D2-A State Championship Preview

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Previewing the players to watch in the Division 2-A CIF State Championship featuring San Ramon Valley and Granite Hills of El Cajon. San Ramon Valley boasts a productive passing attack led by QB [player_tooltip player_id='398472' first='Luke' last='Baker'] and WR [player_tooltip player_id='387672' first='Trevor' last='Scott']. Granite Hills leans on the run game behind an effective OL and an ability to break explosive plays. The two teams play at noon on Saturday 12/10 at Saddleback College.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>San Ramon </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["398472"],"_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"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-638f1707e4632"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Baker led the North Coast Section in passing this season with over 3,400 yards, 43 TDs and 11 INTs. He's an accurate, efficient pocket-passer that completed over 67% of his passes as a junior. He's patient and comfortable in the pocket waiting for windows to open up and looks decisive progressing through reads. He has a strong arm that can add velocity into tight spots and put air under the deep ball. Baker faces a strong Granite Hills secondary with proven playmakers in Easton Peterson, [player_tooltip player_id='25451' first='Joaquin' last='Thomas'], Davion Green, and [player_tooltip player_id='1128306' first='Jordan' last='Glaze']. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/Lbaker_5/status/1590878404492267522?s=20u0026amp;t=pyLQQZjLFnJ26o7AGxXmdw","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/Lbaker_5/status/1590878404492267522?s=20&amp;t=pyLQQZjLFnJ26o7AGxXmdw </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["387672"],"_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"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-638f1707e468e"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Scott's the leading receiver for San Ramon Valley with 824 yards and 12 TDs on the season. He's a physical receiver at the LOS at 6'2”/180 that can take advantage of 1v1 matchups on the outside. He excels at making plays on in-breaking routes and can beat press coverage with front-end releases. He tracks the ball well and shows soft hands finishing plays downfield. Scott will have important matchups outside against a talented and physical secondary. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/Trevor_scott13/status/1589688812003004416?s=20u0026amp;t=pyLQQZjLFnJ26o7AGxXmdw","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/Trevor_scott13/status/1589688812003004416?s=20&amp;t=pyLQQZjLFnJ26o7AGxXmdw </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"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":"Marco Jones","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'4u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2496","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"San Ramon Valley","_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"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-638f1707e4723"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jones is a versatile two-way player at LB/TE. He's a rangy athlete at 6'4”/205 that can tackle sideline-to-sideline and make plays in coverage. He's an effective edge blitzer that's explosive getting into the backfield and a physical tackler near the LOS. Jones leads the team in tackles with 124 total (73 solo) and just picked up an offer from Colorado in November. He could end up with 10+ tackles against a run-first Granite Hills offense. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/Bigaj10/status/1596919438824988672?s=20u0026amp;t=pyLQQZjLFnJ26o7AGxXmdw","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/Bigaj10/status/1596919438824988672?s=20&amp;t=pyLQQZjLFnJ26o7AGxXmdw </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["25451"],"_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"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-638f1707e4771"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Thomas is an athletic playmaker that impacts the game in all three phases. He's a skilled cover corner with 3 INTs in the playoffs. He reacts fast to out-breaking routes underneath and plays physical in space. He creates turnovers and deflections with ball skills and timing. He brings top-end speed and elusiveness with the ball in his hands as a WR and return specialist. Thomas should be busy in the secondary against a talented passing attack in San Ramon Valley. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/joaquinthomasj1/status/1597633705362616320?s=20u0026amp;t=pyLQQZjLFnJ26o7AGxXmdw","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/joaquinthomasj1/status/1597633705362616320?s=20&amp;t=pyLQQZjLFnJ26o7AGxXmdw </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"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":"Easton Peterson","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2023","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'0u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2495","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Granite Hills","_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"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-638f1707e47f2"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Peterson led San Diego in INTs with 8 as a senior. He's an instinctive playmaker from his deep safety spot that can read eyes and anticipate throws at the third level. He moves fluid gaining depth and can flip his hips to turn and run. Peterson should see opportunities to make plays in the secondary against a team that can air the ball out and spread it around the field. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/EastonPeterson/status/1586826142840930304?s=20u0026amp;t=pyLQQZjLFnJ26o7AGxXmdw","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/EastonPeterson/status/1586826142840930304?s=20&amp;t=pyLQQZjLFnJ26o7AGxXmdw </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"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":"Zak Darling","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2023","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'1u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2408","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Granite Hills","_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"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-638f1707e4872"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Darling and sophomore Isaiah Jackson lead an effective rushing attack for Granite Hills combining for 1,600 yards and 24 TDs on the season. He produces explosive plays out of the backfield running with patience and vision to find lanes at the LOS. He's a physical back that runs behind a strong OL unit and can pick up yards after contact. Darling ran for 91 yards and 2 TDs on 8 carries in the SoCal Regional vs. Etiwanda. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>More:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Granite Hills</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Isaiah Jackson- RB, 2025&nbsp;</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Derrick Ibarra- LB, 2023&nbsp;</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='1128306' first='Jordan' last='Glaze']- DB, 2024</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Parlan Sanders- QB, 2023&nbsp;</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Davion Green- ATH, 2023&nbsp;</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='398391' first='Damarrion' last='White']- LB, 2024&nbsp;</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>San Ramon Valley</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Kevin Spears- DL, 2024</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='195562' first='John' last='Pau Mendoza']- RB, 2024&nbsp;</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Zack Dodson- WR, 2024&nbsp;</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='384919' first='Caleb' last='Padrid']- DB, 2023</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list -->