Centennial vs Alemany Game summary and recruit notes

                                         Photo courtesy of Los Angeles Daily News


Game notes:

This was a match-up between high scoring inland empire power Corona Centennial and Alemany high school of Mission Hills, California. Centennial came in off a loss to storied program Long Beach Poly; in which their impressive streak of 44 consecutive games of at least 400 yards total offense was broken in a 35-28 defeat.

Operating from their pistol spread offense, the Huskies seemed to re-assert their offensive dominance in the early stages of the game. Quarterback Brent Webber took advantage of the Alemany defensive front's focus on running back Tre Watson. Webber proceeded to gash the Warriors defense, getting outside on several read option runs. The drive eventually culminated in a 30 yard score by Watson as the Huskies went up 8-0 after a successful two point conversation.

Now, senior dual-threat quarterback Alif Grayes and 2015 running back/athlete Dominic Davis are two prospects that aren't quite as known as 2015 four star wide receiver and teammate Desean Holmes. However, a six yard scoring run off a read option by Grayes and an 80 yard burst courtesy of the speedster Davis, staked Alemany to a 14-8 advantage.

After a one yard scoring jaunt by Watson tied the game (PAT was no good) at 14, Alemany proceeded to go on a 31-7 scoring run on the shoulders of Grayes, Davis, and fullback/linebacker Okalani Langi who contributed three scores and several powerful runs in between the tackles that both helped the warriors establish a physical tone up front and eventually control the clock.

Alemany didn't necessarily stop the Centennial offensive (Not even sure if that's possible at this point) but they were the second team consecutive defensive unit to limit them to a reasonable number of points. This, after the Huskies lit up the scoreboard putting up 69 points versus St. Bonaventure in their second game of the 2013 season.

In addition to a solid effort by their defensive unit, the Warrior offense enabled them to play from ahead the majority of the night. A much more desired alternative then being tasked with matching scores with a talented Centennial outfit, laden with FBS caliber athletes. This includes current commits Viane Talamavao (Alabama) and wide receiver Barry Ware (UCLA) in addition to the aforementioned Watson (Cal). The collective effort eventually paid dividends in an impressive 45-28 upset victory for the Warriors.

Scouting notes:

Alemany:

Alemany performers____________________________________________________________________________________________________________lif Grayes QB/ATH

Grayes was the best player on the field this past Friday. A true dual-threat, Grayes went 10-16 passing for 245 yard while registering 112 rushing yards and two scores on 16 carries. He used both his arm and legs to dictate the tempo of the game, leading several successful drives and displaying impressive arm strength for his size, connecting on several long completions for the Warriors. His ability to break containment to either makes plays with his legs or create throwing lanes kept the Centennial defense off balance for most of the night.

Dominic Davis ATH (2015)

A name to watch in California recruiting circles, Davis' speed allowed him to get to the edge and turn the corner on several runs. The 5’10 175 pound Davis was a presence on both sides of the ball. His 15 carry 137 yard rushing performance was highlighted by an 80 yard touchdown run that saw him outrace several Husky defenders in the open field. Playing cornerback in the Alemany secondary; Davis collected two interceptions and was locked in man coverage most of the night.Eventually, he probably best projects to the defensive backfield at the collegiate level. 

Colin Samuel DB (2015)

Samuel was a part of a defensive backfield that held tight coverage on Centennial receivers most of the night. A talented athlete who showed plenty of speed, he was the first player this season to register an interception versus Husky quarterback Robert Webber.

Desean Holmes WR

The four-star junior receiver served in more of complimentary role on this night as Alemany primarily focused on establishing their running game. However, his 3 catches for 129 yards were still impressive as he registered two long receptions (54 and 68 yards) that helped the Warriors flip the field, and set up eventual scores.

Centennial:

Robert Webber QB

While Webber did struggle a bit in the passing game making some uncharacteristic mistakes, he did get the Huskies off to a good start by using his legs to make plays for the Huskies. His dual threat capabilities and overall command of the Centennial offense still shone through despite not having his best outing throwing the ball

Tre Watson RB

One of the top rushers in the state, Watson came into the game averaging 283 yards per contest registered 147 yards and two scores on 22 carries against a defense intent on stopping him. His performance pushed his season-four game- totals to 996 yards and 15 touchdowns on 116 carries.

Barry Ware WR

While the UCLA commit wasn't targeted a ton, he made his presence felt late in the first half, taking a quick hitch 58 yards for a touchdown. Ware is one of the top receivers in the state of California and was an early commit to the Bruins.

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.

Game summary and recruit notes: Madison at Lincoln

Press box at Lincoln high school

This was one of the more intriguing opening night matchups. Both schools often field similarly skilled players but rarely play one another in the regular season. That changed last year as Madison beat Lincoln in route to a state title. Undaunted, the Hornets bounced back and went on a last season run en route to capturing their first CIF championship in 25 years.

Opening day jitters were apparent as both teams got off to a sloppy start. Madison assumed control of the line of scrimmage due in large part to their defensive front; led by Sam and Jake Vermillion, Tiasamo Savusa, Dotun Ogundeji, and junior Clayton Jimerson. Offensively, the Warhawks dictated the pace of the game behind a punishing running game featuring senior backs Michael Garner and Kevin Moore.

Asserting themselves on the ground opened up things for Madison’s junior quarterback Kareem Coles. Coles shook off accuracy struggles but eventually showed the playmaking ability that has become the signature of his game. He kept his vision up-field when protection broke down and used his feet to create throwing lanes, in addition to gashing the Hornets defense with timely scrambles. Ultimately this was more than enough as the Hawks coasted to a dominant 34-6 opening night victory.


Here's some notes on a few recruits from the game

Madison Warhawks

QB Kareem Coles (2015)

Coles got off to an uncharacteristically shaky start. But once he settled in, he began to to connect on a few down-field throws, and resembled the signal caller who helped lead his team to a state championship. His dual threat prowess and overall poise will be attractive to teams who run offenses with spread principles. 

APB Michael Garner

Garner showcased his pass catching ability out of the backfield during the early stages of the game. The offense got rolling as he scored the Warhawks first touchdown of the 2013 season on a nifty 15 yard run. Unfortunately just as he seemed to get things going his night would come to a premature close, due to a serious an ankle injury.

RB/ATH Kevin Moore

Moore was the breakout star of the evening. He served as a power running compliment to the shiftier Garner early in the game. Moore got into the end zone twice and picked off a pass in the first half. He shouldered the majority of the running load for Madison after Garner’s injury. The senior added another score in the second half for his third touchdown of the game.  

Lincoln Hornets

ATH/RB Jaechon Murphy

Murphy lined up all over the field for the Hornets. Offensively he was probably Lincoln’s most explosive backfield threat. He pushed the pile in between the tackles and had enough speed to gain the edge a few times. Defensively, he spent the majority of his snaps at linebacker. However, there were a few instances in which he even put his hand in the dirt and rushed the passer off the edge.

ATH Tray Jacquess (2017)

Playing on both sides of the ball, Jacquess got the start at wide receiver in his first ever high school game. Now although he wasn’t targeted a lot in his team run oriented offense, he was impressive at free safety for the Hornet defense, showing great range and playmaking instincts.