By Ronnie Flores, Senior Editor

Note: Today we continue our look at the top players from within the CIF Southern Section. This team includes players from the South Bay region near the port of Los Angeles and players who attend schools on the Westside near Los Angeles International Airport. Next up from within the CIF Southern Section is the San Fernando-Santa Clarita Valley Region of Los Angeles County. Make sure you follow us at twitter.com/calhisports as we'll do our best to give you live updates from the big games we attend all season long. You can also follow us on Facebook. Please join our Facebook group by CLICKING HERE 

Offense

WR -- Kevin Anderson (Lakewood) 5-10, 170 Sr.
The favorite target of Elite 11 QB Jessie Scroggins last season, Anderson hauled in 50 passes for 762 yards and 11 touchdowns. He followed up last season's performance with an excellent showing at the L.A. Nike Camp. He came through with a dominant performance during the one-on-one's and has since made a verbal to Arizona State. The Lancers have two other above average wide outs in Chris Davis and Ron Lewis. Davis scored two touchdowns against Crenshaw and all three of them ran solid routes, but were unable to break away from the defensive backs despite ample time created by the offensive line.    

WR -- Paul Richardson Jr. (Serra, Gardena) 6-0, 165 Sr.
Last season, Richardson made the preseason all-Orange County team at Los Alamitos but will spend his senior season at Serra, where he'll reunite with Pop Warner running mate Robert Woods. Last season, we joked about Richardson catching more touchdown passes than his father, Paul Sr., did during his senior season at University High in Los Angeles in 1986. Son almost did what father did, hauling in 13 touchdowns on 48 receptions to give him 22 career touchdown receptions going into his senior season. He might not match that production this year playing alongside "Woodie" and jr. George Farmar, but his contributions will be key if the Cavs are to win the CIFSS Northwest Division title.

WR - Kaelin Clay (Poly, Long Beach) 5-10, 170 Sr.
The selection of Clay is a bit tumultuous in light of his first game performance against Servite. Clay is coming off a season in which he caught 20 passes for 564 yards, averaging 28.4 yards per catch, and scoring six touchdowns. Included in his performance was four catches for 92 yards and a score in the loss to Grant of Sacramento in the CIF Open Division title game. Those numbers came with a veteran quarterback throwing him the ball behind a powerful running game that could strike at any moment. Against Servite, the running game was shaky and Clay had a potential touchdown pass go through his hands in the end zone and dropped a first down pass on the first drive of the second half when Poly trailed 16-7 and was still in the game. Those are the kind of plays Clay needs to make if Poly is to survive its non-league slate and keep its Moore League winning streak intact.

OT -- Ma'Autua Brown (Paramount) 6-5, 300 Jr.
Brown is one of the better underclass prospects in the region and should develop into one of the best players in the San Gabriel Valley League this year. He definitely passes the eye-ball test and showed flashes of brilliance at last spring's L.A. Nike Camp.

OG -- Jim Yukevich (Palos Verdes) 6-6, 275 Sr.
This lineman for the Sea Kings has a great frame and the ability to add size and muscle down the line. Already he's one of the strongest lineman in the region. In fact, he was among the strongest o-lineman at attendance at the L.A. Nike Camp. His 42-foot Power Ball throw was the best of all the linemen in attendance.  

C -- Filo Fonoti (Mayfair, Lakewood) 6-2, 255 Jr.
The Monsoons have dominated the Suburban League for the past eight seasons and even though they have graduated 17 starters, the coaching staff is optimistic they'll continue their 48-game league winning streak because of talents such as Fonoti. He's a good athlete who is probably more of a defensive tackle prospect on the next level, but he fits best on the offensive side of the ball on this team. Besides, Mayfair returns two solid runners in Keith Harvey and Dominique Small that should propel its offense.

OG -- Jerell Gordon (Compton) 6-3, 320 Sr.
The Tarbabes will once again be formidable on the lines and Gordon is their most versatile player in the trenches. In their Wing T offense, Gordon will help blow open holes for back James McConico, who averaged 17.1 yards per carry last season. On defense, he was credited with 16 tackles and a sack last season. At the Long Beach Nike Combine, he also displayed good athleticism, recording a 80.34 SPARQ Rating* that included 37-foot Power Ball toss.

OT -- Eduardo Nevarez (Compton) 6-5, 355 Sr.
A repeat selection on this team, Nevarez earned second team all-state underclass honors last season as the Compton running game continues to be a strong suit under coach Calvin Bryant. One thing to keep an eye on is Nevarez's weight. At a Nike Combine in 2007, he checked in at 327 pounds. Last spring at the Long Beach Nike Combine, he weighed 341 and he tipped the scales at the L.A. Nike Camp at 355. If he can keep a steady weight and continue to improve, he could become a steal for some program on the next level.

