Downey running back Baraq Ross is the Mid Valley Sports Player of the Year. (Photo by Duane Barker)
A Most Valuable Player is a player that the team could not live without. He does a little bit of everything whether on offense or defense. He’s they type of player that if you removed him from the equation it could be the difference between first and fourth place.
A player of the Year on the other hand is a guy whose numbers are simply too big to ignore. He may be surrounded by other great players but he is usually the one that stands out- the player that does something amazing every game.
In 2017 Downey’s Baraq Ross was that player. He rushed for over 200 yards in a game four different times during the season and finished with 2,303 overall leading Downey to the CIF Division 4 Championship game. He averaged 8.3 yards per carry and had 31 rushing touchdowns on the season including 3 against Capistrano Valley in the semi finals and 3 more vs. Cajon in the finals.
Ross could catch the ball out of the backfield as well. He hauled in 21 receptions for 364 yards and 3 touchdowns on the year. He found time to play defense as well with 18 total tackles from his cornerback position.
“He truly is a difference maker. If it wasn’t for him and his athleticism we might not have pulled off some of he close games we won, especially against Corona Del Mar,” said Downey assistant Michael Gutierrez. Ross had 197 yards and a touchdown in that second round playoff game.
Ross was a factor in every game for the Vikings putting up numbers that are hard to imagine. He is our Mid Valley Sports Player of the Year.
I saw this kid in several games and he was always amazing. Reminded me of Reggie Bush
Baraq is not only a great athlete and leader, he is a remarkable man off the field. His smile and laughter are contagious and his love for his family and friends is deeply felt by all who surround him. This man deserves the very best in life. Congrats Baraq!
Yes,Baraq and the Downey Vikings had a great season. I never missed a game and this young man showed up and played his heart out every game. He is not only an impeccable football player but a leader, scholar, and an overall outstanding young man of great character. Any college team will benefit from acquiring him!
Congratulations Baraq. Keep up the good work! The family very proud of you. You know the story”If God be for you, who can be against you”.
Congratulations Baraque. Keep up the good work! The family very proud of you. You know the story”If God be for you, who can be against you”.
I hadn’t seen this kid until the Downey-Cajon title game. WOW…the guy’s quickness and fighting spirit make him extremely hard to bring down. On a side note, Jayden Daniels just scored again.
Well said @ Pac5 scout, I 2nd that motion, Baraq Ross, thank you for reminding our local players that hard work does NOT go unnoticed. Take a bow young man.
Baraq deserves everything that comes to him. He is a very special player who is a killer in the open field. It was a pleasure to watch him play. Whatever school takes a chance on him will get a gem.
Way to go young man. Football requires a deep deep commitment. The best best player on the field when Auburn who beat Alabama and itself was then beaten by little Central Florida was a one armed defensive player from FCU.. He was not the biggest nor the fastest but man he has a motor. He makes the saying “giving 100 %” sound stupid. If the other players on that field are giving 100 % then this guy is giving infinity percent. Baraq clearly has earned by his dedication and numbers a very nice accolade.