Gold mine games for Sept. 5

Vance Sams of Edison will look to slow down the state champion Drillers (photo by Lorenzo J. Reyna).

Friday, Sept. 5, will have a number of games with a November playoff feel to them.

One contest in Fresno has two Central Section heavyweights battling in what could be the Division I title game preview. Another contest in Kern County has two preseason Division III and IV favorites. On the Central Coast, one Ventura County air attack will look to drop bombs on a San Luis Obispo County powerhouse who just poured 48 points on a proud Clovis High team.

Here's Cali Gold Mine's notable games to watch:

FRESNO COUNTY

BAKERSFIELD (1-0) AT EDISON-FRESNO (1-0)

Location: Ratcliffe Stadium (Fresno City College).

Time: 7:30 p.m.

The Drillers enter this contest as the reigning state DI champs. The Tigers will stampede inside Ratcliffe looking to knock off BHS and prove they're worthy of the DI title.

Prospect watch for BHS: Running back Marcus Bruce punished Oaks Christian-Westlake Village with 205 yards and two touchdowns (66 and 16 yards) in the Drillers' 34-21 victory on Aug. 29. Bruce is a 5-foot-10, 195-pound back who combines speed with power. Nose tackle Nigel Brooks will go against a young Edison offensive line who had trouble with Buchanan's front seven in last week's 13-7 win. The 6-foot-1, 285-pound Brooks has generated some Mountain West interest.

Prospect watch for EHS: Ten Tigers have received some NCAA Division I interest. The biggest sleepers, however, are seniors Khai Williams (running back) and Kam'ron Lewis (wide receiver). The 5-foot-10, 185-pound Williams showed his north-south ability in the victory over the Bears. Williams is more known for his cutback ability and track speed. Lewis is a hard assignment for cornerbacks because of his size (6-foot-3) and vertical jump. Lewis had 70 yards on six catches last week. The Tigers' strength against Buchanan was the defense, as linebackers Vance Sams, Anthony Shepard, and defensive backs Tyler Horton and A.J. Greeley were flying to the football. Horton holds six offers and just recently heard from the University of Texas. Greeley - a 6-foot, 175-pound lock down corner and safety- is already committed to Fresno State.

KERN COUNTY

CENTRAL VALLEY CHRISTIAN-VISALIA (1-0) AT BAKERSFIELD CHRISTIAN (1-0)

Location: BCHS

Time: 7:30 p.m.

These two Christian schools won't just battle for the Milk Bowl. Both are entering the game with some under-the-radar prospects and having high hopes of a section championship run.

Prospect watch for CVC: Linebacker/tight end Tate Nelson is one of the most wanted Cavaliers on the recruiting trail. The 6-foot-3, 220-pound Nelson  is one of the best pass rushing linebackers in the section. The senior currently holds a University of Idaho offer and has told CGM that Wyoming of the Mountain West is picking up interest. Nelson also has heard from Penn, Princeton, Fresno State and Sacramento State. Safety Bradley Taylor is emerging as a Class of 2016 prospect to watch. Taylor is a tall defender at 6-foot-2, 190-pounds. He can snatch the ball from mid air or attack quarterbacks and running backs on blitzes. He's the Kam Chancellor of the CVC defense. Offensively, running back MacIntyre Garbani overcomes his lack of size (5-foot-8) with stamina and heart. Garbani led CVC with 134 yards on 13 carries and scored three times in the Cavs' 60-7 rout over Woodlake on Aug. 28. The Cavs are considered one of the favorites to win the Central Section DIV title.

Prospect watch for BCHS: It all starts with the running game. Senior running back Matt Smith is one of many talented backs in the Central Section. The 6-foot-1, 215-pound Smith can run over and around defenders. He holds four offers (Air Force, Colorado State, Utah State and UC Davis). Quarterback Brandon Jones has generated interest from the PAC-12 and Big 12 after throwing for 4,365 yards and 54 touchdown passes last year. The 6-foot-2, 190-pound signal caller is considered a pro style quarterback in the 661.