RB -- James McConico (Compton) 5-11, 190 Sr.
Running behind a massive offensive line and getting the ball at opportunistic times in Compton's Wing-T offense, McConico bolted for 1,234 yards last season and averaged 17.1 yards per carry. We've seen published reports of McConico averaging close to 30 yards per carry and the popular 19.9. As compilers of the state record book, we did some investigative work into McConico's numbers. We verified with area coaches that McConico's numbers are legit, because the Compton coaching staff used him in advantageous situations and quite frankly, because he's a talented back that's been offered by five Pac-10 schools plus others. Checking out his number on Maxpreps.com, his numbers make sense, expect for the fact he's credited with 91 yards and zero carries against cross-town Dominguez. He carried the ball 10 times against the Dons to give him 72 lugs for the season, with a reported average that is the third best mark in state history for backs between 50 and 99 carries in a season.

RB -- Ken Bassett (Beverly Hills) 5-9, 165 Sr.
Earned all-CIFSS Western Division honors last year after rushing for 1,414 yards and scoring 14 rushing touchdowns for a 8-4 Normans club. At the L.A. Nike Combine this past spring, Bassett proved to be a fine athlete with a SPARQ Rating of 80.58 that included a 34.0 inch vertical jump, a 36.5 foot
Power Ball toss and a 4.69 in the 40. Bassett is hoping to parlay a big senior season into a D1 scholarship.

QB --Jessie Scroggins (Lakewood) 6-2, 190 Sr.
Even before his junior season, veteran observer Frank Burlison of the Long Beach Press-Telegram was calling Scroggins the best quarterback in the Moore League since Long Beach Poly's Chris Lewis in the late 1990s. After observing him in his first game of the 2008 season, it was evident he could make difficult throws look ordinary and that he would stick in the pocket and check down before he took off running, unlike many talented high school quarterbacks. After a junior season in which he threw for 2,556 yards and 24 touchdowns against only 10 interceptions, Scroggins was the best overall signal-caller in attendance at the L.A. Nike Camp. Since then the Elite 11 invitee has committed to USC. In Lakewood's first game this season, Scroggins looked bigger and stronger than he did last season and his line give his ample time to operate for the most part. He can put the ball right where it needs to be, but has to learn to take something off of his intermediate throws so his receivers can make the catch.

K -- Jake Schmidt (Santa Monica) 6-0, 185 Sr.
As a junior, Schmidt booted four field goals and nailed 41 extra-point attempts. Except his numbers to climb this upcoming season.

Defense

DE -- Ty'vion Jackson (Verbum Dei, Los Angeles) 6-0, 265 Sr.
Teamed with Noel Beckles to give the Eagles a formidable 1-2 punch on the defensive line. With Beckles now graduated, Jackson will likely get more attention from opposing offensive lines so it will be interesting to see if he can improve upon his junior numbers. Last season, he was credited with 37 tackles, 24 assists, two sacks and 15 tackles for loss.

NG -- Marcus Howard (Inglewood) 6-1, 250 Sr.
This three-year starter can play on both sides of the ball, but fits best in the middle of the line on this team. He's one  of four returning starters on defense for a Sentinels team that is looking to improve upon its .500 won-loss record from last year. We'll get to see what Inglewood has to offer right away as they open the season on the road at Quartz Hill, the defending CIFSS Western Division Champions.

DE -- Justin Utupo (Lakewood) 6-2, 230 Sr.
One of the best overall players in this region, Utupo is somewhat overlooked on his team because of all the offensive firepower surrounding QB Jessie Scroggins. As a junior, he put up great numbers which included a reported 78 tackles, an amazing 30 for loss and 10 sacks. At the L.A. Nike Camp, he displayed the strength and explosiveness that would make up for any perceived lack. He's been offered by schools all over the country and has already give a verbal to Notre Dame. In Lakewood's opener, he even caught a six-yard touchdown pass from Scroggins.

LB -- Jason Gibson (Serra, Gardena) 6-3, 210 Jr.
Lost in all the hoopla surrounding the Cavaliers' fine skill-position talent, Gibson is the one to watch in the trenches. As a sophomore, he earned all-CIFSS Northwest Division honors after racking up 36 solo tackles, 31 assists and 10 sacks for a 13-1 team that advanced to the division finals. In that game, the Cavs could move the ball offensively, but couldn't stop Oaks Christian up front. If they play in a rematch somewhere down the line in this year's post-season, all eyes will be on Gibson and company because the Lions might be even stronger on offense this season.

