This was no regular high school football season, and this isn’t our regular Bay Area News Group (Mercury News & East Bay Times) All-Star team.
With input from dozens of coaches, hours of research and debate amongst ourselves, we finally settled on 69 standout athletes to honor on our first and second teams — and many more deserving of recognition listed as honorable mentions.
PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Hassan Mahasin, Serra
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Daytuawn Pearson, Pittsburg
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Lu-Magia Hearns, De La Salle
FIRST TEAM
Offense
QUARTERBACK
Dorian Hale, De La Salle, 6-0, 175, senior
Three-year starter for Bay Area’s top program. One coach called him a “stud, very accurate and extremely fast! Runs offense perfectly.”
Brady Huchingson, Acalanes, 6-1, 180, senior
Preferred walk-on at Oregon State. Threw for 1,381 yards, 15 TDs this spring. Said one coach: “We lost to them by 6 and he was the reason.”
Dominique Lampkin, Serra, 6-1, 175, junior
Led one of the Bay Area’s most explosive offenses to an undefeated record. Passed for 792 yards, added 192 more on the ground and scored 12 total TDs.
RUNNING BACK
Adam Garwood, Los Gatos, 5-10, 185, senior
Described as “probably (the) best offensive player in the league” by another De Anza division coach and proved it his season statline: 11 rushing TDs rank second among recorded stats in the CCS with an average of 9.9 yards per carry. Committed to play at Cal Poly.
Matteo Perez, Marin Catholic, 5-10, 180, senior
Another superb season for Marin Catholic included heavy production from the UC Davis-bound Perez. He had 184 yards rushing and three TDs against Tamalpais.
Nico Torrez, De La Salle, 5-10, 195, senior
Starred in the Spartans’ backfield when not doing similar on the baseball diamond. Scored 10 TDs and totaled 679 yards on the ground, both among the top three in recorded stats in the NCS.
WIDE RECEIVER
Jurrion Dickey, Valley Christian, 6-2, 205, sophomore
Widely considered among the region’s top offensive prospects in Class of 2023. As a sophomore, caught 14 passes for 239 yards and 5 TDs. Drew praise from three opposing WCAL coaches, including one who called him “key for them in their victory over us.”
Tsion Nunnally, Cardinal Newman, 6-3, 190, senior
Top target on unbeaten Cardinal-Newman, caught 7 of QB’s 10 TD passes to tie for NCS lead among recorded stats. Averaged 5 receptions, 104 yards and at least one touchdown in five wins. Committed to play at Washington State.
Matthew Quesada, Pittsburg, 6-2, 180, senior
First-team BVAL honoree for two schools past two years. Transferred from Freedom to become No. 1 WR for a high-powered offense that averaged 52.6 points per game. Caught 19 passes for 308 yards, 4 TDs.
TIGHT END
JP Murphy, San Ramon Valley, 6-4, 230, senior
San Diego State-bound tight end consistently made big plays, leading the NCS in yards per catch (23.7) among players with at least 10 receptions.
ALL-PURPOSE
Hassan Mahasin, Serra, 5-10, 180, junior
The Bay Area News Group Spring 2021 Player of the Year. No word better describes Mahasin than “explosive,” which multiple coaches used to hail the play of this multipurpose back, who totaled 745 yards and 10 touchdowns, split equally between the ground and the air.
READ MORE: Mahasin, Bay Area’s player of the year, lives up to ‘The Missile’ nickname
Daytuawn Pearson, Pittsburg, 5-8, 160, senior
The Bay Area News Group Spring 2021 Offensive Player of the Year. Averaged 12.5 yards per carry and 127.6 per game while also hauling in 14 passes out of the backfield for more than 100 yards. Totaled 8 TDs, including one as a kick returner.
READ MORE: ‘Electrifying’ Pearson is Bay Area’s offensive player of the year
Noah Short, King’s Academy, 6-0, 175, senior
An impact player in all three phases of the game, few players drew more praise from coaches on the other sideline. “Best player we saw all year,” said one coach, who described him as an “explosive” and “multifaceted.” Hailed another coach: “Can single-handedly beat you. Need to know where he is on every play.” Committed to play at Navy.
