South County Classic Notebook

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prep Redzone attended the South County Classic passing tournament at Mission Viejo High this past Saturday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The event is the last major passing tournament of the summer before many teams start training camp next week. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here is a story about the <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/07/south-county-classic-top-performers/">top overall performers</a> from the event.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>SIERRA CANYON</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sierra Canyon was playing without its star running back and they spread the ball around pretty well. <strong>Micah Slade</strong> had some big catches along with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1197280' first='Darren' last='Haggerty']</strong>. Slade was open every time I looked up and he has good burst after the catch as well. [player_tooltip player_id='958720' first='Mykel' last='Ramos'] was physical at corner and receivers had a tough time shaking him in press man coverage.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/latsondheimer/status/2078684869442580734?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"x","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/latsondheimer/status/2078684869442580734?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>SANTA MARGARITA</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1864124' first='Ryan' last='Clark'] had a very good day at receiver and is a versatile route runner who can get open on in-breaking or out-breaking routes. Both quarterbacks were comfortable throwing to him and he could rack up a ton of catches this season. Santa Margarita was missing some key guys on offense and <strong>Braxton Boyle</strong> stepped up at tight end along with <strong>J.J. Minardi</strong>. <strong>Fletch Palmer</strong> took some good reps at quarterback and has improved his arm strength. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/ocvarsityguy/status/2078951916349042793?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"x","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/ocvarsityguy/status/2078951916349042793?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>MISSION VIEJO</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mission Viejo's defense looked excellent in moments again led by [player_tooltip player_id='1621228' first='Jordan' last='Hicks'] and <strong>JoJo Reed</strong>. <strong>Bryce Warner</strong> had a good day at linebacker and is very physical for his size. [player_tooltip player_id='1291532' first='Brett' last='Burnor'] had some good throws and was making the right reads often on time. The Diablos were missing their tight ends but sophomores <strong>Bo Johnson</strong> and <strong>Gavin Ploszaj</strong> stepped up and could be varsity contributors this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/Brettburnor/status/2079369747880448159?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"x","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Brettburnor/status/2079369747880448159?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/GavinPloszaj/status/2079357280152371221?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"x","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/GavinPloszaj/status/2079357280152371221?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>CAPO VALLEY</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Capo Valley's returning receivers were all very good in their final passing tournament of the offseason. <strong>Brody Saavedra</strong> was better on Saturday than he was at the Battle at the Beach. <strong>Cartyr Quartucy</strong> was excellent in both tournaments and could be a top receiver this season along with <strong>Jolan Gonzalez</strong>. [player_tooltip player_id='1279271' first='Colin' last='Hooper'] was making some nice catches over the middle and <strong>Za'Dyn Hall</strong> is physically very impressive at running back. Sophomore <strong>Chris Fields</strong> continues to be a top defensive back for the Cougars and could be one of the better sophomore defensive backs in the county. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/Cartyr_Q3/status/2053946164081500579?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"x","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Cartyr_Q3/status/2053946164081500579?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/jolanJgonzalez/status/2079412892601135508?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"x","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/jolanJgonzalez/status/2079412892601135508?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>MATER DEI</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='438050' first='Ace' last='Leutele'] was playing a lot of receiver for Mater Dei and was their best receiver throughout the day. Sophomore <strong>Rakim Guyness</strong> had a strong day at receiver as well. Mater Dei will play both quarterbacks this year and [player_tooltip player_id='432272' first='Russell' last='Sekona'] got better as the day went on. Freshman quarterback <strong>Ace Guess</strong>, who the coaching staff is very high on, played some receiver. [player_tooltip player_id='2104546' first='Sosene' last='Schuster'] had a strong day at linebacker and [player_tooltip player_id='490799' first='Danny' last='Lang'] has added some muscle and looked very good. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/AceLeutele4_/status/2078702203674738951?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"x","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/AceLeutele4_/status/2078702203674738951?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/Rakim_Guyness/status/2079758657865282025?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"x","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Rakim_Guyness/status/2079758657865282025?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>CENTENNIAL</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='709616' first='Jaden' last='Jefferson'] excels in environments like this and looks very capable of making all the reads in Centennial's offense. <strong>Heinrich Susmerano</strong> is a smaller junior that had a very good day at receiver along with <strong>Jaden Bynum</strong>. <strong>Caleb Bynum</strong> had a good day in the secondary after not playing in the Battle at the Beach tournament and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2066020' first='Jayden' last='Steeber']</strong> had a good day as well. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/jaydensteeber_/status/2076733653078667766?