Standout 2028 performers we've watched in Southern California

There have already been several big non-league games across Southern California. There will always be attention on the veteran players on each team, but the underclassmen around Southern California are already making their mark. I watched two of the marquee matchups over the last two weeks with Santa Margarita hosting both Mission Viejo and Centennial in Weeks 0 and 1, respectively.   Here is a breakdown of some impressive sophomores who have stood out in our viewings.    Williams had all of his playmaking abilities on display over his first two games. In Week 1 against Centennial, the rangy cornerback returned an interception for a touchdown and added another one in the red zone. He has great instincts and showcased his speed on the return against the Huskies.    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/MattRMoreno/status/1961269581458411761 </div></figure>    Hicks' size helps give him an advantage at the cornerback position, and that showed up against the run in the Diablos' Week 0 win over Santa Margarita. He had six tackles in the game and nearly came away with an interception in the red zone. Hicks has an impressive ability to shed blocks and make tackles in the open field.     Smith is averaging 80 total yards through two games this season and rushed for 82 yards in the Eagles' Week 1 overtime win against Centennial. He is a patient runner who has a strong ability to get downhill after finding a hole allowing him to be utilized as an every-down back for the Eagles.     The next in line of the Mosley Brothers has been effective through the first two games of his sophomore season. He caught a 39-yard touchdown pass in the Eagles' win over Centennial on a contest ball down the field. Mosley is a strong route runner who has displayed impressive ball skills through the first two weeks.    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/MattRMoreno/status/1961282030421123434 </div></figure>    Davis scored three touchdowns in Centennial's Week 0 win over Servite, and he backed it up with another strong performance in Week 1 against Santa Margarita. The highlight was a 3-yard rushing touchdown on a pitch play that ended with Davis shaking a defender to reach the end zone. He has impressive shiftiness to his game and ability to break free in the open field.     It didn't take long for Clark to make his presence felt in the Eagles' Week 1 win over Centennial. In the first quarter, he caught a short pass in traffic that he then took 21 yards for a touchdown. Clark had seven catches in the game totaling 78 yards receiving. His quickness makes him a valuable weapon for the offense.     Dalhover has an advanced skill set for his class, and that was on display in the Diablos' Week 0 win over Santa Margarita. He finished with four tackles in the game and each one was more impressive than the last. Dalhover has a knack for seeking out the ball carrier, and his closing speed stood out often in his season debut. His ability to shed blocks and get down hill shined in our viewing.     Martin is listed as a running back but was used as a receiver in the Eagles' Week 0 matchup against Mission Viejo. He caught two passes for 25 yards including a 17-yard reception in the game. Martin is a slippery pass catcher who was impressive making plays in traffic.

There have already been several big non-league games across Southern California. There will always be attention on the veteran players on each team, but the underclassmen around Southern California are already making their mark. I watched two of the marquee matchups over the last two weeks with Santa Margarita hosting both Mission Viejo and Centennial in Weeks 0 and 1, respectively.