OFFENSIVE LINE
Jackson Brown, San Ramon Valley, 6-6, 280, junior
Helped anchor one of Bay Area’s top offensive lines. Returns next season already with a handful scholarship offers from Division-I schools.
Matai Bell, Campolindo, 6-4, 320, senior
Leader of 6-0 Campo’s offensive line who was a standout in both trenches. Committed to play at Army.
Tyler Charbonneau, Clayton Valley Charter, 6-3, 280, senior
Described by coach Tim Murphy as the best lineman in the EBAL with a 95% blocking rating. Committed to play at Cal Poly.
Kyle Ecker, San Ramon Valley, 6-5, 275, senior
Committed to play at San Diego.
Hudson Mesa, St. Francis, 6-2, 270, senior
An offensive captain for St. Francis and a leader of Lancers’ offensive line as their starting center. Committed to play at San Jose State.
COACH OF THE YEAR
Justin Alumbaugh, De La Salle and Patrick Walsh, Serra
Without these coaches, there may not have been a spring season to speak of. Their efforts were pivotal in bringing back high school football — and eventually almost all sports — to California. After fighting the state of California and winning, both coaches went on to lead undefeated campaigns for the Nos. 1 and 3 teams in the final Bay Area News Group Top 25.
MORE: Key moments in the return-to-play fight
- Coaches who led return-to-play fight reflect on spring season: ‘It’s been an emotional ride’
- California lifts COVID-19 ban on high school football, some other sports
- Sabedra: Return-to-play win was an all-time victory for Walsh, Alumbaugh
DEFENSIVE LINE
Joey Carrillo, Acalanes, 6-4, 225, senior
Constant presence in the backfield with 14.5 tackles for loss, including 3.5 sacks, in six games to lead Acalanes’ (5-1) defense.
John Carter, Sacred Heart Prep, 6-0, 170, senior
Averaged more than a sack per game, including four in a close loss to crosstown rival Menlo-Atherton. Led SHP with 29 tackles, 7 sacks.
Sioeli Helu, Serra, 6-3, 315, senior
Committed to play at New Mexico State. Only one player made a bigger impact on Serra’s defense, coach Patrick Walsh said.
Dominic Oliver, Valley Christian, 6-3, 220, senior
Committed to play at San Diego State. Made 10.5 tackles for loss in four games.
LINEBACKER
Kaleb Branscomb, Bishop O’Dowd, 5-10, 205, senior
A constant source of thunderous hits in the backfield who averaged more than 10 tackles per game.
Maurice Jamison, Pittsburg, 6-2, 225, senior
Named the BVAL Defensive Player of the Year and a unanimous first-team selection. A “very smart” player who makes plays in the run games and in coverage, according to coach Vic Galli.
Dylan Seeley, Clayton Valley Charter, 6-1, 220, senior
Led a dominant defense with three interceptions in six games and an average of more than eight tackles per contest.
Fynn Williams, Serra, 6-0, 205, senior
An “alpha-male” who led Serra’s defense, according to coach Patrick Walsh. Made a team-high 41 tackles, including two sacks, and pulled in an interception.
DEFENSIVE BACK
Zeke Berry, De La Salle, 6-0, 195, junior
Has offers from 75% of the Pac-12. Played both ways with 164 receiving yards and two touchdowns but was also a shutdown corner with an interception and forced fumble.
Robert Freeman, El Cerrito, 5-8, 150, junior
Three-star junior with an offer from Arizona State, according to 247Sports. Helped lead Gauchos to a 5-0 record this spring. Was a threat on offense, defense and special teams. Said one coach: “His skill set made it very difficult for defenses to stop him.”
Isaac Greene, Bishop O’Dowd, 6-2, 165, junior
Four interceptions in five games came close to leading the NCS. Allowed less than one reception per game.
Lu-Magia Hearns, De La Salle, 5-11, 160, senior
Committed to play at Cal. Contributed in all facets of the game with 189 yards and three touchdowns as a receiver and 42.6 yards per kick return but was most dominant as defensive back, with two interceptions.
