MidValleySports.Com

Norwalk defensive end Marcus Castillo ready to cause some havoc. (Photo by: Daniel Medrano)

By George Hernandez

The end of the regular season is here and the CIF playoff pairings are coming. These are some of the youngsters that have had a huge part in their teams playing for a league title this week or already clinching one and leading them into the post season. 

Offense: 

Alta Loma quarterback Maximus Fierro, a freshman, has taken a 5-5 team to a 7-2 record and a possible league title. Fierro has thrown for 1,238 yards, 17 touchdowns and has only thrown four interceptions through eight games. He has also added 200 yards rushing and four touchdowns on the ground.

Freshmen Jacob Torres stepped in for Schurr facing one of the tougher preseason schedules in the SGV with the likes of La Serna, Bonita and Rio Hondo Prep and has thrown for 1,103 yards with 13 touchdowns with only three interceptions. He has also pounded in three touchdowns on the ground. 

Defense:

One of the more known outstanding freshmen is Northview’s defensive end Jeremiah “Juju” Alcantara. A a product from the Trench Dawgz, Juju has led a defensive line that people thought was going to be a weak point of the team. He has accounted for 42 tackles, 12 of those for a loss and seven sacks. 

“You don’t get better by accident. You have to want it every single day.” – Alcantara 

From one of the most known to probably the most unknown is Norwalk defensive end Marcus Castillo. Wearing #21 Castillo, only a sophomore, has caused problems all year for opposing offenses. Castillo who is also a standout baseball player, has racked up 43 tackles, 15 tackles for loss and five sacks. His motor never stops and he’s played on almost every snap on defense and is a young leader on a 9-0 Lancers team. 

“All of our hard work that we put in during the summer is paying off and it shows”, said Castillo on his and the team’s success so far this year. 

Others to watch:

Kenai Sumage WR/DB – La Serna (Frosh)

Santino Ballardo DT – Northview (Frosh)

Leauma Leiatua DT/OL – Norwalk (Soph)

Bryant Avila WR – Alta Loma (Soph)

Jayden Harris TE/DE – Charter Oak (Soph)

Julian Minor TE/DL – Charter Oak (Soph)