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY

CAMARILLO (1-0) AT PASO ROBLES (1-0)

Location: Flamson Middle School.

Time: 7 p.m.

Two high-powered offenses should bring plenty of fireworks in this non-league contest in the Southern Section.

Prospect watch for Camarillo: The Scorpions have emerged as one of the better spread offensive teams in the 805. When their passing game gets going, it's hard to stop. Junior quarterback Jake Constantine threw five touchdown passes in Camarillo's 38-13 romp of Rio Mesa last week. Fellow junior Frankie Tostado is one of his top targets. The 6-foot-2, 180-pound Tostado is dangerous on deep routes and with hauling down the jump ball.

Prospect watch for Paso Robles: Jonathan Baldwin brings versatility and explosive plays for the Bearcats. At outside linebacker, Baldwin had two interceptions returned for touchdowns. As a tight end, Baldwin uses his 6-foot-3, 220-pound frame to out-muscle defenders for the ball. Senior Bailey Gaither had a breakout night against Clovis with four catches, 148 yards and two touchdowns. Gaither holds four offers from New Hampshire, Cal Poly, Montana State and Wyoming. Sophomore Christian Erickson provided balance for the Bearcats with 30 carries, 152 yards and one touchdown in the 48-30 victory. Erickson is a power back at 5-foot-10, 205-pounds.

The junior college watch list

The junior college football season in California is starting up this week and, much like the high school talent, the JUCO scene is full of future college football stars and, quite possibly, future NFL players.

Keep in mind Sheldon Richardson of the New York Jets (College of the Sequoias-Visalia), Cameron Artis-Payne of Auburn (Allan Hancock College-Santa Maria), Zac Diles of the Cleveland Browns (Fresno City College), Maurice Morris of the Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks (Fresno City College), Steve Nelson of Oregon State (College of the Sequoias) and Skyler Howard of West Virginia (Riverside College) all began at the JC level.

Here's some notable JC players worth watching this fall:

CORY BUTLER, ATH, LOS ANGELES HARBOR

Butler is a Percy Harvin type for L.A. Harbor. The 5-foot-10, 185-pound athlete is deadly when he turns the corner. Butler has the speed to leave a trail of dust and leave behind defenders who try to catch up with him. As a receiver, he's dangerous after the catch because he can make defenders miss and shows a running back-like elusiveness. I was mostly impressed with his willingness to make the middle catches then turn on the jets. I didn't see him hesitate when going to the middle of the field. He's a soft verbal with the University of Kansas right now. Butler runs a 4.35 40-yard dash time.

More on Butler: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3183851/highlights/70922375

LIO LAFAELE, TACKLE/GUARD, RIVERSIDE COLLEGE

Lafaele has a defensive linemen's motor on offense, and he attacks defenders like a menacing bear. The 6-foot-4, 300-pound Lafaele combines his mean streak and athleticism to the RCC line. He's currently committed to Texas Tech.

More on Lafaele: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2598378/highlights/115224375

ANTHONY FOTU, DEFENSIVE END, LANEY-OAKLAND

The 6-foot-4, 285-pound Fotu is a versatile high energy defender for Laney. He mixes his power and speed to push around offensive linemen, then attack quarterbacks. He'll need to improve his hand technique since I've noticed he tends to rely on physical strength to get around offensive linemen. But Fotu is a hard blocking assignment in the trenches. He currently holds four offers from Maryland, Illinois, Miami and Mississippi.

More on Fotu: http://jcfootball.scout.com/a.z?s=87&p=8&c=1&nid=7622781

DOMINIC DESOUZA, OFFENSIVE TACKLE, CITY COLLEGE OF SAN FRANCISCO

The 6-foot-8, 290-pound Desouza holds 12 scholarship offers because of his size, powerful hands and ability to keep defensive linemen in check. I noticed Desouza didn't allow defenders to go near two to three yards of his quarterback during pass blocking. He's also willing to run down field during run plays and knock linebackers or defensive backs to the turf. Oklahoma State, Texas Christian and Mississippi State are among his offers.

More on Desouza: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2563832/highlights/91647382

WILLIAM ABT, QUARTERBACK, GROSSMONT-EL CAJON

The 6-foot-4, 215-pound Abt was a mad bomber for Grossmont last season, as he constantly attacked secondaries with the play action. Abt not only shows a strong arm, but he won't shy away from attacking two defenders and force his throws into tight windows. I'll have to see his consistency with his short throws, but Abt has excellent patience in the pocket and can do damage on the roll out throws.

More on Abt: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/66542/highlights/102042375

KENDALL WILLIAMS, RUNNING BACK, BUTTE-OROVILLE

He combines speed and power with his 6-foot, 210-pound frame. Williams runs a 4.45 40-yard dash for the run-heavy Roadrunners. He's currently committed to Arizona.

DEONTE REYNOLDS, DEFENSIVE TACKLE, CONTRA COSTA-SAN PABLO

Reynolds has freakish speed for a 6-foot-5, 325-pound behemoth. He'll penetrate through the interior line like a young Vince Wilfork. He holds eight offers including Oklahoma, Tennessee and Washington. He'll need to improve his hand technique, but Reynolds is a game changer at defensive tackle. His nickname is "The Big Ticket."

More on Reynolds: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3070418/highlights/107202380

WILLIAM IRIBARREN, MIDDLE LINEBACKER, ALLAN HANCOCK-SANTA MARIA

The 6-foot-3, 235-pound Iribarren has the size/speed/reaction trifecta that most college football defensive coordinators would want out of a linebacker. He's instinctive with locating the football then punishing a ball carrier. He also has good cover speed.

More on Iribarren: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2925881/william-iribarren

ANTOINE ALBERT, CORNERBACK, DIABLO VALLEY-PLEASANT HILL

He's a physical 6-foot-2, 198-pound lock down corner who hits like a safety. Albert is valuable in man coverage. He excels in playing up to a receiver and shadowing over his route with his frame, hip direction and quick feet. He'll bury his shoulder into a ball carrier and knock the ball loose. He holds 10 offers including Arizona, Oregon State and Washington State. His nickname is "Alcatraz."

More on Albert: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2647011/highlights/84858399

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.

Wilson has breakout night as Immanuel prevails in opener

Photo by Lorenzo J. Reyna

It didn't matter if Aaron Wilson lined up at tight end, outside linebacker or punter, the senior damaged Dos Palos with his size, hands and powerful right leg for Immanuel-Reedley.

The 6-foot-3, 220-pound Wilson was a three-way threat in the Eagles' impressive 29-15 victory over the Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 30, at Reedley High's Sal Gonzalez Field. Wilson finished his night with four catches, 92 yards and one touchdown on offense. Defensively, Wilson had five tackles, a 22-yard interception return, one forced fumble and a quarterback hurry. His punts sailed for 121 yards on three attempts, good for an average of 40.3 yards.

Wilson was one of only 21 players who dressed up in shoulder pads for the game, as IHS faced a larger opponent with a roster of 32 on the other sideline. Wilson described the significance of the victory.

"It's big. It's a big time statement. Glory to God on that," Wilson said. "It was hard work that paid off."

Immanuel has faced several questions before the 2014-15 season. The roster depth was one area that was a question mark. Inexperience was another with eight seniors on the IHS roster.  The last issue was how quick IHS could adjust to a new pro set offense after scrapping its no-huddle, Shotgun Wing-T scheme from the last two seasons.

Wilson's play on offense and the Eagles' passing game helped answer those questions in the season opener.

Wilson hauled in two huge consecutive grabs in the third quarter. One catch was good for 23 yards and his next grab stretched for a 41 yard gain.