UTILITY
Gary Alexander III, El Cerrito, 6-1, 210, senior
Three-year varsity player was a team captain and play-caller on defense. Had 78 tackles and 11 sacks. Also started at fullback for a team that finished the spring 5-0. Said his coach, Jacob Rincon: “His physicality blocking and running the ball intimidated defenses.”
Will Cuddie, Valley Christian, 5-8, 190, junior
Middle linebacker, fullback, kicker finished with 28 tackles, 1.5 for loss. Also was 7 for 7 on PATs and 4 for 4 on field-goal attempts, with a long of 44. Had eight touchbacks on 18 kickoffs.
Za’Darion Nardi, San Ramon Valley, 6-0, 175, junior
One opposing coach called Nardi a “special talent! Spin move is unreal, so smooth. Acceleration is freakish, one of the most explosive athletes we played.” Ran for a team-high 486 yards and five TDs. Also caught six passes for 62 yards and a TD.
KICKER/PUNTER
Cade Whitson, Leland, 6-0, 165, junior
Finished the season 13 for 13 on extra-point attempts and was 4 of 7 on field-goal tries, with a long of 45. Also has numerous touchbacks on kickoffs.
SECOND TEAM
Offense
QUARTERBACK
Teddy Booras, California, 6-3, 190, junior
Against a challenging schedule, passed for 1,236 yards and seven touchdowns, completing 61% of his attempts.
Matt Macleod, Menlo-Atherton, 6-0, 180, junior
Threw for 890 yards with eight TDs and no interceptions as M-A rolled through its spring schedule undefeated.
Dreyan Paul, McClymonds, 5-10, 160, junior
Led Mack to undefeated season in the Oakland Athletic League. Threw four TD passes in NorCal rematch against Manteca, which Mack won 34-14.
RUNNING BACK
Richard Jackson IV, Gunn, 6-2, 205, senior
Led Gunn’s Wing-T offense to its first undefeated season in 50 years while leading CCS in rushing yards. A “tough runner with great vision,” according to one opposing coach, “who had many explosive TD plays,” said another in the SCVAL’s lower division.
Brian Cain Jr., Piedmont, 5-10, 190, senior
Along with Jackson, drew among the most praise from opposing coaches. “A stud!” said one opposing coach. A “great downhill runner and tough to tackle in space,” according to another.
Devon Rivers, Heritage, 5-5, 165, sophomore
Sophomore ran for 911 yards — tops among recorded stats in NCS — and 12 TDs in 124 carries. Said one coach: “He played very well against us. Made huge plays all night.”
Omari Taylor Jr., Clayton Valley Charter, 5-11, 175, senior
Reliable workhorse in Ugly Eagles’ ground-heavy attack. Ran for 200 yards and/or 2 TDs in three separate games.
WIDE RECEIVER
Jake Calcagno, California, 6-0, 160, junior
Led all recorded stats in the NCS with 607 receiving yards against a challenging schedule.
Jalen Moss, Menlo-Atherton, 6-1, 181, junior
Highly recruited in Class of 2022 with multiple Power 5 offers. “Explosive wide receiver,” according to one opposing coach, who caught 19 passes for 319 yards, 3 TDs. Also played defense and returned kicks.
Maxwell Weaver, Campolindo, 6-1, 175, senior
No. 1 WR for 6-0 Campolindo. Ranked second in the NCS in receiving yards (527) and in yards per catch (22.4) among receivers with at least 10 receptions. Committed to play at Davidson.
TIGHT END
Christian Pedersen, Serra, 6-5, 225, senior
Impactful as a big-play receiver and a run blocker in limited action before heading off to play at Louisville this fall.
ALL-PURPOSE
Camilo Arquette, St. Francis, 6-0, 210, junior
Mr. Do Everything for St. Francis. In a season-ending win over rival Bellarmine, he ran for two TDs, intercepted a pass and had a huge kick return to swing momentum in St. Francis’ favor. “He’s been unbelievable since his sophomore year,” said his coach, Greg Calcagno.
Nicho Domine, Bellarmine, 6-1, 185, senior
Among the leading receivers in CCS while also starring on special teams, not only as a returner but an emerging punter. Said one coach who faced him: “Made some jaw-dropping plays on offense and is a serious threat as a punter.”
