5 players to watch when big schools play

E-Mail

reprint or license

Comments (0)

Text Size:

tool goes here

• Jarrod Daniels, Sierra — One of a dozen Division 3 playmakers, he rushed for 1,192 yards and 24 TDs in single-back scheme. Always good for a few extra yards because he falls forward — if defenders get a hand on him.

• Antonio Bumpers, Inderkum — Transfer from state power Grant has 1,682 yards and 27 TDs. Went for 327 a few weeks ago and 258 in 21-7 win in Week 10. Gets 10 yards per carry.

• Charlie Gilstrap, Oakdale — Attention seldom goes to a defender, but he's the heart of a defense that struggled in Week 8 and 9 against quick RBs. Gilstrap can set a tone early with a few big hits. That's crucial, as Oakdale must control the clock.

• Devontae Butler, Grant — He's the reason Bumpers moved to Inderkum: 2,144 yards, 34 TDs on one of state's top teams. At least 216 yards each of last six games.

• Joshua Harper, St. Mary's — Son of former 49er Willie Harper is off to Cal next year, but not before he tries to send the Rams to a State Bowl for the second year in a row. Modest stats for such a star (32 catches, 20-yard average, 2 TDs), but averages 20 yards on punt returns with six more TDs.

• Markus Sanders, Pitman — How can Sanders run for 1,629 yards and stay under the radar? It's because his team has been up and down. This is his chance to show off. If he can get 20-22 carries, Pitman would win opener.

• Dano Graves, Folsom — Could break section passing record that Downey's Jason Lee set last week (3,972 yards). He's got 2,899 yards and 40 TDs — and could play four more games. Threw for 466 in Week 10.

— Richard T. Estrada