Most Viewed Stories
Football playoffs: The unsung heroes
Football playoffs: The unsung heroes
Finding the players who have made a difference without getting much attention.
None of them are the stars of their team, but here is a look at some of the impact players who will be taking part in the CIF-SS semifinals:
Bijon Samoodi, Servite, DB
Why he's star material: Had a game-clinching interception return for a touchdown in the first round, and a late interception in the second round. And those are just two recent examples of why he is one of the county's best defensive backs.
Garrett Gilliland, Orange Lutheran, DB
Why he's star material: With opposing teams prepared for defensive lineman Blake Ayles and the Pemasas, this defensive back goes unnoticed until he goes on one of his often devasating blitzes.
Fullerton's offensive line
Why it's star material: The Indians' unit provides the strength that has helped Michael Allain run for 580 yards and score eight touchdowns in the playoffs.
Petey Puga, La Habra, WR
Why he's star material: He returns punts, kicks field goals and extra points, and catches passes for touchdowns -- often in the same game.
Valencia's offensive line
Why it's star material: After losing to the Tigers in the first round, Irvine coach Terry Henigan suggested that he could have run through some of the holes this group made for Wes Fletcher and Co.
Tony Nunez, Kennedy, WR
Why he's star material: He has 270 yards rushing and receiving in the playoffs, including a 171-yard receiving performance against Santiago. In that game, he caught a touchdown pass and ran for another score.
Max Reza, Cypress, TE
Why he's star material: He can line up on the line, in the backfield, under center, in the slot and split wide left or right.
Nick Lum, Pacifica, DB
Why he's star material: Watch him on kickoff coverage, where he has forced a couple of fumbles.
Trace Wilson, El Dorado, DL
Why he's star material: The Golden Hawks' Anthony Laurenzi leads the county in sacks. One reason is that opponents don't double-team him because they're too worried about Wilson.
Evan Pesonen, Trabuco Hills, LB
Why he's star material: The Mustangs' defensive prowess is a collective effort, and Pesonen is right in the middle of it.
Elmer Flores, St. Margaret's, LB
Why he's star material: He had an interception and blocked a punt in the Tartans' second-round victory.
Chris Gipe, Saddleback Valley Christian, WR
Why he's star material: He is the yin to QB Brendan Chambers' yang.
Contact the writer: amaya@ocregister.com
