210 fall athletes to watch over 70 days

Danae Diaz, North County flag football: One half of arguably the top defensive secondary in the section, Diaz finished among the state leaders with 25 interceptions, three for pick sixes.

Her interception totals were among the nation leaders for a freshman. Diaz set a school record with six picks in one game. She also caught 14 touchdown passes, with nearly 1,000 receiving yards, and returned a punt for a touchdown.

Rocky Villanueva, King City football: The Herald's All-County Defensive Player of the Year, the 6-foot-4, 235-pound linebacker collected 100 tackles in 10 games last year.

Coming off a knee injury that kept him out of the playoffs, Villanueva was a menacing blocker as a fullback for the Mustangs, who won their first league title in 43 years.

Anna Bates, Stevenson water polo: Brought up as a freshman last year, Bates made an impact with 41 goals for the Central Coast Section Division II champions.

Blessed with a rocket launcher for an arm, Bates provides depth for a program deep in offense, as Stevenson chases a seventh straight Gabilan Division title.

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