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"x","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/jaydensteeber_/status/2076733653078667766?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/adamgorney/status/2078185502122062291?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"x","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/adamgorney/status/2078185502122062291?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>CORONA DEL MAR</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Both quarterbacks looked good again and <strong>JD Annett</strong> looked better Saturday than he did at the Battle at the Beach. [player_tooltip player_id='1797946' first='Tucker' last='Murray'] and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2081787' first='Henry' last='Birchard']</strong> were standouts again along with <strong>Dylan Peoloni</strong>. <strong>Chase Kuchera</strong> was the running back last season but showed versatility and may play in the slot and be a big part of the offense this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/Sunset_Rewind/status/2078577812886446257?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"x","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Sunset_Rewind/status/2078577812886446257?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/ChaseKuchera/status/2079422936331829673?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"x","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/ChaseKuchera/status/2079422936331829673?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>LAGUNA BEACH</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Laguna Beach has so many guys who are weapons at receiver against multiple coverages and they all shined on Saturday. [player_tooltip player_id='2106868' first='Brady' last='Stringham'] looked very explosive and was getting open against defensive backs committed to major colleges. <strong>Will Kimball</strong> and [player_tooltip player_id='2124184' first='Wyatt' last='Bogdan'] looked very good and <strong>Charlie Christian</strong> can make receiving plays out of the backfield and play linebacker.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/CharlieC4436/status/2063808284319248532?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"x","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/CharlieC4436/status/2063808284319248532?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>LA HABRA</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='765936' first='DJ' last='Mitchell'] looked comfortable and smooth with his delivery throughout the day and had great touch on the deep throws. [player_tooltip player_id='1557449' first='Blake' last='Rogers'] was La Habra's top receiver as expected and <strong>Ethan Raphiel</strong> had a very good day. [player_tooltip player_id='1611382' first='Kevika' last='Martinez'] only played linebacker due to a nagging injury but will be one of the better two-way players in the county when the pads come on. <strong>Santi Bautista Cuesta</strong> led the team in interceptions last season and had a very good day on defense. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/DJ_Mitchell1X/status/2079009441639530660?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"x","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/DJ_Mitchell1X/status/2079009441639530660?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/BlakeRogers_3/status/2078623124049015023?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"x","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/BlakeRogers_3/status/2078623124049015023?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>EL DORADO</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>El Dorado's linemen made the championship of the tug of war against Mission Viejo which was impressive. <strong>Hudson Shaddow </strong>had good ball placement near the sidelines and was getting the ball out quickly. His footwork looked better than it does on film and looked comfortable against very good competition. <strong>Justin Karg</strong> is a twitchy route runner who can create separation at the top of the route. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/hudson_shaddow/status/2078645218979782907?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"x","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/hudson_shaddow/status/2078645218979782907?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/justinkarg15/status/2078705760788463856?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"x","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/justinkarg15/status/2078705760788463856?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>TUSTIN</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1455302' first='Ayden' last='Edwards'] looked good again despite having to deal with some injuries to his receivers. His arm strength improves every time I see him and he was hitting guys in stride. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1328964' first='Jackson' last='Perez']</strong> had another strong day after playing well in the Battle at the Beach the week prior. <strong>Zion Hill</strong> is an incoming freshman to watch for Tustin who had just transferred recently but was getting some playing time due to Tustin's injuries. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>CREAN LUTHERAN</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Mekhi Mitchell </strong>had a strong day for Crean Lutheran at receiver along with <strong>Nathan Collins</strong>. [player_tooltip player_id='1611238' first='Evan' last='Mack'] led Crean Lutheran's secondary along with Inglewood transfer [player_tooltip player_id='1717750' first='Kinley' last='Victorian']. St. John Bosco transfer [player_tooltip player_id='1199093' first='Ahmeer' last='Williamson'] looked good at linebacker and so did <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2174643' first='Mateo' last='Munoz']</strong>. Freshman <strong>Jordan Terry</strong> is a guy Crean's coaching staff is high on and <strong>Aaron Nicasio</strong> had a good day at linebacker too. [player_tooltip player_id='1197336' first='Caden' last='Jones'] had some good ball placement in the endzone and has the arm strength to fit the ball into tight windows.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/kvictoriannn/status/2061967971430650068?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"x","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/kvictoriannn/status/2061967971430650068?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/CadenJonesss1/status/2079431582188707862?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"x","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/CadenJonesss1/status/2079431582188707862?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed -->