Prep Football Players To Watch In 2012

Here's some of the top talent returning next fall (all are juniors unless noted):

• QUARTERBACKS

Aaron Zwahlen, Downey: 23-3 TD/INT ratio through seven games, 6-7 in last four. Area's No. 2 passer (2,924 yards) has to be more careful with ball.

Ridge Bertuccio, Golden Valley: Surprise starter had 40 tosses a game, finishing with 3,078 yards, 27 TDs and 20 picks. Downey at GV in 2012 opener.

Danny Vos, Ripon Chr.: He'll get help from RB Andrew Brown, but has to work on completion rate (48 percent). His 1,800 yards, 18 TDs led RC to first playoff win.

Chase Gonzalez, Turlock Chr.: Six-foot-6 thrower limited to five games by injury, but has arm and potential to draw interest. Needs to impress this summer, because regular-season schedule does very little.

Eli Gutierrez, Merced: Bears' top rusher finished with 2,131 yards offense, 18 TDs. Not as refined in the pocket, versatility will make him a threat.

Chris Corpuz, Los Banos: He could have area's most explosive attack, handing to James Sams and throwing to Daeton West. LB could challenge for section title with his talents.

• RUNNING BACKS

Rey Vega, Davis: A true warrior with 3,000 yards, 42 TDs while his team was 1-9 and 3-7 last two years. Fast and physical, he deserves chance to get a title before he graduates.

Anthony Brown, Ripon Chr.: He had 2,284 yards (including 566 receiving), 34 TDs as a sophomore, and could be a stat monster with two more seasons.

Ja'Quan Gardner, Central Valley: Soph had two 300-yard outings, including school-record 397 with six TDs in one game. Had 1,985 yards in 10 games, and rivals Vega with speed, strength.

James Sams, Los Banos: Casa Roble coach said Sams is best he saw in 2011 after watching his 311-yard outing. Had 1,872 yards and 20 TDs, averaging 8.9 yards a carry. He'll get more than 210 carries in 2012.

Smokey Moore, Beyer: Teammate Aden Ruiz ran for more yards (1174 to 976),but Moore averaged 9.7 yards a run and could be explosive next year if he commits to the weights.

Justin Northcutt, Oakdale: One of two 1,000-yard rushers for Oakdale, he'll get more carries in 2012 and will be a larger part of the passing attack.

• RECEIVERS

John Mundt, Central Catholic: His powerful, 6-foot-5 frame could make him the district's top tight end, but the Raiders will have to give him the ball (just 17 catches, but five for TDs).

Richard Lopez, Downey: With Zwahlen losing his top two receivers, Lopez (31 catches, 490 yards) becomes a primary option and could get 70 catches.

Daeton West, Los Banos: Foes cringe every time West touches the ball (36 catches, 17-yard average, six TDs). He'll benefit from great running game.

Alec Von Alvensleben, Escalon: He won't average 25 yards a catch in 2012 (had 30 catches, 750 yards, five TDs), but he'll surpass catches and TDs with rebuilding Cougars getting him into the regular offense.

Jacob Bringhurst, Beyer: Most kids would see 10 catches, 256 yards and five TDs as a great three-week stretch. But that was one game for Bringhurst, had 97-TD catch late in year.

• DEFENDERS

John Kreifels, Downey: He carries a lot of pressure into 2012, because defense is Downey's downfall. LB can only set the bar in the weight room — his teammates have to do the rest if the defense is to improve.

Hondo & Miko Arpoika, Oakdale: Twin linemen helped Mustangs to section D3 final for second year in a row, and they should be bigger in 2012.

Nate Loya, Central Catholic: His six picks are best among all returners and Raiders need a solid secondary if they're going to be successful with Downey, Los Banos, St. Mary's or others awaiting.

Trevor Coleman, Atwater: Linebacker had 10 sacks and will have QBs on run again in 2012.

Corey Bayer, Hilmar: One of the stars for section champs; the 6-2, 230-pounder had 9.5 sacks and averaged six tackles.

• OFFENSIVE LINEMEN

Thomas Romero, Johansen: The 5-11, 260-pounder was second-team MMC and will clear paths for Codie Corbin (who averaged 12 yards a carry).

Marcus Carillo, Los Banos: His 5-7, 170-pound frame won't intimidate, but all-WAC blocker is key to Sams' success.

Isaac McClain, Manteca: The 6-3, 291-pound soph was all-VOL second team and toning up in offseason could make him league's best next year.

Alan Gonzalez, Escalon: The TVL's top returning linemen, the 6-3, 250-pounder will likely be even bigger next season.

Aaron Cochran, Buhach Colony: Though still growing into his 6-8, 320-pound frame, he'll be popular on the summer workout circuit and has potential to dominate the way his brother Matt did.

— Richard T. Estrada