READ MORE: The story behind this Bay Area football player’s viral touchdown
Matt White, Bishop O’Dowd, 5-10, 170, junior
Only player among listed leaders in the NCS with at least 300 yards receiving and 200 rushing. Totaled 8 TDs.
OFFENSIVE LINE
John Bolles, Jefferson, 6-4, 240, senior
Described by an opposing PAL coach as “the most dominant offensive tackle in our league with Pac-12 size and athleticism.” Two other coaches who faced him called the lineman “big, fast (and) physical” and “as good as I have seen in high school.”
Jack Burnett, St. Ignatius, 6-3, 315, senior
A standout the past two years on both sides of the line. Committed to play offensive line at Air Force.
Shane Doty, Los Gatos, 6-2, 249, senior
Played “every meaningful down” at “the most important spot on our line,” coach Mark Krail said. Also rotated in on the defensive line.
Olugbenga “Favor” Komolafe, Liberty, 6-4, 290, junior
Liberty (4-1) averaged 375 yards per game on offense, but it when it needed a first down, “(we) ran behind him every time,” coach Matt Hoefs said.
Jon Puckett, De La Salle, 6-1, 225, senior
Led the offensive line on the Bay Area’s best team, blocking for a squad that averaged 43 points per game and went 6-0.
Defense
DEFENSIVE LINE
Miles Bailey, Benicia, 6-4, 255, junior
Already committed to Fresno State with multiple Division-I offers. Tied for team-lead with four sacks paired with 18 hurries and 31 tackles.
Simeon Mitchell, McClymonds, 6-3, 320, junior
Two-way standout for Oakland Athletic League powerhouse, a protector on the offensive line and a force in the middle of the defensive line. Helped Mack outscore six opponents this spring 246-14.
Nicolas Quintero, Pittsburg, 5-9, 255, junior
With Damaurye Canegan, formed a duo unanimously selected to the all-BVAL first team. Combined for 40 tackles in five games.
Logan Wiemann, Live Oak, 6-2, 245, senior
Four-year starter. Committed to play at Colorado School of Mines.
LINEBACKER
Bryan Escorza, Wilcox, 6-0, 198, senior
Dominated on defense for a team that missed out on a league title by one point while also starting at tight end. Said coach Paul Rosa: “I believe he is the best defensive player in our league.”
Salesi Moala, Tennyson, 6-1, 225, junior
Committed to Oregon State. Led defense that allowed one TD in its first three games.
Kairo Reid, De La Salle, 6-2, 210, senior
Led De La Salle with 43 tackles, including two sacks, on its way to an undefeated campaign.
Jake Ripp, Los Gatos, 6-3, 210, junior
A “Division-I player … who rarely if ever came off the field,” according to coach Mark Krail. Led Los Gatos’ (5-0) defense with 69 tackles. Also started at tight end.
DEFENSIVE BACK
Ian Collier, Archbishop Mitty, 6-1, 190, senior
Coach Danny Sullivan placed Collier on star Valley Christian receiver Jurrion Dickey and shut him down in their matchup. Also caught passes and returned kicks and punts.
Shamoun Duncan-Niusulu, James Logan, 6-0, 195, senior
Identified by one opposing coach as “the most impactful defensive player (on the field).”
Devyn Parker, Oak Grove, 5-10, 165, senior
In three games, all victories, he intercepted two passes and didn’t yield a TD at free safety and caught seven passes for 156 yards and four TDs at receiver. One opposing coach said: “This kid is lightning in a bottle. If you even give him a dime size hole it is a definite house call.”
Bryant Weekly, Pittsburg, 6-2, 175, senior
Committed to Dixie State. Paired with Areon Williams to form “two of the best shutdown corners in the Bay,” coach Vic Galli said. Each brought down two interceptions.
UTILITY
Janari Boone, Benicia, 6-0, 190, junior
Running back/linebacker led the team in tackles with 39, including 3.0 behind the line of scrimmage. Ran for 198 yards and a team-best seven TDs. Also caught 14 passes for 155 yards. His coach, Scott Swartz, called him an “alpha” and added, “Boone is our best football player.”
Duke Reeder, St. Ignatius, 6-4, 230, senior
A top-notch outside linebacker committed to play at Stanford in the fall. Helped SI win three of four games this spring. “One of the top defensive players in the league and CCS,’ said his coach, John Regalia.
