Scouting notes: Serra vs. Oceanside

Photo courtesy of Union Tribune 

Athlete Adoree’ Jackson 

While the consensus five-star recruit didn’t have many of his signature big plays, Jackson still performed at high level, and gave the capacity crowd in Oceanside an example of why he’s so highly regarded. Playing on both sides of the ball, he spent the most of his offensive snaps at running back and slot receiver, while getting the start at defensive back as well.

While he didn't reel off any long distance runs while lined up in the backfield, he showed great agility and displayed incredible balance by being able to play-through and spin out of contact. Despite his measurements (5’9” 182) he’s built fairly stout and carries the lower body strength to consistently push the pile as a runner.

Late in the game, Jackson electrified the crowd in attendance. On a deep pass he out-leaped a defender, tipped the pass forward, had the ball carom off his knee while he was still in the air, and secured the reception lying flat on his back. He later iced the game on jet sweep. A seven yard touchdown run that was punctuated by a front flip over defenders into the end zone.

Quarterback Jalen Greene

From the onset, Greene manned the controls of the Cavalier offense masterfully. The three- star dual threat quarterback kept the Pirate defense off-balance throughout the night. He showed both the ability to pick the Pirates apart from the pocket, and use his feet to improvise and make plays when protection broke down. 

Greene’s stellar night included 306 passing yards and three touchdowns, to go along with 106 yards rushing and two scores on the ground.

Outside linebacker Olajuwon Tucker 

While Tucker might not be a heralded as some of his defensive teammates like Dwight Williams or John Houston (2015), he was quite possibly the best player on the field in the showdown versus the Pirates. Tucker excelled both operating out in space and rushing the passer, notching three interceptions, three sacks, and four tackles for loss.

On Friday, Tucker played a defensive end/outside linebacker hybrid- type position. With his size (6’3” 215), he projects to the next level as either a strong-side linebacker in a 4-3 or a possible outside ‘backer in a 3-4 alignment that gives him both the opportunity to blitz and drop back into coverage.

Defensive end Rasheeme Green (2015) 

Green was a disruptive force on defense for the Cavaliers. The big two-way lineman (6’5” 270) pushed the pocket from the edge. And although he may not have had the biggest statistical game, his presence drew extra blockers made it easier for his line-mates to get one on one opportunities and create splash plays for for the Serra defense.

Oceanside Pirates

Quarterback Matthew Romero (2015) 

Romero won a fierce quarterback battle during fall camp and showed his mettle with a gutsy performance. Romero maintained his poise when pressured by the Cavalier pass rush and showed toughness taking his share of hits. Taking over for departed three-year starter Tofi PaoPao; Romero showed good pocket presence, and threw passes with anticipation. He showed an advanced level of maturity and confidence as routinely delivered the ball prior to his receivers getting out of their breaks

Wide Receiver Mikah Holder

Although he wasn’t targeted a whole lot during the game, Holder produced one of the most exciting moments of a drama filled contest. Late in the third quarter Holder made a deep reception, spin out of the grasp of two defenders, and cut back inside and heading to the end zone for a spectacular 52 yard score. The San Diego State commit will be displaying his talent locally coming next fall.

Place-kicker Jackson Koonce 

Koonce displayed a very strong leg. He kept the ball away from the dangerous Serra returners on kickoffs by kicking into the end zone for touch-backs. He also nailed a school record 52 yard field goal in the 3^rd quarter for the Pirates.