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Articles and Photos in GoldenStatePreps.com and the Scout.com Network by MySportsCred.com's Herb Lissade - Sports PhotoJournalist and Football/Basketball Scout .. Join GoldenStatePreps.com/Scout.com and stay connected with the latest in Prep Sports !!

 

GSP Profile: Chris Thoma
 
Chris Thoma
 
Chris Thoma
GoldenStatePreps.com
Posted Oct 20, 2009
 

 

Golden State Preps takes a look at the Woodland Pioneer athlete, Chris Thoma...

I got a call from David Cundiff’s dad, Greg, saying he had a kid he wanted me to take a look at. Well I promised I would take a look and I must say I was impressed. Who is this athlete, well his name is Chris Thoma. Chris is a solid running back at a school in the greater Sacramento area, Pioneer High School.

Chris Thoma was the ESPN Rise State Stat Player of the week (October 1, 2009). They reported that he rushed for a season high 341 yards and scored four touchdowns in the Patriots' 49-27 win over Foothill of Sacramento.

His stats are impressive as well. He’s averaging about 9 yards a carry and is just short of 1,000 yards after 5 games, with 13 touch downs to his credit. He’s got 3 kick off returns with 20, 80 and 26 yds – not bad.  Those stats have translated into success for his ream, which has 3 wins and 1 loss.

I had a chance to ask Thoma a few questions and this is what he had to say:

Please tell us about yourself:

I’m Chris Thoma I’m a senior at Pioneer High School in Woodland California I Play running back and my height is 6 1 and I weigh 200lbs. I have an overall GPA of 3.1 at this time.

You’ve had a great season so far, what do you attribute your success to?

My success this season has come from working hard on and off the field. I’ve spent a lot of time in the weight room during the off season. Working hard in the weight room is one of my key factors to success I believe.

What is your short list of schools you’d like to play for?

San Diego State
Cal Berkley
Stanford
Utah
Oregon State
Oregon
Fresno State
Hawaii
Arizona State
UC Davis
Cal Poly
 

What activities do you participate in outside football?

I like to play basketball and I enjoy snowboarding in the winter.

Do you, or have you, played any other sports?

I’ve Played AAU and NJB Basketball for many years a long with playing competitive Soccer for Sac united most of my life. Now I have been mainly focusing on Football the last two years.

How would your coach describe you as a player?

My coach would describe me as hard working being a team leader and also being a team player.

  What does “For the Love of the Game” mean to you? “For the Love of the Game” what this means to me is playing hard every time you step on the field. It also means playing with emotion and passion for the game of football. Giving a 100% whether it is a day at practice or playing for the section championship. Being motivated to reach your goals and be willing to do whatever it takes to achieve them.

It looks like Chris Thoma is well on his way to having a spectacular season.
 

 

St. Mary's-Jesuit Recap

 
 
GoldenStatePreps.com
Posted Sep 30, 2009
 

GoldenStatePreps.com takes a look at the tilt between the Stockton and Carmichael schools...

St. Mary’s of Stockton rolled into Sacramento to kick off the 2009 football season at Jesuit High School. It was a beautiful day for football. They showed why they are the 2008 Sac Joaquin Division I Champions. They played a convincing game against Jesuit. They claimed the Marauders field as their own that day. The only thing that kept the score from getting any bigger was that time had expired. It was a shut out at 48 to zero when I left the game with just a few minutes left. Jesuit has a storied past.

Jesuit must regroup and regain their composure if they are to compete in the Delta River League. I watched the two teams battle it out 2 years ago as Jesuit beat St. Mary’s in what was a solid victory. St. Mary’s went on to have a great season with their QB Cody Vaz. Hopefully Jesuit will find similar success in the coming season as St. Mary’s did 2 years ago after a season opener defeat. Jesuit went on to beat Golden Valley with a score of 42 to 28 in their second game of the season, but lost their third game to Christian Brothers 21 to 6.

