With the start of the high school season quickly approaching, the Register has put together its lists of the top 10 players in the county at each position.
These lists are based on the observations of the Register’s reporters, the input of football coaches around the county and the amount of interest shown by college scouts.
Here is a look at the top running backs going into the season:
1. Cole Martin, Corona del Mar, Sr.
Martin is the county’s leading returning rusher. Last year as a junior, Martin (5-10, 185) rushed for 1,881 yards and 21 touchdowns as the Sea Kings went 16-0, winnings both the CIF and SoCal Regional title. Martin averaged 6.2 yards per carry and 124.7 yards per game last season.
2. Carlos Martin, La Habra, Sr.
Martin (5-11, 195) is certainly in the spotlight this year after an impressive junior season. Martin had a strong junior season leading the Highlanders with 1,350 yards and 18 touchdowns. He’s caught the attention of the college scouts and of course the opposing Freeway League defenses.
3. Anthony Battista, Tesoro, Jr.
Battista (5-10, 180) burst on the scene last year, rushing for 1,052 yards as a backup on Corona del Mar. Battista averaged 6.88 yards per carry and scored 10 touchdowns. Battista transferred to Tesoro and will be a junior this season.
4. Chance Siemonsma, Newport Harbor, Sr.
Siemonsma quickly became one of the key factors in the Sailors’ offense last season. Siemonsma (6-0, 175) is one of five starters returning for the Sailors. He rushed for 1,073 yards with eight touchdowns last season, averaging 5.4 yards a carry.
5. Tate Beachley, Servite, Sr.
Beachley (5-11, 178) shared the running back duties last season for the Friars. The Holy Cross-commit rushed for 536 yards with five touchdowns and he also played a key role in the return game for the Friars. His speed is definitely a game-changer.
6. T.J. Williams, Kennedy, Sr.
Williams set the single-game rushing record last year for the Fighting Irish with a 314-yard game. He terrorized Empire League defenses last year, also posting a 231 and 287-yard performances. The 6-1, 230 pound senior is back for more and running behind an experienced offensive line, Williams could be in line to top last year’s numbers (1,388 yards and 14 touchdowns). He was the co-player of the year last year in the Empire League.
7. Nick Hutson, Mater Dei, Jr.
Hutson (5-9, 186) arrives at Mater Dei after transferring from Paramount. Last year, Hutson, as a sophomore, rushed for 880 yards and nine touchdowns. Incorporating his speed into the offense will certainly help the Monarchs this season.
8. Dre Hall, Santa Margarita, Jr.
Another intriguing transfer hits the Trinity League as Hall joins the Eagles from J.W. North. Hall (5-10, 213) has a good mix of power, speed and vision that will him a problem for all defenses. Hall should be able to thrive in Santa Margarita’s new spread offense and in the return game.
9. Humberto Maciel, Westminster, Sr.
Maciel (5-9, 190) formed one of the county’s toughest ground combinations last year with quarterback Daniel Thomsen. Maciel rushed for 1,455 yards and 17 touchdowns earning first-team all-Golden West League honors. Maciel rushed for 228 yards in a nonleague game against Marina and 186 against Ocean View.
10. Oscar Gomez, St. Margaret’s, Sr.
Gomez (5-9, 165) was a dominant force in the Academy League last year. As a junior, Gomez rushed for 1,630 yards and scored 20 touchdowns for the Tartans. Gomez earned first team all-Academy League honors. Gomez was held under 100 yards just three times and even had a 350-yard night last season.
Others to watch in alphabetical order:
Vlad Dzhabiyev, San Clemente, Jr.; William Hanley, Brea Olinda, Sr.; Josh Hill, Fullerton, Sr.; Jacob Marines, Edison, Sr.; Mike Miscione, San Juan Hills, Sr.; Jose Olvera, Los Amigos, Jr.; Patrick Reardon, Orange Lutheran, Sr.; Chris Reck, Trabuco Hills, Sr.; Beau Roth, Sage Hill, Sr.; Brian Scott, Dana Hills, Sr.; Hunter Simmons, Huntington Beach, Jr.; Ronnie Trujillo, Godinez, Sr.; Schuyler Whitehead, Los Alamitos, Jr.
RELATED:
OCVarsity rankings: Top quarterbacks
OCVarsity rankings: Top receivers/tight ends
OCVarsity rankings: Top offensive linemen
OCVarsity rankings: Top defensive linemen
OCVarsity rankings: Top linebackers
OCVarsity rankings: Top defensive backs
OCVarsity rankings: Top kickers and punters
Contact the writer: dcalhoun@ocregister.com