Southern California Top Defensive Performances: Round Two

<strong>Devin Cobb, Cypress, 2022</strong> Cypress played against a Bonita team that wanted to throw the ball all over the field. The Centurions’ pass rush made that plan difficult but Cobb’s play is also a big reason Cypress got the 24-6 win. Cobb deflected many passes and Bonita’s receivers failed to create separation against him. He had an interception in the fourth quarter that he returned for a touchdown that was called back due to a clipping penalty. https://twitter.com/CHSLineSixFB/status/1459730400306106375?s=20 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="186814" first="Thomas" last="Kensinger"], Venice, 2022</strong> Venice’s defense had a dominant defensive performance against South East in the City Section playoffs. It was far from Kensinger’s most impressive statistical performance of the season but he was very effective tallying six tackles and 1.5 sacks. He has seven sacks on the season and 17.5 tackles for a loss this season. https://twitter.com/ThomasKensinge1/status/1460271435360858112?s=20 <strong>Noa Keohuloa, Serra, 2024</strong> Several defensive players shined for Serra of Gardena in a win against a very good Foothill team. The sophomore Keohuloa had four tackles, a sack and a 27-yard interception return for a touchdown in Serra’s 34-7 win to advance to the Division 3 semifinals. https://twitter.com/DamianCalhoun/status/1459561332672380931?s=20 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="25227" first="Tetairoa" last="McMillan"], Servite, 2022</strong> McMillan is a top two receiver in the state but he came to play on defense in Servite’s 34-3 win over Santa Margarita in the first round of the Division 1 playoffs. The Oregon commit had three interceptions in the second half, including an 87-yard interception he returned for a touchdown. Some believe he is a better prospect as a defensive back. https://twitter.com/ServiteFootball/status/1459396531417595905?s=20 <strong>Andy Villena, Mt. Carmel, 2022</strong> Mt. Carmel’s defense has been one of the best in San Diego all season long. Villena had a big game for the Sundevils with a team-high five tackles and an interception that he returned 50 yards. It was one of three interceptions for Mt. Carmel, including a 37-yard pick six by junior <strong>Ronald Pearcy</strong>. Mt. Carmel will play Ramona in the Division 3 semifinals. https://twitter.com/MCSunDevilFoot1/status/1459989249013415938?s=20 <hr /> <em><strong>Other top performers:</strong></em> <span style="font-weight: 400;">[player_tooltip player_id="25256" first="Taariq" last="Al-Uqdah"], Inglewood</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">[player_tooltip player_id="147715" first="Zabien" last="Brown"], Mater Dei</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">[player_tooltip player_id="115437" first="Gage" last="Burnett"], Servite</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Joshua Cason, Long Beach Poly</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Esteban Choucair, El Modena</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Josiah Christopher, Palisades</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Reid Farrell, Valencia</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Jack Gieser, Valencia</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Daniel Goodrich, Woodbridge</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Logan Gregory, Edison</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Joshua Hunter, Mater Dei</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Jamari Johnson, Colony</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">[player_tooltip player_id="147761" first="Josiah" last="Lamarque"], Newport Harbor</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Owen Long, La Serna</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Chance Mattson, Ramona</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Jeremie McGurn, Jordan</span> [player_tooltip player_id="25320" first="Jaxson" last="Moi"], Cathedral Catholic <span style="font-weight: 400;">Jacob Morgan, Mission Bay</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Kade Musser, Chino Hills</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Darrien Palmer, Colony</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Darrin Parham, Mt. Carmel</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Lee Quan Parker, Colony</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">[player_tooltip player_id="25432" first="Dane" last="Reed"], Canoga Park</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Jace Rodriguez, Orange Lutheran</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Christian Sarem, Carlsbad</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Bryce Strong, Colony</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">[player_tooltip player_id="25282" first="Malaki" last="Te’o"], Mater Dei</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">[player_tooltip player_id="186975" first="Donovan" last="Turner"], Long Beach Poly</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Anthony Villalobos, Canoga Park</span> &nbsp;