San Diego’s State Championship MVPs
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Taking a look at the top performers for each team’s state championship run. The San Diego Section went undefeated 4-0 in the title games over the weekend: Div. 1-AA: Lincoln vs. De La Salle 33-28; Div. 2-AA: Mater Dei Catholic…
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Continue ReadingTaking a look at the top performers for each team’s state championship run. The San Diego Section went undefeated 4-0 in the title games over the weekend: Div. 1-AA: Lincoln vs. De La Salle 33-28; Div. 2-AA: Mater Dei Catholic vs. McClymonds 26-18; Div. 2-A: Granite Hills vs. San Ramon Valley 31-24; Div. 6-AA: Classical Academy vs. Santa Teresa 7-0.
Highlights
The top RB in the state led Lincoln to its first state title with 217 yards and 4 TDs on 22 carries against one of the most storied programs in the state. He fought through a lingering injury throughout the playoffs, posting back-to-back 4-TD performances against Sierra Canyon and De La Salle. He solidified himself as one of the best RB prospects to come out of San Diego, totaling nearly 2,500 yards and 37 TDs as a senior. Robinson will head to Georgia after flipping his commitment from UCLA in October.
Mater Dei Catholic won their second straight state title with Nankil as their starting QB, beating McClymonds 26-18 in the Division 2-AA game. He bounced back from a pick-six on the first play from scrimmage, throwing for 198 yards and 2 TDs. His signature playoff game came in the D-I section final vs. Mission Hills where he threw for 300 yards and 3 TDs including the game-winner to Jerry McClure in the final minute. Nankil will stay home and play for USD after committing in October.
McMillian handled more carries this season with last season’s starting RB, Nico Mosley, out with injury. The junior RB/LB had 18+ carries and 6 total TDs in MDC’s final three games against Mission Hills, Downey, and McClymonds. He’s a physical player on both sides of the ball that can make plays out of the backfield and be disruptive at the LOS from his LB spot. McMillian will be one of the the top returning two-way players in San Diego next season and should continue to add to his current offers from Colorado, Arizona, Colorado St., and Utah St.
Granite Hills Secondary
The Granite Hills defense benefitted from consistent plays and turnovers from a talented secondary consisting of CBs Joaquin Thomas Joaquin Thomas 5'10" | 170 lbs | ATH Granite Hills | 2023 State CA and Davion Green, and safeties Easton Peterson and Jordan Glaze Jordan Glaze 5'10" | 185 lbs | DB Granite Hills | 2024 State CA . Peterson led San Diego in INTs during the regular season with 8 and finished the season with one in the state championship game. He’s an instinctive safety that can cover ground and jump routes in deep zone. Thomas and Green are a pair of athletic cover corners with plus-side ball skills and reactions. Glaze brings a physical edge as a SS that’s aggressive in the run game and works fast downhill from the second and third levels. Granite Hills’ secondary was able to produce enough plays against one of the most productive passing attacks in the Bay Area en route to a 31-24 win over San Ramon Valley in the D-2A championship.
Isaiah Jackson
Isaiah Jackson
Granite Hills’ sophomore RB took 13 carries for 87 yards and 2 TDs in their 31-24 D2-AA championship win after recording 104 yards and 2 TDs in the SoCal Regional vs. Etiwanda. He’s a shifty back that shows great lateral agility and straight-line speed in space. He consistently picks up chunks of yards attacking the hole and making defenders miss in tight spaces. Jackson’s talent and athleticism have him positioned as a 2025 RB to watch in San Diego next season.
Life Pollard
Life Pollard
Pollard scored a rushing TD, a pick-six, and a KR-TD in the SoCal Regional to lift Classical Academy to the Division 6-AA championship game. He flashed natural speed and athleticism leading his team in total yards and TDs from multiple positions this season. He finds space as a ball-carrier and creates plays with burst and elusiveness. He’s strong and balanced through contact and can breakaway from defenders at the second and third levels. One of the more underrated athletes in San Diego just picked up his first offer from Adams St. on 12/1.