Top running backs this season

Take a look at the rankings and let us know what you think in the comments field at the bottom of the page.

1. Derrick Coleman, Troy
Numbers: 942 yards, 9.3 yards per carry, 16 touchdowns
Signature performance: 15 carries, 153 yards, 3 receptions, 83 yards, 3 touchdowns — including game winner — in 42-38 victory against Diamond Bar
Comment: He is the best back in the county. It is no wonder he was offered by UCLA as the weight of Troy’s offense rests on his shoulders. He might not get enough touches to lead the county in rushing.

2. Carlo Audagnotti, Santa Margarita
Numbers: 804 yds, 6.3 ypc, 5 TDs
Signature performance: 26 carries, 202 yards, 1 touchdown in 15-14 defeat to St. Bonaventure
Comment: He has been the class of the county’s Pac-5 Division backs. Audagnotti has proven himself against a rigorous nonleague schedule, carrying the ball at least 23 times in every game to serve as the Eagles’ biggest offensive weapon. Trinity League competition will be even more challenging as his team fights for a playoff berth.

3. Wes Fletcher, Valencia
Numbers: 562 yds, 6.0 ypc, 5 TDs
Signature performance: 27 carries, 192 yards, 2 touchdowns in 21-21 tie with Western
Comment: He might be the most complete back in the county. After a fast start, he has been slowed by an ankle injury and has played only three full games. Valencia will need his production to get out of what should be a competitive Empire League.

4. Ricky Pemasa, Orange Lutheran
Numbers: 241 yds, 6.9 ypc, 4 TDs
Signature performance: 10 carries, 104 yards, 1 touchdown in 28-7 victory against Dana Hills
Comment: He is a dependable back the Lancers can go to on any down. Pemasa hits the hole hard and fast. Although he splits carries with two others on this list, he is usually the Lancers’ first option.

5. Robert Mojica, Mater Dei
Numbers: 192 yds, 6.6 ypc, 3 TDs
Signature performance: 17 carries, 133 yards, 2 touchdowns in 51-37 victory against Centennial/Corona
Comment: He hasn’t carried the ball much because Mater Dei hasn’t needed him to. (He had yet to carry the ball more than seven times until last week’s clash with the No. 2 ranked team in the state.) Mojica is a good downhill runner and a threat to catch passes in the backfield. He might have more value to the Monarchs as a linebacker, opening the door for another good Monarch back, Jaron Hytche..

6. Matt Contreras, Anaheim
Numbers: 831 yds, 7.3 ypc, 11 TDs
Signature performance: 41 carries, 277 yards, 6 touchdowns in 45-28 victory against Katella
Comment: Simply put, he is a workhorse. He leads all county backs in yards per game and carries per game. His quest for the rushing title was severely hurt when he missed Anaheim’s last game.

7. Ray Holley, El Modena
Numbers: 1,017 yds, 9.9 ypc, 16 TDs
Signature performance:27 carries, 221 yards, 2 touchdowns in 27-17 victory against Fullerton
Comment: He leads the county in rushing and scoring and, to some, has been the surprise back of the county. The El Modena offense seems to go as he does. Century League opponents will provide a bigger challenge to Holley, whom the Vangaurds will need to come up big if they are to earn their first playoff berth since 2002.

8. Josh Hawkins, Canyon
Numbers: 990 yds, 8.6 ypc, 16 TDs
Signature performance: 33 carries, 304 yards, three touchdowns in 28-13 victory against Laguna Hills
Comment: With numbers nearly identical to Holley, he might be an even bigger surprise, given he was not the starting tailback a year ago. Hawkins carried the Comanches in their biggest victory of the year, against Laguna Hills. Also like Holley, he will encounter much stiffer competition in league play. 

9. Tyson Seneca, Orange Lutheran
Numbers: 245 yds, 6.3 ypc, 5 TDs
Signature performance: 12 carries, 91 yards, 1 touchdown in 28-7 victory against Dana Hills
Comment: The Lancers receive no drop off in production when going to their second back. Seneca runs well between the tackles, proving to be a great weapon in short-yardage situations. He has yet to carry a big load, but that might change in league play as Pemasa doubles as a linebacker.

10. Exavier Edwards, Orange Lutheran
Numbers: 335 yds, 6.8 ypc, 2 TDs
Signature performance: 24 carries, 120 yards, 1 touchdown — filling in for a suspended Pemasa — in 35-20 victory against Valencia/Valencia
Comment: While the sophomore might be the future of the Lancers’ backfield, he has asserted himself as part of its present. Edwards looks like the most explosive in the rotation and is gaining confidence with every carry.

Contact the writer: amaya@ocregister.com