washington State and Fresno State commit Devontae Butler-Booker is starting to burst back as a productive running back. The now 6-foot, 200-pound Booker still has his blazing speed thanks to his 4.38 40-yard dash time. He has, however, begun to show some power and balance when running the rock. Helping him in the backfield is Antonio Bumpers (6-foot, 200-pounds), who's more of a power runner but has shown to run around defenders. He's averaging 4.7 yards per game. Former Colorado State commit Zane Petty leads the defense with a team-high four interceptions. Petty also has 26 solo tackles.

Tall Tiger a steal?

Photo courtesy of max preps

One goal that new Fresno State head coach Tim DeRuyter mapped out was recruiting and keeping Central Valley talent in the Bulldogs' backyard.

The new regime got off to a slow start, since they missed out on one highly-touted safety in 6-foot-2, 200-pound behemoth Hatari Byrd of Central (Oklahoma commit).

However, they may have struck gold, since they stayed on the West side of Fresno to snatch up a possible steal from renown California College Football factory Edison High School.

The Bulldogs managed to get 6-foot-3, 170-pound free safety/wide receiver Justin Holmes on board. After looking closely at Holmes, Fresno State fans should look at the future of the defense and grin with his presence.

Holmes has very soft hands and won't back down from using them. His nose for the football and his wide receiver-like hands make him a plus for the Bulldog secondary. His vision and ability to react to the ball also scored major points for me.

He does catch footballs from his highly-touted quarterback Khari McGee at Edison. Holmes doubles as safety playmaker and red zone target for the Tigers. Given the depth that the Bulldogs have at wide receiver, though, that will probably mean Holmes will reunite with his Ex-High School head coach Tim McDonald in the Fresno State secondary.

He'll need bulk right away. He's actually 170-pounds when some listed him at 185. Even at 185, he would've had to add muscle anyway. He also had a reported 4.8 40-yard dash time. But after watching his film, he looks way faster than that.

On a defense that's improved at forcing turnovers through four games so far, this move sounds like DeRuyter and the Bulldogs want a ball hawk factory going in their secondary. Its a great move, considering how the Bulldogs were one of the worst at forcing turnovers in the secondary in the last few years of the Pat Hill regime.

I will honestly say, Holmes is looking more like the true ball-hawk at safety compared to Byrd. This could be a steal in the Valley.

MORE ON HOLMES: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1363186/justin-holmes

Former Washington State/Fresno State commit re-emerging?

Photo courtesy of web.arc.losrios.edu

On the football field, it seems hard to keep track of Devontae Butler-Booker with how fast he is.

Off the field, however, it's hard to keep track of which college he's attending--until now.

The most recent sighting of the former Washington State and Fresno State commit is up north in his home region of Sacramento--at American River College.

For Butler-Booker (Grant-Sacramento), this is now his fourth collegiate stop in two years. He was denied entry to both Washington State (committed 2010) and Fresno State (verbal in 2011) due to academic issues. His last enrollment was at San Mateo College.

The now 6-foot, 200-pound sophomore seems and sounds like he's taking the junior college football world by storm, with his 800 rushing yards through just four games (a 200 yard average in each game), 11 touchdowns and the Beavers claiming a 4-0 start.

After looking at the 2012 version of Butler-Booker, he does look bigger than before. He still has the explosive burst that made Washington State recruit him. He did show off a hurdle too in his latest film.

As far as his inside running ability is concerned, though, that aspect can still use some refinement. I'll give him the benefit of the doubt, he does have solid balance when bouncing off of defenders and does a good job of keeping his feet moving. He's fast and slippery enough to get past defenders.

He won't always blow up defenders, though, since he does tend to run upright. So his power is still a question mark. He also seems to rely more on his speed and balance, versus using a stiff arm or just resorting to an aggressive running style with his low pad level. Another benefit of the doubt I'll give him is his determined running ability, since he looks like a back who won't go down right away.

He's been a moving part for American River's offense. The big question we may have to ask is where will he move to next and who, at the next level, would be willing to take a chance on the former Sacramento-area sensation?

MORE ON BOOKER: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/797509/highlights

Former Central Valley quarterback emerging out east?

You would think that right after a quarterback's senior season, they would be old enough to get offered or have no trouble finding a collegiate program to play for.

But in the case of Darrik Martin, he has this rare backdrop:

The former Golden Valley-Bakersfield quarterback had a strong senior year, but that was good enough to get him at Kiski Prep--a school all the way in Pennsylvania.

This was all because Martin was deemed too young for the next level. He was not even 17 when he played his senior year at Golden Valley. According to his father, schools shied away from him due to Martin's youthful age.

On top of that, the advice for Martin to go to PA was through Penn State University.

Martin, despite being far away from home, seems to be doing just fine over out east now. The 6-foot-3, 220-pound quarterback has emerged as a top pocket passer in that region thanks to his play in the spread offense.

