As the San Diego high school football season approaches kickoff, players, coaches, students, parents and fans alike all have an eye on the area’s top players, and for the 2019 season a standout group of about 30 offensive players have separated themselves from the pack as stars to watch on Friday nights.
Topping this list is The Bishop School’s all-city junior quarterback Tyler Buchner, who has already committed to Notre Dame.
Perhaps the best all-around athlete this season is Helix High School senior Delshawn Traylor, a 2020 Army commit. The talented Traylor should see time on both sides of the football this season.
Everywhere I go people tell me “This is YOUR year” I always reply “Thank you, but nah this is OUR year.” 💚🔒 #win10 #scotties @HelixFootball @Helix_SN pic.twitter.com/RVT3lWJAU0
— Delshawn Traylor (@DelshawnT2) August 3, 2019
Talented Trios
They say good things come in threes, and if that’s the case there should be a lot of good things ahead for a number of local programs this season.
In addition to Traylor, Helix’s offense will feature running back Elelyon Noa and wide receiver Tim Christopher.
Torrey Pines has its own talented trio, but on the defensive side of the football. Senior linebacker Grant Anderson leads one of the best defensive units in the city, along with junior linebacker Marco Notarainni and junior defensive end Dewey Egan.
St. Augustine High School boasts tight end Michael Ambagtsheer, defensive back Tyson McWilliams and wide receiver Samuel Scaife IV.
Last but not least, La Costa Canyon boasts a trio of talented seniors who will grab headlines on Friday nights. Quarterback Marshall Eucker will be delivering the ball to star wide receiver Trevor Gonzales while linebacker Austin Nicholas anchors the defense.
Quarterback Corner
Southern California is known as the hotbed of recruiting for quarters and, along with Buchner, the 2019 season offers an interesting collection of quarterbacks who could start the next decade playing for major college football programs.
Without a standout star receiver, senior Gunnar Gray is going to have to step up to lead University City High School to a successful season.
Junior quarterbacks Tyler Jensen of Lincoln High School and Gabe Krug of Christian High School are in similar positions without returning star wide receivers; they’ll need to lean on their strong arms to dramatically increase their recruiting profile.
At Cathedral Catholic, senior quarterback DJ Ralph is protected by senior offensive lineman Logan Berzins, who will also see time on the defensive line with star linebacker Jordan Allen.
In a similar position, San Marcos High School senior quarterback Brock White will rely on Jalen Bainer as a receiving and running threat.
Honored & Blessed to receive a football scholarship from Northern Arizona University! Thank you @CoachThompson pic.twitter.com/7nIdt8EtSa
— JB_4 (@JalenBainer) August 14, 2019
Dynamic Duos
The most exciting senior duo in San Diego prep football this season may be Mission Hills High School teammates wide receiver Joe Smith and all-around athlete Quinton Hadnot.
If you’re looking for the most talent in the region, look no further than Lincoln High School, which boasts a ‘Fantastic Five’ of highly-followed recruits, including a trio of talented senior wide receivers: Darius De Los Reyes, Ke’shun Ford and Keyshawn Smith. Senior all-around athletes Xavier Hamlett and Marquese Allen-Patmon round out Lincoln’s ‘Fantastic Five.’
Perennial powerhouse Oceanside boasts the most athletic defensive duo with highly-touted defensive end Christian Laie, Jr. and all-around athlete Trejan Apodaca. If you want to keep your eye on star players along with Buchner at The Bishop’s School, junior wide receiver Clay Petry will be catching a lot of Buchner’s passes while senior defensive end Charlie Mossy matches his brawn with brains as he has already committed to the University of Pennsylvania.
With all these stars on the gridiron for Friday night football, get to your local stadium or take a trip across the city to see one of San Diego’s talented trios or dynamic duos!
