Players to Watch in San Diego’s D-I Section Playoffs

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Taking a look at the impact playmakers in San Diego's D-I playoffs starting Friday (11/4). Mission Hills, Cathedral Catholic, Mater Dei Catholic, and Helix earned the top 4 seeds and first-round byes. </em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_6364468a13263","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["145133"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"edit","anchor":"acf-block-6508c4e0cf5b7"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McClure is one of the top WRs in SoCal, currently holding 13 P-5 offers<strong>. </strong>Mater Dei Catholic's torn through the second half of their schedule, scoring 35+ points and allowing 0 in their past six games. McClure has scored a TD in each of those games for a total of 700 receiving yards and 10 TDs on the season. He posted 4 catches for 151 yards and 2 TDs vs. 8-seed Eastlake last week. McClure and QB Dominik Nankil have the offense peaking going into the playoffs and could be poised for a deep run. MDC will play the winner of #6 La Costa Canyon and #11 Steele Canyon. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/Jerry8McClure/status/1563964837406773248?s=20u0026t=zGxdNzDlOHFvFed6O7_avQ","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Jerry8McClure/status/1563964837406773248?s=20&amp;t=zGxdNzDlOHFvFed6O7_avQ </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_636446ae13264","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["384794"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"edit","anchor":"acf-block-6508c4e0cf5e4"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Devine makes plays in every phase of the game for 1-seed Mission Hills. He's a physical tackler from his OLB spot with great closing speed and short-area burst. He's athletic in space and can make plays in zone coverage. He operates out of the backfield on offense as a lead-blocking FB and short-yardage specialist. Devine finished the regular season with his best performance of the season totaling 14 tackles, 2 INTs including a pick-six, and 2 TDs on offense. The senior OLB is one of the more underrated/underrecruited prospects in San Diego's D-I playoffs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/CalHiSports/status/1587650882232995840?s=20u0026t=zGxdNzDlOHFvFed6O7_avQ","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/CalHiSports/status/1587650882232995840?s=20&amp;t=zGxdNzDlOHFvFed6O7_avQ </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_636446c213265","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["282705"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"edit","anchor":"acf-block-6508c4e0cf605"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Faraimo has a strong case for best defensive player in San Diego's D-I playoffs. The sophomore safety is the #8 overall player in PRZ's 2025 rankings and currently holds offers from Penn St., USC, SDSU, Arizona, Washington, and Colorado. He presents major upside with his high-level combination of size (6'3”/210), physicality and coverage instincts. He flies to the football as a tackler and can make plays reading eyes in coverage. Faraimo had a massive game vs. MDC in their regular season matchup that could end up being their semifinal opponent.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/MaddenFaraimo/status/1580935108869050368?s=20u0026t=zGxdNzDlOHFvFed6O7_avQ","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/MaddenFaraimo/status/1580935108869050368?s=20&amp;t=zGxdNzDlOHFvFed6O7_avQ </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_636446d213266","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["145214"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"edit","anchor":"acf-block-6508c4e0cf624"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Nankil and MDC had a second-half resurgence after starting the season 0-4 with one of the tougher schedules in San Diego. The senior QB has led a prolific offense the past 6 weeks that's averaging 38 ppg and has outscored opponents 232-0 during that span. He helped lead the Crusaders to a state championship as a junior and has thrown for over 2,300 yards and 25 TDs/8 INTs as a senior. MDC offense struggled to get going in the season-opener vs. Cathedral Catholic, they could have a shot at redeeming that performance in round 2. Nankil just committed to hometown USD on 10/27. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/TeamMakasi/status/1585868923466969088?s=20u0026t=zGxdNzDlOHFvFed6O7_avQ","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/TeamMakasi/status/1585868923466969088?s=20&amp;t=zGxdNzDlOHFvFed6O7_avQ </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_636446e313267","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["145201"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"edit","anchor":"acf-block-6508c4e0cf643"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Johnson, Faraimo, and DB [player_tooltip player_id='145169' first='Marcus' last='Ratcliffe'] are the leading playmakers for CC's defense. Johnson, PRZ's #6-ranked LB in CA, is an active tackler from his ILB spot and extremely violent at the POA. He's patient with his reads, reacts to the ball quickly, and shows lateral speed tackling sideline-to-sideline. The senior LB is set to make his college commitment this upcoming Saturday (11/5), with USC, Washington, Colorado, and SDSU in the running.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/VictoryKaleb/status/1587800880744607744?s=20u0026t=xD_ojJ1j06_vsaTkprrOwA","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/VictoryKaleb/status/1587800880744607744?s=20&amp;t=xD_ojJ1j06_vsaTkprrOwA </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_636446f913268","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='1128224' first='Kevin' last='Allen']","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2024","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'11u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2411","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Helix","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"edit","anchor":"acf-block-6508c4e0cf674"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Allen's shown athleticism and playmaking as a RB after taking over for 2022 standout Christian Washington. He's a smaller back at 5'11”/180 with great vision and straight-line speed. He possesses a strong receiver skillset out of the backfield and can produce explosive plays after the catch. He shows good balance and leg drive through contact. He's a skilled DB in coverage that can anticipate throws in zone and is a willing tackler in the secondary. Allen, QB [player_tooltip player_id='115450' first='Ryland' last='Jessee'], and WR/TE Quincy Herron will be key playmakers for Helix's playoff run. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/KevinAllen3_OtG/status/1580420139098394625?s=20u0026t=zGxdNzDlOHFvFed6O7_avQ","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/KevinAllen3_OtG/status/1580420139098394625?s=20&amp;t=zGxdNzDlOHFvFed6O7_avQ </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>More Notables:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='145169' first='Marcus' last='Ratcliffe']- DB, Cathedral Catholic&nbsp;</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Will Bond- RB, Cathedral Catholic, 2023</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Anthony McMillian- RB, Mater Dei Catholic, 2024</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='1000878' first='Brady' last='Palmer']- QB, St. Augustine&nbsp;</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Salas Santiago- RB, Mission Hills&nbsp;</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Carson Howard- QB, El Camino, 2024&nbsp;</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='145237' first='Major' last='Givens']- RB, Steele Canyon, 2023&nbsp;</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Fabian Gerbella- LB, Eastlake, 2024</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Andrew Maes- RB, La Costa Canyon, 2024&nbsp;</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Eli Edwards- RB, Rancho Bernardo, 2023&nbsp;</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Quincy Herron- WR, Helix, 2023</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Alex Taylor- RB, Torrey Pines, 2024</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list -->