5A-Region 5 Predictions

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Region 5 is tough; we have a mix of contenders and rebuilders. It's an interesting mix. Let's make some predictions.<br><br><strong>Region 5 Winner?</strong><br><br>Fremont Silverwolves<br>Fremont is set up with a good mix of Seniors and underclassmen who will make an impact. The impact players are everywhere and on both sides of the field. They have a tough start to the season, but should run through the region with two tough games in region play, including a trip to Northridge and a home game against a revamped Roy team. <br><strong><br>Region 5 Runner-Up?</strong><br><br>Northridge Knights<br>They're replacing a lot of production from a season ago, but they return a lot of impactful players and will be leaning on the run early as they bring in a new signal caller. The defense is stout with key backers and defensive backs; they should make it close for Region 5 supremacy. <br><br><strong>Region 5 Contenders</strong><br><br>Roy Royals<br>They lose a lot of production so they'll need players to step up. They are replacing their quarterback, two top running backs, their top two receivers, and have lost impactful defenders. So far they have young guys that are ready to step up, but 2025 was their year where they had key Seniors. This year's Seniors are hungry to fill that void, and they should keep it close in their tough match-ups.<br><strong><br>Region 5 Offensive Player of the Year</strong><br><strong>Region 5 Defensive Player of the Year</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["717883"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68799024a126d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Moa is our prediction for Region 5 Offensive and Defensive Player of the Year. He's an exceptional two-way player and changes the dynamic of the game at any moment. As a receiver, he's a threat to house it with every snap, he has exceptional footwork, naturally creates separation and has great speed. Defensively, he shows great hip fluidity, is a shut down island cornerback and is a ball hawk. He can shut down an opposing team's number one option and that will allow Fremont's defense to play aggressive and the front four can pin their ears back and attack the quarterback. He is a unique and elite talent and will help Fremont win the Region and make a run at a state title.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><br><strong>Offensive Newcomer of the Year</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1716969"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68799024a12fa"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ortgiesen is an exciting prospect for the 2029 class. He'll likely make plays every Thursday night this upcoming season. He is a prospect who has good size and will continue to grow into his frame. Ortgiesen moves well, makes off-platform throws with ease, has good ball placement, throws with good velocity, and keeps the ball out of danger. He has all the tools to be a heavy riser and has every right to climb into the top 15 of the class and get recruited regionally.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Defensive Newcomer of the Year</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1514716"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68799024a1348"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Fonoti is a two-way player, and an argument can be made on either side of where he will be a better fit. He is a physical and imposing player on both sides. As a runner, he shows good vision, does a good job of getting through the first level, and then blends power with speed as he'll look to get to the edge and find his runway for home, and he isn't shy about lowering his pads and giving something back to the defense. He has good contact balance and moves well laterally. That skillset translates over as a backer where he shows great instincts, sheds his blocks and has good closing speed and is comfortable as an on-ball backer and in coverage as an off-ball backer. Great tool set and a D1 player at the next level. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Honorable mentions to players we haven't discussed during our week-long look at Region 5.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1544170"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68799024a1395"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Fitisemanu will be pushing for varsity reps. He's a dynamic player who will be impactful on Thursdays and will suit up for Friday games. He's a player who moves well, is strong at the catch point, and creates with the ball in his hands. He'll be a fun player to watch for the upcoming season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1221397"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68799024a13de"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Tuatagaloa will find ways to get on the field on Friday nights. He's a great athlete and someone who can change the momentum of a game in a snap. He's a good athlete and someone you get in space and let him create.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1221392"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68799024a1425"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Selevae could find himself being a key rotational piece at running back and see snaps on defense. He put forth good tape last season, and he should get some action on Friday nights this year. He's a good athlete, has good vision, contact balance, and has physicality to his game. He's a player who will make the most of his opportunities and has every right to be a huge riser in the class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1644082"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68799024a146b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Tumanuvao is an exceptional offensive lineman. He is light on his feet, moves well laterally, has quick, active hands, and will be an important piece for this team to function like a well-oiled machine. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1636231"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6879a129547b3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Smith will be a pivotal part for the Lakers. He is the best lineman on either side of the ball, and the run game should be going through him. For the Lakers to keep the time of possession, they need to lean on him. Smith shows good strength and is a physical lineman; he moves well and does a good job at getting to the second level on run blocks. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>That concludes our Region 5 coverage. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->