Northern California Week 1: Top Performances Pt. II

Photo: Elias Funez The Union

Paul Gregorian August 23, 2021 @ 11:10 PM

With the opening week behind us, here is part II of this series in which we will look at some of the top performances from players across Northern California. Below, we will breakdown some of these top performances along with listing other players that made a big impact in Week 1. <hr />   QB Gabe Baker, Nevada Union HS Baker is a physical and throwback type player that will continue to have a huge Senior season for Nevada Union. This weekend, the 6’3" 240 pound Senior threw for a impressive 5 touchdowns with 280 passing yards while adding 12+ tackles on the defensive side of the ball. He projects as a linebacker at the next level and is one of the toughest and most physical runners in all of Northern California.   QB Kenny Lueth, Rocklin HS To no surprise, Lueth erupted in week 1 against a tough Turlock team and spun it for five touchdowns in only three quarters. He is one of the best available quarterbacks across the region and should see Division I interest in the coming months. He was able to show his strong arm and ability to throw across his body and showing good pocket presence along with his ability to be a tough runner outside the tackles and consistently able to scramble for positive yards.   TE/DE Derek Taylor, Hilmar HS Only a Junior, Taylor is one of the best tight ends in Northern California, regardless of class. With catching 3 touchdowns against Patterson, he showed that he has a huge catch radius and can also play outside when needed. He is a matchup nightmare that does a tremendous job of using his length, high point ability and size to body defenders and go up and snatch the ball out of the air, especially in traffic. He shows good explosion off the ball along with solid long speed downfield along with plus ball skills from various different body angles and position.   ATH Leroy Bryant, Rodriguez HS Bryant is an explosive returner that did not disappoint in week 1. He took a punt back for six and proved that he is dangerous with the ball in his hands and one of the best big play athletes across the Bay Area. He had a strong Spring season and is also a star on the basketball court. He is hands down one of the best overall athletes Northern California has to offer.     Other Names To Know... QB Ryan Graydon, Vacaville HS QB/LB [player_tooltip player_id="25353" first="Nick" last="Afato"], Yuba City OL Noah Dunham, Yuba City WR Cole Owens, Casa Roble HS QB Jakob Hollinghouse, Vista Del Lago HS QB Jesiah Machado, Sheldon HS QB Jason Lindhal, Casa Roble HS RB Danny Olivera, Firebaugh HS RB/LB Andrew Camarillo, Orosi HS RB Joaquin Porcayo, Yuba City HS WR Owen Nash, Escalon HS WR Mason Rivera, Kimball HS WR [player_tooltip player_id="25314" first="Jason" last="Oliver"], Liberty HS LB Anthony Fernandez, Firebaugh HS ATH Blake Nichelson, Manteca HS DL Broc Perry, Hilmar HS LB Jaden Simon, Chavez HS ATH Braeden Orlandi, Orisi HS WR/DB Zan Dosty, Stagg HS