His touchdown came in the fourth quarter. He was sandwiched between two Dos Palos defenders, jumped for the ball and came down with the catch for 8 yards. 

Immanuel also received a breakout night from junior quarterback Caleb Paulson, who had Dos Palos beat on the play action and threw for three touchdown passes. Seniors Beau Hatch (17 yards) and DayV'aughn Montgomery (12 yards) were the other recipients of Paulson's touchdown throws.

Edison escapes defensive brawl in Clovis

We nearly saw our first upset in the Central Section on Thursday, as Edison High - Cali Gold Mine's No. 1 team in the Division I realm - barely escaped with a 13-7 victory over Buchanan.

This was a Bears team once 1-10 last year. But BHS flew to the football on defense, gave up just three plays of over 20 yards and exposed a young Tiger offensive line with three sacks and one forced fumble.

Four players raised their level of play at Veterans Memorial Stadium. The quartet caught the attention of CGM. Here's who they are:

EDISON

Kam'ron Lewis could be the most underrated wide receiver in the Central Section. The returning 6-foot-3 senior played in the shadow of Utah commit Tyrone Smith last year, but Lewis emerged as the Tigers' top security blanket with a team-high six catches, 70 yards and one touchdown.

On his 20-yard touchdown catch in the first, Lewis drew one-on-one coverage with his cornerback and made a nice adjustment to the football, as he went for the jump ball and hauled down the catch. Lewis showed solid concentration on his other receptions, as he sometimes had to complete his grabs in the middle of the field and against a hard-charging Bear defense.

Lewis told CGM that San Diego State, Nevada, Colorado State and Colorado are among the schools talking to him. He holds no scholarship offers.

Khai Williams didn't put up 100 yards, but the former 5-foot-10, 180-pound slasher known more for his track speed showed off his gritty side. Williams, a returning senior, helped move the chains with 59 yards on 16 carries. But on a night that saw the Bears control the trenches, Williams helped break BHS' spirits with a gutsy 22-yard run up the middle as Edison faced a 3rd-and-14 situation. If Williams continues to show his ability to run between the tackles, he could pile some late offers. Eastern Washington is the only program that made its scholarship pledge to Williams.

BUCHANAN

Bryson Young and Ben Parker emerged as Class of 2016 defenders to watch.

Young - a 6-foot-5, 220-pound behemoth - did his damage from a two-point stance as he came crashing down on Edison quarterback Hunter Swearingen and disrupted the Tigers' offensive plans. Young forced one fumble and added one sack for the Bears. His motor went non-stop throughout the game. He could emerge as an Aldon Smith type linebacker for the Bears. Young holds two offers from Fresno State and Colorado State as an outside linebacker.

Parker wreaked havoc in a three-point stance. The 6-foot-4, 210-pound defensive end penetrated through a young Edison line and was a force against the pass. Parker impressed me with his strength, motor and ability to go all four quarters without wearing down.

It's now Leppke's show in Dinuba

Photo by Lorenzo J. Reyna

The Isaac Leppke era begins at Dinuba High School, as the 6-foot-4, 175-pound junior quarterback not only has the opportunity to lead the Emperors to another Central Section championship run, but continue a strong lineage of signal callers who shined in the green and gray uniform.

Leppke is facing the task of joining former Emperors David Rico (Class of 2012 graduate, Cal Lutheran) and Marcus McMaryion (Class of 2014 graduate, Oregon State) as the Emps' next best quarterback. He's also looking to lead Dinuba to its third consecutive title game appearance after finishing as a runner-up in 2012 and winning the section's D III title last year. Leppke makes his varsity football debut at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 29, against Tulare County juggernaut Mission Oak at Dinuba's Claud Hebert Field.

Leppke has heard the McMaryion comparisons as he steps in for the Emps. Leppke has been given advice from both McMaryion and Rico.

