DEVIN COMBS

Oakdale quarterback

When it became clear Colfax was playing a defense designed to stop the running game, the Mustangs turned to Devin Combs to keep alive their dream of playing in Saturday's Sac-Joaquin Section Division IV title game at the University of the Pacific.

The senior responded by completing 19 of 28 passes for 313 yards, throwing two TDs and an interception, as Oakdale rallied for a 31-28 win. Combs has completed 129 of 198 passes for 2,030 yards, 24 touchdowns -- the yardage and TDs are school records -- and nine interceptions on the season.

"I think our offense is unique and very different than most, and it is very complex," coach Trent Merzon said. "It takes a very intelligent person to do all that we do, not to mention tremendous physical attributes. He makes plays with his arm and his feet and I think he is getting better and better each week. He also has some special kids with him ... to fully maximize his ability."

-- RICHARD T. ESTRADA