St. Mary’s had a great second game against Bellarmine Prep, beating them 34 to 10 and rolled over Los Banos with a score of 39 to 7 In their 3rd game.  They are well on their way to repeating the prior years success.

Good luck to both teams.


 

 
GSP Profile: Devin Des Jarlais
 
Devin Des Jarlais
 
Devin Des Jarlais
GoldenStatePreps.com
Posted Sep 30, 2009
 

 

GoldenStatePreps.com takes a look at the Elk Grove (Calif.) Franklin receiver/defensive back, Devin Des Jarlais...

Devin Des Jarlais, #9 WR/DB, of Franklin High School of Elk Grove California has had a great start to his varsity football season. Devin stands at 6’ even and weighs in at 190 pounds.

The Franklin Wildcats defeated Sacred Heart of San Francisco in a "Battle of the Capital" with a 28 – 10 victory. On the offensive side of the ball, Devin had 5 catches for 192 yards including two touchdown catches of 58 and 72 yards.

Devin had catches that set up the teams other two touchdowns including a 22 yard reception where he ran a 9 yard out on third and long and turned it up field breaking four tackles while amassing RAC yardage - using many eligible receivers on plays to maximize quarterback options, and spreading the ball to many targets to keep the defense confused. The 192 yards set a school record for receiving yards in a game.

On the Defensive side of the football Devin had 12 tackles including two for loses a forced fumble and an interception. He also had another interception and return for a touchdown however it was called back because of 12 men on the field.

Devin was in the Sac Bee newspaper, a major paper in Sacramento County and the surrounding Capital area, under the High School Football section for Week 1 Stars.

In the Elk Grove Citizen Newspaper, local City Paper, Coach Mike Johnson was quoted as saying that this is the first time in the schools short 9 year history he has had a play making wide receiver.

Devin’s short list of potential schools he would like to play for is as follows:

1. Cal Poly
2. San Diego St.
3. Hawaii
4. Wisconsin
5. Boise St.
6. Fresno St.
7. San Jose St.
8. UN-Reno
9. Utah
10. North Dakota State
11. Cal
12. Michigan

Des Jarlais has been averaging about 27 yds. per reception and 6.3 tackles per game. I just talked to Devin’s dad and updated this article for Friday’s game against powerhouse Folsom High School. I plan to be there for the game and I hope Devin lights up the scoreboard. He is a player worth keeping an eye on. As the season moves on I will keep you all posted to Devin’s gridiron accomplishments.

 

 

(Pictures courtesy of Devin’s Dad)
Aug 11, 2009 Introduction 2012: Arik Armstead - A look at the Elk Grove Pleasant Grove athlete, who's following in some big footsteps...
Apr 10, 2009 Six Degrees of Separation- Hoop Style - GSP takes a closer look at Merced's Allen Huddleston...
Apr 8, 2009 Sacramento Hardwood's Finest - A look at the top five players in Sacramento from the hardwood this past season...
Apr 8, 2009 GSP Tribute: Marty McNeal - Golden State Preps.com's Herb Lissade pays tribute to longtime SacBee writer Marty McNeal...
Mar 25, 2009 Madkins Going to Chadron State - GSP takes a look at one of our profiled players and his decision to attend Chadron State...
Mar 1, 2009 GSP Preview: Diamond Coverage - GSP will cover baseball from Sacramento to Redding this spring...
Mar 1, 2009 CIF-SJS Girls Basketball Playoff Results - A look at the playoff picture for the girls playoffs in the CIF-SJS...
Feb 24, 2009 GSP Player Profile: Marcus Jackson - A look at the Sheldon High School four-year starter...
Feb 24, 2009 Pleasant Grove Prepares for CIF-SJS Playoffs - Tough 2008 season set the table for a succesful 2009 season as playoffs begin...
Feb 23, 2009 CIF-SacJoaquin Section Playoff Brackets - The race for Arco Arena is on with the CIF-SJS playoff brackets announced...
Feb 19, 2009 CIF-SacJoaquin Section Power Ratings - The Power Rankings are in for the CIF-SacJoaquin Section...
Feb 16, 2009 GSP Alum: Armond Armstead - A look at the former Elk Grove Pleasant Grove star and current USC Trojan...
Feb 16, 2009 Kennedy Still Available - Elk Grove Franklin quarterback has yet to sign...
Feb 13, 2009 CIF-SacJoaquin Section Power Ratings - A look at the hoops power rankings for the CIF-Sac Joaquin Section...
Feb 13, 2009 GSP Player Profile: RB Codey Ellenwood - Another look at the Palo Cedro Foothill running back...
Feb 13, 2009 GSP Player Profile: Pal Dhaliwal - A look at the Elk Grove Laguna Creek hardwood star...
Jan 27, 2009 GSP Player Profile: QB Mason Magelby - Golden State Preps.com takes a look at Loomis Del Oro quarterback Mason Magelby...