"Marcus was his own person, but he told me to be my own person. Not all quarterbacks are the same and we can be great in our own ways," Leppke said. "It's similar with David Rico. He told me the same thing."

Leppke prepared for his future role early. He was active in the spring 7-on-7 tournament season and played with the Los Angeles based Beyond 2 Grand (B2G). Leppke attended various summer camps including Fresno State's camp in June 2014 to build on his quarterback skills. 

He'll play on an offense that lost just two offensive linemen from last year and welcomes back Michael Wright, the Emps' most explosive playmaker at running back with 36 touchdowns rushing and receiving.

Leppke, though, understands what his job is and what his head coach Kevin Scharton expects from him.

"Scharton wants me to be a leader on offense. My team knows I'm in charge and when they're down, I need to be the one who brings them back up," Leppke said.

Rico was known in Dinuba to be a small 5-foot-11 quarterback, but damaged defenses with his arm and legs. The 6-foot-1 McMaryion picked apart defenses with 6,136 career passing yards and 71 touchdown passes.

What type of quarterback is Leppke?

"I'm mobile in the pocket and I have good arm strength," Leppke said. "I need to work on throwing on the run and reading defenses quicker. "

Leppke will deal with a Mission Oak defense that allowed 21 points or less in 12 straight games last year. The highest point total the Hawks surrendered was in their 35-34 loss to Bakersfield Christian in the 2013-14 Division IV title game.

Despite winning the D III championship, Leppke and the Emperors believe that they're getting overlooked in the Central Section.

"I feel like we're underrated big time," Leppke said. "Our defensive line is huge, our offensive line has three returners from last year and I think I can get the job done, just like Marcus from last year. I think we're fine."

Leppke and the Emperors want to take it one game at a time, as they both look to continue their success.

"I'm just excited to see where we are at in the season," Leppke said. "It (the Mission oak game) will give us an idea of what we have on this team and if we still have what we have from last year. It determines if Marcus (McMaryion) was the factor from last year or if it was the whole team together."

CALI GOLD MINE'S TAKE

What to like: Leppke already has impressive size. However, it's his ability to make plays with his legs that makes him a quarterback to watch. Leppke made a lot of plays with his feet when things broke down. He's slippery with his mobility and can make defenders miss. He thrived off of the play action last year at the junior varsity level. I'm guessing with Michael Wright returning at running back, the Emps will do a lot of play action throws, which was Leppke's strength last season.  Leppke shows off a strong arm and does a solid job of getting his throws to the right areas. I didn't see Leppke making a bad decision with his arm while watching him in the CGM film room.

What to build on: The biggest thing for Leppke will be how well he performs against tougher competition. Mission Oak, El Diamante and Tulare Union are all on the schedule this season. The Tulare County trio has been known for winning more than nine games in any given season, with El Diamante entering the year as the defending Division II champs. I'll also need to see Leppke's ability to locate a receiver while on the run and not worry too much about scrambling all the time.

Overall: Leppke is in a good position. The quarterback at Dinuba has ended up being a game changer and a future college football prospect. He's done a good job preparing for the varsity role by hitting the camp/tournament circuit. How much he learned from McMaryion, Rico and in the offseason will come into play this Friday. If he has a monster season, you could be looking at the latest Emperor college football prospect.

More on Leppke: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3096705/highlights/87351378

The 'Wright' stuff for Dinuba

Photo by Lorenzo J. Reyna

Michael Wright is looking to make some noise this season with Dinuba High football - similar to the row of Harley Davidson's cranking up their engines as the Emperors walk down their 'green mile' before entering Claud Hebert Field.

However, Wright - a four-year varsity running back - wants to do more than just get his home crowd cheering thunderously for the motorcycles revving up their engines. The returning senior hopes to get the home crowd excited when he touches the ball, plus lift Dinuba High to elite company in the Central Section.

