MidValleySports.Com

By George Hernandez

The Playoffs are here and the games are set. Here are some of the freshmen and sophomores that helped their team make it to week 11 and players to watch in the coming years.  

Los Altos standout sophomore linebacker Nicholas Castillo was not only the Conquerors top tackler but one of the top in the area with 103 total tackles. He also has 7.5 tackles for loss, two sacks and an interception. The 10-0 Conquerors will travel to Upland in the playoffs. 

Brandon Garcia is a hidden gem in the SGV and only a sophomore for La Puente. He had 110 rushing yards and a touchdown receiving, but his specialty is defense where he had 104 tackles, 29 tackles for loss, 13 sacks and three forced fumbles. The Warriors will hit the road and face Kaiser. 

Another youngster Northview has on the roster is sophomore safety Andrew Ramos who has compiled 47 tackles and an interception. The Vikings will face old foe Bonita at home. 

Sophomore Zion Key has helped out on both sides of the ball for Charter Oak and will be a huge part of a deep run for the Chargers who have a rematch with Muir in the first round at home. 

Defensive end KJ Paea, only a freshman at Bishop Amat, has been a huge part of the Lancers turn around under first year head coach Kory Minor with 27 tackles, three tackles for loss and three sacks. He’ll look to cause havoc against Murrieta Mesa in the first round.  

Brother of Sam and Kimbom Aseh, sophomore Visi Aseh, has helped El Monte to a Mission Valley League title. The 6’3” 185-pound wideout and defensive back had 148 yards receiving a touchdown and on defense he racked up had 43 tackles and an interception. With that size and speed on display he’ll be on the radar of a lot of scouts over the next two years. 

Others to watch:

Oscar Lopez QB – Arroyo freshman that had his season cut short with an injury, He led the Knights to their first win of the season.

Adrian Marquez ATH – Rosemead sophomore is a do it all player for the Panthers. He threw 5 touchdowns with zero interceptions, rushed for 245 yards and 2 touchdowns and caught eight passes for 131 yards and a touchdown. He also has 70 tackles. 

Siave Seti DL – Bishop Amat freshman playing against some of the best competition in the area. He had 22 tackles, two tackles for loss and a sack.