He already has excellent size and an arm. His release is quick, which is perfect for the spread. His play-action ability, though, is what's making him emerge as a potential pro style quarterback for a Division-I or Football Bowl Subdivision school. He can also move with his feet and burn the outsides on option keeper runs.

Martin actually drew the most interest from Penn State since he emerged in the Nittany Lions' backyard. But after the fallout from Happy Valley involving their sordid scandal, Martin's interest through Penn State has now dropped off.

He's yet to be offered, but has been in contact with the likes of Rutgers, Penn State, Akron, Cornell, Michigan and a "slew of Division-II and Division-III schools" according to his father. Continued progression could make him recognizable again, even back at his home state of California.

MORE ON MARTIN:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7yFZPHH4zs

Macho Machado

Photo courtesy of westsideconnect.com

A 5-foot-7, 170-pound junior is starting to keep defensive coordinators awake at night in the Sac-Joaquin Section.

Orestimba-Newman running back Steven Machado has been on a tear in 2012, and is starting to emerge as one of the top running backs in the state after five games.

Machado currently has 1,155 yards for the Warriors. He's averaging over 12 yards a carry and, even more astounding, he has crossed the goal line 18 times, in five games, which is an average of 3-4 touchdowns per game. His touchdowns has him tied for first in California with state rushing leader James Toland (1,282 yards) of Shadow Hills-Indio.

At this rate, if he continues to stay healthy and keeps punishing defenses, Machado could have close to 40 rushing touchdowns in the regular season. He already has two 200-yard evenings this season, and his last game was a 19 carry, 317 yard and four touchdown night against Riverbank on Friday. His worse rushing performance was a 188 yard night in the season opener.

He was just as productive last season for the run-heavy Warriors. As a sophomore, Machado finished with 1,293 yards and just three touchdown runs. 

And if you want to know what kind of runner he just might be, just know in this video, he sheds and spins past people.

Central Valley on CIF bowl game collision course

Contributed photo

Yesterday centered upon how the Central Coast was finally getting recognized on the Golden State football map. Today, we examine an area gaining more and more respect that has an eye-popping 10 potential suitors for a state CIF title game.

Who are these valley teams? And which valley boys are the ones to watch? Here's a closer look at where things currently stand on the CIF So Cal Bowl game front for the 559 and 661:

Division-I

BAKERSFIELD (4-0)

Current ranking: No. 5

Best win: 29-6 over Long Beach Poly on Sept. 14

PROSPECT WATCH: Seems everywhere you look, the Drillers have ridiculous talent everywhere. Quarterback Asauni Rufus could emerge as one of the more highly-recruited quarterbacks to ever come out of Bakersfield High, since he's only a junior and can do damage through the arm and legs. He's one of the better all-around athletes on the Drillers. The backfield of Derrick Vickers and Jeremiah Reddick bring a bolt of electricity to the fast-pace Driller run game. Kevin Hayes has size (6-foot-3, 170-pounds) and versatility that most college teams would love. Shaq Garrett at the nose guard spot helps set the tone for a rugged and speedy Driller defense. Even despite Long Beach Poly's stunning 1-3 start, the Drillers' victory over them last Friday was monumental, in the sense that a Central Valley squad took down a traditional Los Angeles area and state powerhouse.

CENTRAL-FRESNO (4-0)

Current ranking: Bubble team

Best win: 25-22 over Palos Verdes on Sept. 8

PROSPECT WATCH: Division-I talent is everywhere on the west side of Fresno. However, outside of the usual names like defensive backs L.J Moore, Johnny Johnson, Oklahoma commit Hatari Byrd, or wide receiver Michiah Quick, a new defensive back star emerged in James Dicks on Friday versus El Diamante-Visalia. The senior strong safety had two interceptions, including a 95-yarder that went for the touchdown in the 42-7 rout. Junior quarterback Eric Jiminez is adjusting nicely to the Grizzlies' pistol offense, with his 13-of-15 passing night for 207 yards and three touchdowns versus the Miners. Nick Wilson has been a threat to run for 100-yards every game. Left tackle Darian Smith also brings athleticism and college football-like size at 6-foot-7, 300-pounds. The Grizzlies are on a collision course for the Tri-River Athletic Conference title and perhaps even state title bid with this next team...

CLOVIS NORTH (4-0)

Current ranking: Bubble team

Best win: 37-19 over Buhach Colony-Atwater on Sept. 7

PROSPECT WATCH: Former NFL safety Cory Hall has turned the Broncos into the best team in the city of Clovis in just a two-year span as varsity head coach. His players are also starting to get recognized more and more. Quarterback Christian Rossi is one of the better play-action signal-callers in the Central Section and has a very nice deep ball. Backup quarterback and top tight end David Wells is San Diego State bound. Fellow tight end Josh Lovingood is a hard-nosed red zone option and blocker with excellent size (6-foot-5, 255-pounds). Senior Carson Guzman (5-foot-8, 175-pounds) has emerged as the Broncos' top workhorse back. Two-way lineman Isaiah Duran is a nasty competitor who's motor only stops when the game is over. Wide receiver Marcus Rose is one of the more dangerous return men in the Valley. The win over the massive and talented Buhach Colony has to rank as one of the biggest victories ever at Clovis North, which includes winning the D-II Central Section title last season. The 18-point drubbing ended a 23-game regular season winning streak for the Thunder.