LB -- Victor Burnett (Culver City) 5-11, 215 Sr.
After a sophomore season that saw Burnett rack up 73 solos and 76 assists, he had another productive season as a junior, tallying 90 solos, 92 assists and 10 sacks. At last spring's L.A. Nike Camp, he displayed good feet and the ability to change direction. A repeat selection on this team, Burnett was a second team all-state underclass choice last season and is fielding offers from D1 schools all over the West in addition to Nebraska and Oklahoma.

LB -- Desmond Williams (Lynwood) 6-2, 210 Sr.
Williams is a perfect example of how ESPN RISE produced events can greatly benefit players that want to compete. As relative unknown during his junior season for the Knights, Williams attended a Nike Combine in NorCal last spring. All he did there was pull off a 110.10 SPARQ Rating, which included an excellent 40 time of 4.45, a 4.84 20-yard shuttle, a 42-foot Power Ball toss and a 32.4 inch vertical jump. At the Stanford Nike Camp, he was the runner-up for MVP among linebackers, as he proved he's more than just a workout warrior.

LB -- Princeton Fuimaono (Jordan, Long Beach) 6-1, 190 Sr.
Plays outside linebacker for the Panthers, but is athletic and fast enough to one day play safety on the next level. He had a productive summer during passing league competitions and was a standout at the L.A. Nike Camp. A repeat selection on this team, "Bobo" was credited with 56 tackles, 38 assists and three sacks last season for a Jordan team that surprised Lakewood with a 21-14 victory and tied for second place in the Moore League. Jordan is the last Moore League team to defeat Poly back in 1994 and they think they can be the ones to do it again with the team they have this season.      

ROV -- Taumoelau Kaveinga (Leuzinger, Lawndale) 5-11, 200 Sr.
Yet another top performer at a Nike Football Training Camp, Kaveinga shined at the University of Oregon NFTC. Like his older brother, USC linebacker and former first team all-state pick Uona, the younger Kaveinga plays linebacker for the Olympians but showed he has the speed and cover ability to play safety on the next level. As a junior, he was credited with 98 solo tackles, 29 assists, six sacks and two fumble recoveries. Already holding an offer from UNLV, Kaveinga hopes to attract offers from bigger programs with Oregon, Oregon State and USC atop his list.

DB -- Robert Woods (Serra, Gardena) 6-1, 185 Sr.
Another repeat selection, Woods is a cinch pick for this team and just might be the most explosive player on both sides on the ball in the state. He cracked the varsity lineup as a ninth grader and was the Del Rey League defensive MVP as a sophomore after recording nine interceptions. As a junior, he added seven interceptions and entered his senior season with 18 career picks after tallying two as a ninth grader. On top of that, he was considered the state's best receiver as an 11th-grader, after hauling in 81 catches for 1,378 yards and 19 touchdowns. He added a pick and six receptions in Serra's opening game win and could be one of those rare talents that ends up on the state's all-time list for both touchdown receptions and interceptions.

DB -- Jim Quinones (El Segundo) 5-9, 170 Sr.
He's surrounded by a plethora of D1 talent on this defense, but Quinones is a fine player and athlete in his own right. Also a standout baseball player, J.Q. makes this team after racking up 62 solo tackles, 19 assists and five interceptions for a team that advanced to the CIFSS Northwest Division semifinals and lost by only a touchdown (35-28) to Gardena Serra. Quinones can also contribute on special teams and caught 13 passes to boot.

DB -- Dion Bailey (Lakewood) 6-1, 185 Sr.
Bailey started his prep career at corner back, but after switching to safety he earned first team all-state underclass honors after recording 72 tackles and nine interceptions. At the L.A. Nike Camp, he displayed the ability to to play both corner and safety and drew high marks from DB coach Eugene Jackson. "He played bigger than his actual size and showed good closing speed in the one on ones.” Bailey is a big hitter, but in this season's opener vs. Crenshaw he didn't play his best game, but his services will definitely be needed if Lakewood is to win the CIFSS Pac-Five Division title.

