Prep of the Week: Alan Gonzalez, Escalon

Tackle

• What he did: The 6-foot-2½, 285-pound tackle has been a terror through three rounds of the playoffs, more than holding his own against a USC recruit in the quarterfinals and then leading the Cougars to a 42-35, four-overtime victory over Los Banos last week. Gonzalez's primary role on offense is clearing paths for fullback Nathan Chunn — who has run for a school-record 2,154 yards, with 34 TDs. He has made 47 tackles, including seven versus Los Banos.

• What it means: Gonzalez, who was hearing from smaller colleges, is hoping his playoff run will encourage larger schools to come after him.

• What's next: No. 8 Escalon (10-2) faces No. 6 Central Catholic (10-2) Saturday at 1 p.m. at Lincoln High in Stockton for the section title.