High School Football Players of the Week

LARGE SCHOOLS

JAMES INGRAM

Modesto running back

There was no doubt Modesto was going to win the Modesto Metro Conference title, as long as the Panthers kept handing it to James Ingram. The senior tailback ran a career-high 34 times for a school-record 253 yards, including two TDs and two two-point conversions, in the Panthers' 28-13 win over Enochs. That gave them the title and a spot in the Sac-Joaquin Section playoffs.

"James just runs hard and hits the hole quickly," coach Rod Long said. "He has great vision and stamina. Our offensive line has done a tremendous job. James has been on a roll the past couple of weeks so we just keep feeding him the football."

Ingram has a school-record 1,336 yards, while fullback Arquel Rogers has 1,024 yards: "It's great to have James and Arquel," Long said. "They have shared the load, which has allowed for them both to be healthy as we enter the playoffs."

SMALL SCHOOLS

DYLAN SOUZA

Denair running back

There's a stereotype most of us buy into when we think of a fullback: a big bruiser who is able to run through people, but tires out after 10 yards or so.

Then there's Denair's Dylan Souza: "The fullback is our best running back and gets the ball most of the time. Dylan is quick and explosive, with a low center of gravity," coach Therion Gregory said. "Wrestling has helped give him good balance."

Tough enough to lead Denair to a 39-10 win over Turlock Christian in a game the Coyotes needed to get into the playoffs. Souza had 18 carries for 125 yards and three TDs, a 10-yard catch, five tackles, a 40-yard punt return and a quarterback sack.

"Dylan plays outside linebacker. He's also our leading punt returner and kick returner," Gregory said. "Dylan is a throwback player, he can play anywhere. He is about number five on our list of (top career rushers) and has one year to go."

-- RICHARD T. ESTRADA