 

GSP Player Profile: Chris Avenant

 
 
GoldenStatePreps.com
Posted Jan 20, 2009
 

Golden State Preps.com takes a look at Sacramento High's Chris Avenant...

  With High School basketball in full swing, and the season being so short, it’s going to be difficult to see all of the teams, and the players, that I’d like to. That’s why going to tournaments is a great way to see some of the best talent around without having to travel all over the place. Case in point, Chris Avenant, of Sacramento High School. I will get an opportunity to watch him and other members of his Squad, such as Chase Tapley, take to the hard wood this week at the 2009 Hoops Classic Event at the California State University Sacramento.

   

  Let’s update you on Avenant and follow up with an in depth interview in a subsequent article.  

   Chris Avenant is a 6'4", 190 lb starter and co-captain of the Sacramento High Dragons, one of the top-ranked high school basketball teams in Northern California. In 2007-2008, in his first year of Varsity basketball, the Dragons went on to have the best season in the schools’ 150 year history, finishing with a record of 30-4 overall, 10-0 in the league, Div III NorCal Champions and runners-up in the California State Championship.

  In January 2009, Chris was nominated as a McDonald’s All-American, along with 5 other Sacramento players. In July 2008 Chris made the Top 20 All-Star team at the Hoop Mountain NE Super Week II Camp in Boston and the Senior All-Star team at the Double Pump West Coast All Star II Camp. On Scout.com they had this note after the West Coast camp: "Chris Avent (spelled wrong), 6-4 wing, 2009, Sacramento High - The high flying wing from Sac High was one of the top performers at the camp on Saturday. He was a bundle of energy, as he scored in transition on dunks, scored on jumpers and was overly aggressive looking to make plays on both ends of the court". We’ll have to get that spelling corrected.

  He is an exciting and athletic swingman with lots of upside potential who has shown great improvement in his game each year over the last 4 years that he has played basketball. He is a team player who works incredibly hard on offense and defense, on and off the court. He currently leads the team in rebounding and averages just under 10 points a game.

  Chris did not start playing basketball (in any form) until 4 years ago when he made a switch from competitive soccer. In his first full year of basketball (05/06) he made the starting roster of the Del Oro High Freshman Basketball team, and then went on to captain the JV team the following year (06/07). He averaged more than 15 points a game during his JV season, finishing as the team’s top scorer and MVP (Golden Eagle Award).

  Chris is interested in playing ball for the following colleges, but is also open to talking to other schools that may be interested in him:

  Northeastern Huskies (Boston)
U Penn
San Diego State
Oregon Ducks
Arizona State Sun Devils
Arizona Wildcats
Boston College Eagles
DePaul Demons
Providence Friars
CS Fullerton Titans

 
Chris at the 2008 Hoops Classic.