LIBERTY-BAKERSFIELD (3-1)

Current ranking: Bubble team

Best win: 42-21 over Buchanan-Clovis on Sept. 14.

PROSPECT WATCH: Corbin Jountii continues to punish defenders for the Patriots. The 6-foot-1, 205-pound Jountii is yet to fall under 100-yards rushing in 2012 for Liberty. He even had 120 yards and one score despite the loss to the loaded Central-Fresno. Sophomore Anthony Mariscal (6-feet, 185-pounds) is showing flashes of potential as the Patriots' second running back option. He had 88 yards off of seven carries and a season-best two touchdowns in the win over an improved Buchanan squad. Wide receiver Kenny Davis is a deadly deep threat with 24 catches, 300 yards and an average of over 12 yards a catch.

Division-II

GARCES MEMORIAL (3-1)

Current ranking: No. 10

Best win: 41-7 over San Joaquin Memorial-Fresno on Sept. 15.

PROSPECT WATCH: The Rams have been very passer friendly with Cruise Adams at the controls. The senior has a 103 quarterback rating, 11 touchdown passes and a five-touchdown evening versus Golden Valley-Bakersfield earlier this year. Sophomore Sheldon Croney (6-feet, 190-pounds) gives Garces a bright future with two games with three rushing touchdowns, including three in their bounce-back win over San Joaquin Memorial.

KINGSBURG (3-0)

Current ranking: Bubble team

Best win: 27-19 over Washington Union-Fresno on Sept. 6

PROSPECT WATCH: Quarterback Brandon Steele is hurting teams with his arm, legs, and even his upper body strength. He's thrown six touchdown passes, but has also powered his way past defenses with his 6-foot-3, 230-pound frame. The 2014 prospect had 20 carries for 100-yards against CIF state bowl Division-III champion Washington Union on Sept. 6. Sophomore Austen Hammerstorm is an emerging wide receiver prospect for the three-time Central Section champion Vikings. The 5-foot-11, 180-pound weapon is averaging over 21 yards a catch. On both the offensive and defensive line is monstrous 6-foot-2, 285-pound Ryan Steele, who's armed with nearly 10 offers and devours running backs. He's also an energetic pass rusher. He's looking like a future nose tackle for a 3-4 scheme, but can also play the 3-technique on a four man front.

MOUNT WHITNEY-VISALIA (3-0)

Current ranking: Bubble team

Best win: 49-17 over Sanger on Sept. 7

PROSPECT WATCH: The quarterback-wide receiver duo of Tucker Mendonca and Darius Armstead has given defenses fits when going against the no-huddle spread attack of Mount Whitney. Armstead is averaging over 24 yards a catch. Mendonca has seven touchdown throws and just one interception. Their biggest game and test comes on Sept. 28 against these guys from Division-III...

Division-III

MISSION OAK-TULARE (3-0)

Current ranking: No. 2

Best win: 67-0 over Golden West-Visalia

PROSPECT WATCH: Quarterback Corbin Quinnonez (photo) is showing even more production than ever, with a couple of games where he had three touchdown passes and a six touchdown night in the season opener. His size (6-foot-4, 200 pounds) and deep ball has caught the attention of just San Jose State. But improved numbers, plus a state bowl bid, could land him some late offers. Tight end/outside linebacker Kevin Palma is a freak of nature who'll create match up problems on offense and defense. His 4.5 40-yard dash time as a near 250-pounder has given him an edge. His closing speed is what's generating the buzz for the PAC-12 and Mountain West schools that are after him. Class of 2014 prospect Elijah Porchia is a dangerous threat to go the distance. He had an evening of 396 all-purpose yards in the rout over Golden West.

WASCO (3-0)

Current ranking: No. 8

Best win: 62-18 over Golden Valley-Bakersfield on Sept. 14.

PROSPECT WATCH: The Tigers have one of the best backfields in the valley as they continue to achieve success with their Wing-T offense. Sophomore Isaiah Sharp had a 338-yard night versus Golden Valley on Sept. 14. Junior Terrance Grinner (5-foot-11, 175-pounds) has back-to-back 100-yard games in the last two weeks for Wasco. Another junior Casper Lopez has 318 yards and an average of over eight yards per carry.

Division-IV

BAKERSFIELD CHRISTIAN (2-1)

Current ranking: Bubble team

Best win: 21-0 over Central Valley Christian-Visalia on Aug. 31.

PROSPECT WATCH: Sophomore running back Matt Smith is on his way to a bright future at Fresno State quarterback Derek Carr's alma mater. The powerhouse 6-foot-1, 210 pound Smith has an ability to break tackles but also juke defenders out with his imposing size. He has 685 rushing yards and back-to-back 200-yard games for the Eagles so far this season.