Turf Wars: IE Playmakers Standouts
On Sunday I covered a 7-on-7 event called Turf Wars at JSerra High in San Juan Capistrano. The event featured some of the top 7-on-7 teams in the state. I did not get a chance to take a close look…
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Continue ReadingOn Sunday I covered a 7-on-7 event called Turf Wars at JSerra High in San Juan Capistrano. The event featured some of the top 7-on-7 teams in the state. I did not get a chance to take a close look at every team at the event, but I did see some excellent players, some up and coming stars and hundreds of spirited student-athletes competing at a high level.
The IE Playmakers were a team I saw early in the day. They were not the best team there, but they played competitive games against two of the event’s top teams: The Premium Trendsetters and OC Elite. Here are some players from the IE Playmakers that jumped out at me.
Alijah Appleton, 2023, Grand Terrace
Appleton was the top receiver on a solid Grand Terrace team last season with 772 yards and 13 touchdowns on just 44 receptions. His speed was on full display on Sunday and he was able to make big plays after the catch. He is not the biggest guy in the world but he is able to make catches in traffic. He was the first guy mentioned when I asked the coaching staff who was playing the best that day. He just got his first offer from Morgan State.
Very blessed to announce that I have received my 1st D1 offer from Morgan State !🧡💙 Thank you @CoachWheat6 @CoachTroop3 @MSUBearsFB @premiumsportsla @DHill39 @GregBiggins @adamgorney pic.twitter.com/0cxQus02OT
— Appleton (@appleton2famous) January 16, 2022
Exzavior Oliver, 2025, Grand Terrace
Oliver saw some playing time at corner and receiver for Grand Terrace as a freshman last season. He is skinny and will obviously benefit from some time in the weight room, but he still has enough strength and skill to be a good man-press cornerback. He was matched up against bigger and more experienced players and held his own all day.
Jayson Stewart, 2024, Grand Terrace
Stewart was the starting quarterback for Grand Terrace as a sophomore last season and had a nice season. He threw for 1,615 yards and 17 touchdowns compared to just six interceptions. He has good timing with his receivers. A lot of young quarterbacks try to impress people at 7-on-7 events by airing it out to show off their big arm which makes them subject to interceptions. But Stewart can put some zip on the ball when he needs to and makes good decisions with the ball.
Hudl Link in my Bio⭐️ pic.twitter.com/Lc5AapxGPm
— Jayson J. Stewart (@JaysonStewart_) November 4, 2021
Bradley Vander, 2024, Aquinas
Vander is a guy who could play outside linebacker or drop into a safety role depending on the scheme. He had 28 tackles with a sack as a sophomore last season for a CIF championship team. He is a very confident player who got mouthy with some of the players on OC Elite but was a good sportsman after the game. He played some receiver too but I liked him better covering guys in the slot on defense. He could be a major contributor for Aquinas next season.
Daren Harris, 2023, Indian Springs
Harris was a guy who could step into numerous roles last season. He is best as a slot receiver in my opinion but he was nice as a running back, and even stepped in to play quarterback when his team needed him to. He is a big play threat whenever he touches the ball and has good agility. He is efficient with his movements and doesn’t waste steps.
Indian Springs 34 Desert Hot Springs 8
Great job @IndianCoyote offensive linemen. 34 carries 300 yards 5 TD.
Sam Gambrah Jr 14-131 2 TD 2 2pt
Daren Harris 11-106 3 TD— Coach Hedlund (@CoachHedlund) August 21, 2021