Those opportunities will be presented soon for Dinuba's top offensive playmaker from last year and his Emperor teammates, as the reigning section Division III champions will open the season with a huge Tulare County contest against Mission Oak-Tulare on Friday, Aug. 29, in Dinuba. The Hawks will be one of three new heavyweight challenges for Dinuba. El Diamante-Visalia, last season's Division II champs, is on the schedule (Sept. 19). Tulare Union is another key non-league game for Wright and the Emperors (Oct. 3).

Despite the tough non-league slate, Wright said he's motivated about going against some of the section's top powerhouses.

"We're really excited," Wright said. "Mission Oak has a lot of hype. Everyone seems high on them in the Valley. I feel like we're underrated. I think everyone feels that way here."

Is Dinuba - winners of 33 of its last 39 games - still getting slept on in the Central Valley?

"We're definitely the sleeper team," Wright said. "We feel very overlooked. But, I guess it's better to be overlooked than someone who has people expecting a lot from them."

Not only has the Emperors been tagged with the "overlooked" label, but Wright finds himself as a superstar running back who's had colleges looking past him.

Wright has 3,425 career rushing yards for the Emperors. He's scored 61 offensive touchdowns, including 36 during the Emps' DIII title run.

And there's been no scholarship offer for the 5-foot-10, 185-pound scoring machine.

He said he's been in contact with some mid-major programs in the Football Championship Subdivision and the Mountain West Conference.

"I've talked to Sacramento State a lot. I've also talked to UC Davis. Fresno State talked to me over the summer. Cal Poly as well," Wright said.

Wright brings back versatility to the Dinuba offense. He doubles as an elusive, breakaway threat in the running game and can catch out of the backfield. He gets the Dinuba fans energized with his burst through the open hole and the second gear he shows with his speed.

Wright, though, doesn't boast about his own skill set. He gives credit to who clears the way for him.

"I think I've gotten a lot closer to my offensive linemen," Wright said. "I understand what they see (in this offense). My patience is getting better with this offensive line. A strength for me right now is reading my linemen."

Wright added that a winter sport got him to be the football talent he's become.

"Wrestling has helped me a lot," Wright said. "I can stay low when I hit people. It also helps with my speed because I have a quick burst. Wrestling has been a big part of my success in football."

The returning senior has had an illustrious career - the kind of career that could get him to be the school's all-time leading rusher this season. But despite his success in shoulder pads and helmet, he said he still looks to improve his overall game, particularly his ball-handling ability.

"I always work on carrying the football. You have to work on ball security no matter what," Wright said. "I want to have it (the ball) at all times. If I give it away, then it gives the other team a chance to score."

Is he also thinking about going down in the Dinuba High record books?

"No. I actually haven't really thought about it," Wright said. "My line, though, cares about it. I think it'll be an accomplishment for them. But I'm sure my mom and others will be proud of it once they announce 'Michael Wright: all-time leading rusher at Dinuba High.' But I can care less."

CALI GOLD MINE'S TAKE

What to like: We have to start with Wright's speed. He'll quickly shoot through a hole like a torpedo leaving a submarine. His vision and patience with his blockers also makes him an ideal running back for the next level. He has quick feet and can run around defenders. He shows breakaway speed when he has the football in his hands. His wrestling background gives him an edge in stamina and with keeping his pad level low.

What to build on: I'll need to see his ability to pass block and how he picks up on blitzing linebackers. I'll also need to see if he can break multiple tacklers. Another key will be how well he performs against a much tougher schedule.

Overall: Wright is, in Cali Gold Mine's book, the biggest sleeper in the Central Section. He plays like a running back who can have up to five scholarships by now. He'll be perfect for any option style offense, like Nevada's pistol system or New Mexico's triple option approach. If he improves his ability to go between the tackles, I'm sure more schools will take notice of him. Wright should continue to keep college coaches glued to Dinuba, especially after the Emperors produced Oregon State quarterback commit Marcus McMaryion.

More on Wright:  http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1063236/highlights/63656375