Dillan Thoms, Campolindo, 5-9, 175, senior
Two-way player at running back and defensive back. Team’s leading rusher with 621 yards. Finished with 839 all-purpose yards and six TDs as Campo went 6-0 this spring.
KICKER/PUNTER
Gunnar Weidick, Archbishop Mitty, 6-4, 200, senior
Was 2 for 2 on both PATs and field-goal tries, with a long of 39. Averaged 60.5 yards on eight kickoffs, including five touchbacks. Has been invited to play for the West in the Blue Grey High School All-American game at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on May 17.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
QB: Nick Bandanza (Branham), Nate Bell (Liberty), Jakson Berman (Valley Christian), Eli Brickhandler (Pittsburg), Jacob Griessel (Campolindo), Asher Haynes (Heritage), Alex Jacoby (Gunderson), Eric Johnson (Washington-Fremont), James Lambert (Gunn), Jesse Madden (Bishop O’Dowd), William Moffitt (Half Moon Bay), Harris Nekrawesh (Irvington), Teddy Purcell (Sacred Heart Prep), Jack Quigley (San Ramon Valley), Jaden Rashada (Pittsburg), Shaun Smith (Livermore), Trent Steffen (Mountain View), Jace Taylor (El Cerrito), Alejandro Villanueva (Mt. Eden)
RB: Dom Belloumini (Livermore), Gavin Cribb (Monte Vista), Mark Eby (Leland), Creon Fitch (Independence), Jordan Fuentes (Live Oak), Luther K. Glenn (Wilcox), Max Griffiths (Leigh), Justin Guin (San Marin), George Hanna (Carlmont), Elias Herrera (Oak Grove), Antonio Hines (El Cerrito), Chris Lee (Irvington), Michael Lewis (Castro Valley), Mehki Norfleet (De La Salle), Jayden Payne (Foothill), Mosiah Saulala (Live Oak), Donte Searcy (Berkeley), Derrick Sheere (Homestead), Jakerion Thurman (Del Mar), Ivan Valladerez (Fremont-Sunnyvale)
WR/TE: Paul Barton (Sacred Heart Prep), Will Berrien (Acalanes), Matt Cordova (Branham), Jack Endries (Monte Vista), Priyan George (Irvington), Jackson Harris (Berkeley), Tanner Hartwig (Heritage), Tyrice Ivy Jr. (Sacred Heart Cathedral), Andre Jackson (Prospect), Deniro Killian (Freedom), Roland Legaspi (Piedmont Hills), Darin Martin (Santa Teresa), Dante Montgomery (Acalanes), CJ Pallach (Piedmont Hills), Bryson Parker (Deer Valley), Matt Polaski (Livermore), Dylan Prusso (Livermore), Leo Reichhold (Liberty), Croix Stewart (Benicia), Lucas Thompson (Northgate), Bruce Uperesa (Sacred Heart Cathedral), Tristan Vanitegem (Branham), Travien Watson (Alameda)
All-Purpose: Julian Daniels (Mountain View), Malakhi Demoss (De Anza), Anthony Freeman (Pinole Valley), Eric Hunter III (Amador Valley), Sean McKenna (Carlmont), Kyle Pinkham (Los Gatos), Keirr Stewart (Encinal)
OL: Joseph Almuhana (College Park), Aidan Bandes (Pittsburg), Anthony Billeci (Northgate), Colton Bonnington (College Park), Nathaniel Carr (El Cerrito), Cody Carter (Alameda), Peter Desler (Sacred Heart Prep), Preston Dimas (Half Moon Bay), Jacob Fucci (Heritage), Greg Glasper (Pittsburg), Geoffrey Hester (Sacred Heart Cathedral), Ivan Ibarra (St. Patrick-St. Vincent), Nicholas Lewis (Kennedy-Fremont), Nick Lum (Encinal), Nico Massey (Fremont-Sunnyvale), Seta Netane (St. Ignatius), Arvin Ontiveros (Castro Valley), Kai Peterson-Davison (Marin Catholic), Mason Reese (Las Lomas), Diego Reyes (De Anza), Charlie Reynolds (California), Felipe Romero (Irvington), Luka Rossi (De La Salle), Jack Seelye (Liberty), Matt Shaddle (Bishop O’Dowd), Leki Tautua’a (Menlo-Atherton), Gavyn Tobin (Freedom), Antonio Vakameilalo (St. Francis), Andres Viernes (Mt. Eden), Owen Wardy (De La Salle), Jackson Wood (Hillsdale)
DL: William Baldwin (Freedom), Cody Bowers (Woodside), Evan Branch-Haynes (Sacred Heart Cathedral), Damaurye Canegan (Pittsburg), Cooper Champion (Northgate), Tigana Cisse (McClymonds), Zachary Denis (King’s Academy), Jacob Dortch (Benicia), Luke Edwards (Saratoga), Ken Erlan (Gunn), AJ Falevai (Pittsburg), Ivryaon Fleeton (Berkeley), Sipili Fonua (Bishop O’Dowd), Noah Franklin-McNeal (St. Patrick-St. Vincent), Kyle Gaunavinaka (Berkeley), James Gordon (Pinole Valley), Caleb Hunter (Freedom), Mason Kimball (Piedmont), Soane Kolokihakaufisi (San Mateo), Tanner Mackenzie (Alameda), Trevor McCurry (Liberty), Andy Melian (Piedmont), Nehemiah Musika (Valley Christian), Jared Palega (Clayton Valley Charter), Mateo Poso (Branham), Izaya Sabedra (Oak Grove), Jose Saludo (Piedmont Hills), Justin Stokes (Piedmont Hills)
LB: Jack Catterton (San Ramon Valley), Cameron Clanton (Deer Valley), JT Clarke (Campolindo), Niko Cortessis (Acalanes), Siaki Gallegos Hunkin (St. Ignatius), Connor Gambelin (Archbishop Mitty), Juan Gonzalez (Concord), Connor Grissom (Del Mar), William Hesselgren (Carlmont), Justin Ibarra (De Anza), Tyler Lepolo (Freedom), Lukas Linkheart (Clayton Valley Charter), Sam Lowings (Half Moon Bay), Alejandro Lopez (Kennedy-Fremont), Sean Maguire (Los Gatos), Alo Mata’u (St. Francis), Eric Myers (Serra), Eli Nuddleman (Livermore), Graham Oh (Acalanes), Nick Ramirez (Evergreen Valley), Darrius Saunders (Valley Christian), Gabriel Tapia (Santa Teresa)
DB: Louis Barber (Oak Grove), Rigo Colindres (Leigh), Demetrius Freeney (San Leandro), Jacob Gates (Castro Valley), Rafael Gonzalez (Woodside), Gebril Kamateh (Berkeley), Taeshaun Lyons (Kennedy-Fremont), Dwayne McDougle (McClymonds), Thomas Ngai (Homestead), Bryson Parker (Deer Valley), Connor Quosig (Half Moon Bay), Jowell Smith (De Anza), Israel Tapia (Alameda), Landon Waters (Alhambra), Areon Williams (Pittsburg)
Utility: Devin Arnold (Moreau Catholic), Daniel Batres (Mt. Eden), Bobby Brooks (St. Patrick-St. Vincent), Andrew Daigle (Northgate), Mason Davies (Mountain View), Jeremiah Earby (Menlo-Atherton), Richard Felder (Deer Valley), Max Heffernan (Campolindo), Tristan Hoffman (Half Moon Bay), Kelly Huesby (Saratoga), Journey James (Santa Teresa), Tyler Jarvis (California), D’Antonio Jerome (Mt. Diablo), Robby Keyser (Northgate), Calvin Miller (Kennedy-Fremont), Jaden Price (Heritage), Jahsai Shannon (St. Ignatius), Ja’vione Shepherd (St. Patrick-St. Vincent), Judah Sheppard (Monte Vista), Ben Weiskopf (Hillsdale), Corbin Yates (Leland)
K/P: Trent Carrizosa (Del Mar), Justin Flohr (Hillsdale), Ty Goldsbury (Los Gatos), Gabriel Plascencia (Bishop O’Dowd)
Correspondent Mike Lefkow contributed to selections
