South County Classic: Top Defensive Performers
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One of the last major passing tournaments in Southern California took place last Saturday at Mission Viejo High. The South County Classic is an annual event where 20 teams gather to compete in 7-on-7 and some in a linemen competition.…
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Continue ReadingOne of the last major passing tournaments in Southern California took place last Saturday at Mission Viejo High.
The South County Classic is an annual event where 20 teams gather to compete in 7-on-7 and some in a linemen competition.
Mater Dei won the event by beating Mission Viejo in finals.
Here are some defensive players that stood out to me during the event. Disclaimer: I did not get to see every team play.
LA HABRA
La Habra was a bit of a mystery coming into the tournament Saturday but they looked solid in the moments I saw them. Defensively, one of its top returning players Matthew Gil is moving from linebacker to safety. Gil led the team with 86 tackles and two interceptions last season.
CYPRESS
One of the top stories on Saturday but Cypress’ ability to move the ball pretty easily after losing ts two best players from 2022. The Centurions had some big moments on defense as well. A pair of two-way guys played very well for the Centurions in Rocco Burdett Rocco Burdett 6'1" | 240 lbs | ATH Cypress | 2024 CA and Bruno Caldarella.
CENTENNIAL
Centennial went undefeated in pool play despite having a few key players missing. One notable thing about Centennial’s defense is that there is a drop-off between its two excellent starting cornerbacks and the second unit. Tayten Beyer Tayten Beyer 5'11" | 175 lbs | DB Corona Centennial | 2024 State CA and LaRue Zamorano LaRue Zamorano 6'2" | 170 lbs | DB Centennial | 2025 State CA were outstanding for the Huskies and it was very difficult for teams to complete passes outside the numbers against those guys.
MILLIKAN
Millikan looked better in the brief time I saw them Saturday than they did at the Battle at the Beach the week prior. Defensively, the Rams were led by Matt Robinson who led the team in tackles last season. One of the more impressive defensive backs I saw Saturday was Loyall Mouzon who is a lengthy transfer from New York. His timing while breaking up passes is perfect and he is just the right amount of physical without drawing penalties.
APPLE VALLEY
Apple Valley struggled on Saturday going 0-4 in pool play but they played a lot of close games that could have gone either way. The two players that led the Apple Valley defense according to head coach Kyle Godfrey were Tyler Moon and Beau Lloyd.
CHAPARRAL
I didn’t get to see Chaparral at the Battle at the Beach last week so I was glad I was able to watch them a bit on Saturday. Justin Selway is big at middle linebacker and he has good field awareness. Corbin Frutos is another linebacker I am high on that has the versatility to move around the field.
BISHOP AMAT
Bishop Amat was a pleasant surprise on Saturday, going undefeated in pool play. The perception about Amat is that they lost a ton of talent to transfer, which is true, but they still have guys who can play. Richard Munoz Jr Richard Munoz Jr 5'11" | 185 lbs | ATH Bishop Amat | 2024 State CA . is one of the best safeties in the area in my opinion. Noah Faapito nearly had 100 tackles last season and is back. Sophomore corner Daniel Arroyas is a talented sophomore corner to keep an eye on. Brandyn Wetherspoon and JR Mateni are also two defensive guys who stood out.