Friday Night Stars: Week 9’s top performers in Bay Area prep football
A backup quarterback coming up clutch and a four-headed rushing monster were among the honorees.
It may be hard to believe, but we are nearing the stretch run of prep football season. These are the games that will matter for playoff seeding and eligibility next month, and a prime-time performance on an October Friday night can go a long way to help a team’s chances.
We saw some clutch performances Friday, from a four-headed rushing attack to a backup quarterback coming through in the clutch.
As always, if you know of a Bay Area football player who had a star performance Friday night, reach out and email us at sports@bayareanewsgroup.com.
Thomas Taufui, Menlo-Atherton
Menlo-Atherton sophomore Thomas Taufui pulled off double duty in a 26-20 victory over Sacred Heart Prep. As a running back, Taufui piled up 141 yards on 17 carries, including the game’s opening touchdown from 3 yards out with 12.6 seconds left in the first quarter. As a strong safety, the 5-foot-8, 170-pound athlete broke up a fourth down pass with 43.5 seconds remaining in the game to remain unbeaten in the Peninsula Athletic League De Anza Division. Honorable mention: M-A quarterback Matt MacLeod, also a sophomore, tossed TDs of 64, 9 and 20 yards.
Daylin McLemore, Serra
The 6-foot-3 senior completed 11 of his 15 passes for 222 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions in a 35-21 victory over St. Francis. McLemore was a perfect 7 for 7 for 192 yards and all three TD’s in the first half. He didn’t throw his first incompletion until 8:15 was left in the game.
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Ground attack, Clayton Valley
The Ugly Eagles’ four-headed monster of Makhi Gervais (48 yards, 2 touchdowns), Carson Sumter (66 yards, 1 TD) and Rayshawn Jackson 106 yards, 46 rushing) and Omari Taylor (120 rushing yards) showed out in Clayton Valley’s 41-0 win over Foothill. In total, Clayton Valley racked up an eye-popping 350 yards on the ground.
Gavin Cribb, Monte Vista
The junior running back made the most of his 19 carries, racking up 159 yards in the Mustangs’ thrilling 15-14 comeback win over California, including an 11-yarder to start off the game-winning drive.
@BayAreaSportsHQ @MVHS_Football Monte Vista RB Gavin Cribb had a big night in Friday’s dramatic win. He credited his teammates for what transpired. pic.twitter.com/vyLtR60dlI
— Matt Schwab (@schwab_matt) October 19, 2019
Santino Chavez, Pittsburg
Chavez didn’t enter the Pirates’ game against Liberty Friday night until the fourth quarter, when he took over for injured star quarterback Jerry Johnson. With Pittsburg trailing, he engineered a drive that ended with a 7-yard touchdown strike to Brian Andre Pierce to tie the game and force overtime, where Pittsburg prevailed 24-21.
Dorian Hale, De La Salle
Hale makes yet another appearance on this list as he rushed for 71 yards and a touchdown on just six carries. He added a passing touchdown for good measure in another Spartans win, beating San Ramon Valley 52-0.
Brian Andre Pierce, Pittsburg
The receiver caught 10 passes for 136 yards and two touchdowns, the first a 13-yard toss from Jerry Johnson in the first half and the second the pass from Chavez that sent the game against Liberty to overtime.