P -- John Timu (Jordan, Long Beach) 6-0, 190 Sr.
Another repeat selection, we cheated a little bit by putting Timu on the team as a punter. He boomed 32 punts for 1,274 yards (39.8 avg.), with a long of 54 yards. But putting Timu on the team as a punter is actually a knock to his overall talent. Jessie Scroggins notwithstanding, Timu is the best all-around talent in the Moore League. The Washington commit passed for 1,395 yards and 15 touchdowns against only seven interceptions. He added 642 yards and five touchdowns rushing. On defense, he added 27 tackles, two interceptions and caused a fumble. At the L.A. Nike Camp, he worked out with the wide receivers but he could DB on the next level.

Multi-Purpose

LB/RB -- Kellen Lockwood (Mira Costa, Manhattan Beach) 6-3, 200 Sr.
Helped the Mustangs advance to the CIFSS Western Division finals by racking up 78 solo tackles, 48 assists, four sacks, two fumble recoveries and two interceptions. The all-Western Division choice can also run the ball, as he finished with 604 yards rushing and five touchdowns. Lockwood needs to improve his speed to play linebacker on the next level, but he's strong (35-foot Power Ball toss) and a solid enough athlete (28.1 inch vertical jump) to make the transition.     

WR/DB -- George Farmer (Serra, Gardena) 6-2, 200 Jr.
Next season, Farmar just might be as highly-regarded as teammate Robert Woods is this year. He's already been offered by schools all across the country, including Florida, Oklahoma and Texas, and still has two years to play at this level. He was considered one of the country's best sophomores last season after hauling in 31 receptions for 523 yards and seven touchdowns on offense and coming up with 21 tackles and 10 assists in the defensive secondary. In this year's season opener, Farmer caught two touchdown passes and his numbers could be spectacular since teams will be keying on Woods in Serra's vaunted passing attack.          

RB/DB/WR -- Austin Mahr (St. John Bosco, Bellflower) 5-8, 170 Sr.
Last season this multi-purpose spot was reserved for the Braves' Keith Price, who is now at the University of Washington. How do you replace Price? Like Bosco coach Kiki Mendoza said, "you don't." Still, Mahr gives Braves' fans a reason to cheer. Last season, he rushed for 491 yards and four touchdowns, caught 18 passes for 321 yards and three more scores, while contributing 18 tackles as a defensive back. You can expect those numbers to double this season. In the season-opener against state No. 2 St. Bonaventure, Mahr was a bright spot in a 34-10 loss. He gained 70 yards on 15 carries and also had an interception of defense.    

QB/DB/WR -- James Grisom (Lynwood) 6-0, 175 Sr.
Grisom is a jack-of-all-trades that should help the Knights enjoy yet another successful campaign after posting a 8-3-1 record last year. Last year, he passed for 1,320 yards with 11 touchdowns against seven interceptions. He'd like to cut down on the turnovers and he should be able to with added experience. At last spring's Stanford Nike Camp, he displayed good cover skills and has solid speed (4.64 40) for the next level. He can play all over the field and even took some reps at the NFTC with the running backs and tight ends.

LB/TE/DL -- Andrew Suttles (Poly, Long Beach) 6-2, 210 Sr.
One of the few players on Poly's roster who will contribute both ways, Suttles' leadership on defense will go a long ways towards Poly enjoying yet another successful season. With so many underclassmen and new players in the lineup, Suttles moves to middle linebacker after playing a reserve role on a senior-oriented defense last season, where he racked up 10 tackles and broke up two passes. He doesn't have top-end sideline-to-sideline speed, but he has solid tackling skills. Another top-notch defender for the Jackrabbits is Corey Waller, a junior who was in on over 20 tackles, recorded three sacks and forced two fumbles as a sophomore. In the loss to Servite, the 'backers weren't wrapping up and the ends were getting sucked in, so those are two areas that will need drastic improvement against St. Bonaventure this week.    

LB/TE/DB -- Joshua Gavert  (Mayfair, Lakewood) 6-0, 190 Sr.
One of the top defenders in the Suburban League, Gavert collected 32 tackles, 26 assists and came up with 2.5 sacks for the Monsoons as a junior. He athletic enough to play safety on passing downs and the San Diego State commit doubles as a tight end on offense. Another linebacker to keep your on eye from the region that just missed making this team is Artesia's T.J. Tamatuia.

*Taking the standard measurements of a football combine, the SPARQ Rating weighs and combines the 40-yard dash, 20-yard shuttle, vertical jump and Power Ball toss bench press into a single number that serves as a benchmark for an athlete's overall athleticism. Thus, football players can track the progress of their training, through occasional tests, and compare SPARQ Ratings with teammates, training partners and competitors. To learn more about the SPARQ Rating, go to sparqtraining.com.