   Sac High is such a talented team. Chris being named a co-captain is a testament to his skills as a player and a leader. You can follow Chris’s, and his team’s progress, at www.SacHighHoops.com. This is the official school website, and one of the best school sites I’ve seen. You’ll find highlights of Chris doing his thing, slamming it down. You’ll also find highlights of Chris in his Scout.com player profile. Check him out; you will be pleasantly surprised, intrigued and wanting to see more. A D1 attraction and ticket seller – Chris Avenant.

 
One on One.. Chris Avenant guards Klay Thompson, Santa Margarita H.S. and now at Washington,  during the State Finals at Arco - 2008.


 


 

 

 

 

 

 

GSP Player Profile: PGHS' Shauwn Brooks
Shauwn Brooks
 
Shauwn Brooks
GoldenStatePreps.com
Posted Jan 16, 2009
 

Golden State Preps.com takes a look at Pleasant Grove HS point guard Shauwn Brooks...

  Pleasant Grove High School, PG, is loaded with talent. The young school has found its groove on the hard wood this season. With a group of solid varsity players, that includes senior D1 recruit Xavier Thames, they are off to a near perfect season. Under the leadership of new head coach John K. Deponte, formerly of Valley High School, PG is in a position to make it deep into the post season this year.

  One of PG’s star players is Ra’Shauwn, aka Shauwn, Brooks # 15 – senior, a 6’4” – 205 pound guard/forward. He’s averaging 15 points per game, 5 rebounds per game, 1 steal per game. He’s quick on the floor and at shooting the 3 pointer as well. His production on the floor is consistent. He’s truly a clutch player. Shauwn has received interest from a host of D1 schools.

  Mr. Brooks likes to throw the ball up, from time to time, and make a direct delivery to the basket. He had a great game against Sheldon High School, a local powerhouse, which PG won. Shauwn also had a good game against Franklin High School of Elk Grove. Franklin High School has been deemed the clear favorite by the local paper and everyone else second. Well, PG beat them by 11 points and a rematch is in the schedule.

 
Darius Nelson, an extraordinary player and sibling to Demarcus Nelson formerly of the NBA’s Golden State Warrior’s, attempts to block Brooks’s basket.

     

 

 

  Brooks is averaging 15 points per game. With 11 games into the season Shauwn’s team has only lost 1 game, and it was by only 2 points. With another month of basketball ahead of him, with some of the regions toughest teams, Brooks will be able to apply his skills in helping PG reach their goal of a post season birth.

  Rocklin High School’s Blue Chip recruit, Brendan Lane, post up on Brooks an attempts to steal the ball.

    Brendan Lane fouls Brooks at a Cal invitational last spring.

    Brook’s signature shot.

    Coach Deponte had this to say about Brooks:

  “Shauwn is one of the best pure shooters in high school basketball.  He can make shots spotting up or pulling up off of the dribble.  He has added two new dimensions to his offensive game, which has improved our offense’s effectiveness.  He is now taking his man off of the dribble and attacking the basket to score or to draw a second defender to set up a teammate for a kick out pass to them. Shauwn knows that he must improve his defense and has been working hard at doing just that. “

 
Coach Deponte, left in red shirt, watches as Shauwn drives to score against Darius Nelson #21.

    Shauwn’s interested in playing at the next level and has a short list, but is also interested in what other programs may have to offer. He’s currently interested in playing at:

  Cal
Stanford
Oregon
UC Riverside
UC Irvine
Pepperdine
Sacramento State
  Which ever school Brooks chooses to attend will receive a strong player that has gone head to head with some of the best and biggest players in the state. He can put it on the floor, drive the ball, and pop up for the solid three or drive it in for the guaranteed two. Give him a look, you will not be disappointed.

 
Just another day in the office for Brooks. Some folks load up at the water cooler, Brooks loads up at the

 

 

 

 

 

 

GSP Player Profile: QB Trevor Mew
Trevor Mew
 
Trevor Mew
GoldenStatePreps.com
Posted Jan 12, 2009
 

Golden State Preps.com look at the Ceres Central Valley quarterback, Trevor Mew, in this GSP Player Profile...

