St. Francis vs. Helix Preview
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Previewing the St. Francis vs. Helix Friday night matchup in Mountain View. Helix opened the season with a 38-34 victory over Edison in week-0 with strong performances from several D-I prospects/commits. St. Francis comes into 2023 off an 8-4 finish…
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Continue ReadingPreviewing the St. Francis vs. Helix Friday night matchup in Mountain View. Helix opened the season with a 38-34 victory over Edison in week-0 with strong performances from several D-I prospects/commits. St. Francis comes into 2023 off an 8-4 finish last season with talented 2025 standouts returning on both sides of the ball.
Helix
Offense
Helix’s offense got off to a strong start with a 38-34 shootout win over Edison in their week-0 season opener. Fourth-year starter and Nevada-commit Ryland Jessee Ryland Jessee 6'4" | 195 lbs | QB Helix | 2024 State CA was efficient in the win, completing 13/18 for 245 yards and 2 TDs. He’s a polished, steady pocket passer that sets his feet and delivers with accuracy, is patient in his progressions, and can pick up chunks with his legs when plays break down. Returning starting RB Kevin Allen Kevin Allen 5'11" | 185 lbs | RB Helix | 2024 State CA carried 24 times for 102 yards and 2 TDs and added a KR TD last week. Allen’s a fast, versatile athlete that’s a threat to score any time he touches the ball- he added offers from Eastern Washington, Utah St., and Army this offseason. Senior WR/FS Jackson Daniels Jackson Daniels 6'0" | 160 lbs | ATH Helix | 2024 State CA is a skilled perimeter receiver that had a TD on 3 catches last week. Senior WR Kyzza Matovu is a big target at 6’3/215 and sophomore Brandon Arrington Brandon Arrington 6'3" | 175 lbs | WR Mt. Miguel | 2026 State CA is another athletic playmaker. Veteran C Ryan Mason anchors a strong, experienced OL group that also includes seniors Jeremiah Savaiinaea (OG) and Orlando Nambo (OT).
Defense
Helix’s defensive unit is led by 2 physical senior LBs in Kairo Kahananui Kairo Kahananui 6'0" | 215 lbs | LB Helix | 2024 State CA , and Jirah Savaiinaea Jirah Savaiinaea 5'10" | 190 lbs | LB Helix | 2024 CA . Kahananui picked up offers from Army and Utah Tech and has generated interest from several other D-I programs. Brothers Jordan Gash and Anthony Gash set the edges from both DE spots. Senior FS Jackson Daniels Jackson Daniels 6'0" | 160 lbs | ATH Helix | 2024 State CA is a rangy deep-middle safety with great instincts and ball-skills- he had 2 INTs and a PBU in Helix’s opener. Senior RB/CB Kevin Allen Kevin Allen 5'11" | 185 lbs | RB Helix | 2024 State CA is another talented two-way athlete in the Highlander secondary.
St. Francis
Offense
St. Francis’ offense returns it’s leading rusher from last season in junior RB Kingston Keanaaina Kingston Keanaaina 5'11" | 190 lbs | RB St. Francis | 2025 State CA . He picked up his first offer from Arizona in May after rushing for 780 yards and 10 TDs on 137 carries as a sophomore. He’s a balanced, all-around back that runs with powerful leg drive and great balance through contact. Fellow junior QB Aaron Knapp Aaron Knapp 5'11" | 195 lbs | QB St. Francis | 2025 CA saw valuable time in two starts last season, both of which St. Francis won. Knapp overcame lymphoma this offseason and looks ready to take over the starting role for the Lancers. Sophomore WR Perrion Williams Perrion Williams 6'0" | 165 lbs | ATH St. Francis | 2026 State CA is a perimeter playmaker to watch- he just picked up his first offer from Washington St. in June.
Defense
Junior LB Jackson Cahoon Jackson Cahoon 6'1" | 215 lbs | LB St. Francis | 2025 State CA is an extremely active and physical defender on the Lancers’ front-seven. He’s a violent hitter and flies to the football with great motor. Cahoon, who also plays LS, picked up his first offer from FIU in June. Senior DL Siaosi Tonga is a disruptive force up front that can clog interior lanes and make hard-nose plays behind the LOS. Senior FS/WR Mack Mrowka Mack Mrowka 6'3" | 180 lbs | DB St. Francis | 2024 State CA is a rangy athlete in the secondary at 6’3″/190 that can create turnovers and PBUs at the second/third levels. He led the team in INTs last season with 3 and picked up his first D-I offer from USD in June.