Trevor Mew # 10, starting QB for Central Valley H.S. in Ceres California, is one the most accomplished QB’s in the state. He’s a pro- style QB with incredible stats. Mew stands 6’2” tall and weighs in 195 pounds, about where you want a D1 QB to be coming out of high school.

Where’s Mew ranked? What are his stats? What awards has he received? Well here you go:

Ranked (After Regular Season)
# 1 = Sac Joaquin Section
# 1 = Stanislaus District
# 6 = State of California

2008 Varsity Statistics
- 2958 yards
- 29 TD’s 8 INT’s
- 182 Completions / 248 Attempts
- 73% Completion Percentage
- QB Rating 138

Career Statistics – 2006-2007-2008 = 3 year varsity starter
- Yards – 5623 yards
- TD’s – 45
- Completion percentage – 65%

Varsity Awards –
- 2007 – All Conference (Valley Oak League) – Quarterback
- 2007 – Offensive MVP (Central Valley High ) – Team
- 2008 – 1st Team All Stanislaus District - Quarterback
- 2008 – Valley Oak League – Offensive Player Of The Year
- 2008 – 1st Team All Conference (Valley Oak League) – Quarterback
- 2008 - Most Valuable Player (Central Valley High) – Team

Very impressive stats and Cody Vaz, St. Mary’s of Stockton’s QB, comes to mind with numbers like those.

Here’s what Head Coach Tim Garcia had to say about his Senior QB.

“Trevor Mew is a very gifted quarterback who I believe has ALL the qualities to play at the next level. Trevor has a tremendous work ethic, leadership skills, and knowledge of the game that separates him from athletes his age. He is a 3-year varsity starter at quarterback who has developed into one of the states best at his position. He is VERY competitive, coach able, intelligent, and DISCIPLINED. Trevor finished # 1 QB in the Sac Joaquin Section, #1 Stanislaus District and # 6 in the state of California. He has goals and dreams of playing college football and truly deserves the opportunity to fulfill his dreams and get a quality education. I know that Trevor Mew will be an asset to any school and football program that he attends. I HIGHLY recommend Trevor Mew as a college prospect at the quarterback position and hope that you will give him the opportunity he deserves! I wish him the best of luck in all his endeavors!”

Mew’s accomplishments on the field make him a prospect worth looking at. He’s had some interest from D1 schools. Some of the schools he’d like to play for can be found below, but Mew is also interested in what other programs may have to offer as well.

Penn State
Cal
Oregon
Portland State
Sacramento State
Humboldt State
New Mexico State
Hawaii

I watched Mew’s highlight film and was truly impressed. He’s got a quick release and can move on his feet as well. While he has no yards rushing in his stats, the highlight tells another story. Also, with so many yards passing, someone’s got to be catching the ball. There’s definitely some talented receivers on that team, so we’ll be back to take a look at those players as well.

With a completion percentage of 73 this season, QB Rating of 138, throwing for over 300 yards in 7 of his 10 games this year, and a NCAA Qualifier, Mew is ready to go. If your program is in need of a pro-style QB who can thread that needle, then give Trevor Mew a hard look.
 

 

 

 


GSP Player Profile: QB Adam Kennedy
Adam Kennedy
 
Adam Kennedy
GoldenStatePreps.com
Posted Oct 13, 2008
 

Elk Grove (Calif.) Franklin quarterback Adam Kennedy is emerging as a player to watch in Northern California and Golden State Preps.com takes a look at the strong-armed signal caller...

Adam Kennedy is the epitome of what a High School football Quarterback should be. He’s 6’-5” and 205 pounds. He plays for Franklin High School of Elk Grove, California. On the field he’s incredible to watch. He’s a natural at his position with the physical attributes to match. Adam’s received calls from the D1 schools in the local area that are trying to recruit him and this is my take on this incredible talent.

When I’m watching him play I know that if matched with players of his caliber at the next level he will truly reach his potential. I’ve watched his game film and was awed at the prospect of introducing such a talent to the Scout.com national network, let alone to GSP. This prompted me to attend his last game, which he won against Sheldon High School of Elk Grove. Franklin H.S. has had rough pre-season playing some of the best schools in the area.

I must say that I’m impressed at what Adam brings to the most important position on the field. He keeps the other team guessing as to what he’s going to do. It’s obvious that he knows how to read the defense and takes advantage of any weakness he sees. He’s not afraid to take a hit. Adam is definitely a natural at the QB position.

When a scout or coach looks at a Quarterback, whether high school, college or the pros, there’s certain qualities they look for. Many scouts have a checklist that includes physical, mental, and personality traits that they look for. These traits impact a quarterback’s success on the field. My checklist includes arm strength, competiveness, intelligence, mobility, release, size, and vision. This is the first time that I was able to check off every box.

 

Strength:

Adam’s arm strength is great. He throws the ball with such velocity that it doesn’t give the defense time to react. Hopefully when he’s paired up with premiere receivers at the next level they’ll be able to handle the rockets that he throws.

Competiveness:

Just watch a high light tape of Adam and that’ll be enough said. No one works harder on the field then Adam. When he’s not putting It in the air or in some ones hands, he’s running the ball himself and usually for a nice gain.

Intelligence:

Well I won’t go into Adam’s 3.3 + high school GPA and 1650 SAT. We’ll stick to football and I’ll just say that Adam seems to have a very high QB IQ. Adam has to know what every other skill player’s role is on the team, assess the situation on the fly, and make adjustments as necessary. The adjustment may mean running the ball himself, as he sometimes does to the dismay of the defense.

Mobility:

A QB’s mobility is just as important as his intelligence or arm strength. A QB that can move his feet and throw on the fly is a dangerous one. A QB doesn’t have to be speedy, but just able to move quickly and effortlessly behind the line of scrimmage. This comes in handy when a QB has inadequate pass protection as well. Adam knows how to move and move well.

Release:

Adam has an exceptional arm as well as a great quick release. It’s been said that QB’s with quick release’s are born with that ability while others have to work at it, but will never be great.

Size:

A quarterback that is 6’5” and 225 pounds is considered ideal for the NFL. Given Adam’s age I think hitting the 225 pound mark is a matter of time, since he’s 6’5” and 205 pounds now. 

Vision:

A QB has to have the sense of where to look, how to scan, look for the open man, read the defenses’ secondary all while keeping an eye on what’s happening near the line. Adam has great vision on the field and being 6’5” gives him a commanding view of the grid iron.

I was able to check off all the boxes for the attributes I mentioned above as it pertains to Adam. There’s been a lot written on Adam in the local papers, including that he’s the hottest quarterback in the region, and rightfully so.  For those who love stats, his stats are as follows:

40 completions against 76 attempts (53% completion) for 643 yds. Total passing. Adam has 263 yards rushing on 56 carries for an average of about 5 yds per carry. He has 4 touch downs so far this season.

Adam played basketball, the guard position, with Xavier Thames as a youth. Adam chose football while Xavier “X” Thames chose basketball. How uncanny that both athletes’ chose different paths but have both excelled at their chosen sport. Playing basketball must have added to the dexterity that Adam shows on the field. How many QB’s do you know that can dunk a basketball? Because Adam can.

Adam has seven schools of interest and is open to others as well. He’s interested in Sacramento State, UC Davis, Washington, Fresno State, Arizona, Boise State and San Diego State. If you have room in your program for a talented QB then make sure to give Adam a hard look. He’s the kind of QB that the opposing teams’ defense hates, but a football fan loves to watch. He keeps the ball moving forward

 

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