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 San Fernando and Santa Clarita Valley regions of Los Angeles County. Some players from schools in the southwest portion of Ventura County are also eligible for this team, but does not include schools in the cities of Oxnard or Ventura. Players from the high desert communities off Highway 14 also also included on this team. Next up within the CIF Southern Section is the vast Inland Empire region. 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 -- Zach Tartabull (Valencia) 6-0, 185 Sr.
A repeat selection, Tartabull followed up a 40-catch sophomore season by hauling in 51 receptions for 1,118 yards and 10 touchdowns last season. This returning all-CIFSS Northern Division choice can also play in the defensive secondary and came up with 34 tackles and two interceptions last season. The son of former MLB outfielder Danny Tartabull, Zach is also a track standout by his prefers the gridiron over the diamond.

WR -- Blake Stanton (Crespi, Encino) 6-1, 190 Sr.
Stanton replaces Kevin Cummings as the Celts' wideout on this team. Actually, Stanton made this team last year as a multi-purpose selection, but he's a better fit at receiver this time around. As a junior, Stanton hauled in 45 receptions for 659 yards and scored twice. He also added 24 tackles in the defensive secondary and this year he hopes to find day dirt more often for a team that figures to bounce back from a poor ending to its 2008 season. Stanton is a fine athlete who also excels on the basketball court.

TE -- Christian Thomas (Highland, Palmdale) 6-4, 240 Sr.
Not only the top tight end in this region, but one of the best in the Western United States, period. As a junior, Thomas hauled in 30 plus catches for the second consecutive season, finishing with 32 receptions for a stellar 688 yards and eight touchdowns. The all-CIFSS Western Division choice can also play defensive end and finished his junior season with 26 tackles and a sack. The returning first team all-state underclass choice has also been offered by a plethora of Pac-10 and SEC schools, including USC and LSU.   

OT -- Ben Gottschalk (Notre Dame, Sherman Oaks) 6-4, 260 Sr.
One of the state's most highly-honored returning players is this lineman off one of the top-ranked teams in California. As a junior, Gottschalk earned all-CIFSS Pac-Five Division honors, first team all-state underclass honors and was named the Serra League Lineman of the Year. He's been offered by UNLV and New Mexico State and looked impressive in the Golden Knights' season-opening victory in Texas on Labor Day Monday.

OG -- Hroniss Gansu (Crespi, Encino) 6-3, 250, Sr.
Another repeat selection that has been a three-year regular for the Celts, Gansu is headed for the University of Oregon. But first, he and his Crespi teammates have some unfinished business after missing the playoff last season. More of a defensive line prospect, Gansu fits bets on offense here and he got his senior season off on the right foot. In a 58-0 blowout of Lancaster, Gansu led a defensive charge that gave up a paltry 39 total yards for the entire game. The Celts are going to need similar defensive performances in the coming weeks if they want to keep moving up in the state top 25 rankings.  

C -- Michael Lorenzo (Westlake, Westlake Village) 6-1, 243 Sr.
Something you like to see in all lineman is that they spend time in the weight room and Lorenzo definitely does that. He has good feet and is athletic (28.8 inch vertical jump) too, but is a little small to play on the outside. He plays tackle for the Warriors, but he'll likely be a center on the next level so that's where he plays on this team.

OG -- Sergio Figueroa (Alemany, Mission Hills) 6-1, 225 Jr.
Alemany coach Dean Herrington told us in the preseason that he's real excited about his lines and it showed in Alemany's 28-17 loss to state No. 1 Oaks Christian. Although Malcolm Jones did gain 275 yards, it took him 37 carries plus the defensive line forced Nate Montana to misfire on 15 of his 27 passes. Figueroa is Alemany's most highly-regarded returnee in the trenches, as he gains high marks for his intelligence. He was a all-CIFSS Western Division pick in 2008 as a sophomore.

OT -- Shane Moniz (Canyon, Canyon Country) 6-3, 260 Sr.
The Cowboys have always been known for having rugged lineman with strength and Moniz fits in perfectly in that category. At the Long Beach Nike Combine last spring, Moniz's 48-foot Power Ball toss was one of the best we saw at any 2009 combine.

RB -- Kenny Boggs (Notre Dame, Sherman Oaks) 5-6, 160 Sr.
He's diminutive, but Boggs takes a backseat to no back in this region or in SoCal. Last year as a junior, he rushed for 1,028 yards on 142 carries and scored 19 rushing touchdowns for a squad then went 11-1. Boggs was an all-CIFSS Pac-Five Division selection as a junior and is off to a fins start as a senior. In the Golden Knights' 37-7 victory over Klein Oak in Texas, Boggs rushed for 76 yards and three touchdowns and displayed the ability to catch the ball, not to mention put a nice stiff-arm on bigger defenders.

RB -- Kyle Brooks (Quartz Hill) 5-9, 165 Sr.
While Boggs is undersized, Brooks is generally overlooked by prep football fans outside the High Desert. All he did as a junior was lead Quartz Hill to the CIFSS Western Division title by rushing for 1,465 yards while averaging 10 yards per carry. He scored 16 touchdowns rushing and added another receiving on 17 receptions. He added 30 tackles and two interceptions and was named the Western Division Offensive Player of the Year for his efforts. At the L.A. Nike Camp, his 93.21 SPARQ Rating included a 4.68 40 and a 35.9 inch vertical jump.  

QB -- Bryan Bennett (Crespi, Encino) 6-2, 170 Sr.
Here's another three-year starter and repeat selection from Crespi that is looking to bounce back from and up and down junior campaign. Bennett completed 55 percent of his passes for 1,622 yards, but threw 9 TDs against 10 interceptions. It's not as if Bennett doesn't have an accurate arm, as he was one of the most accurate, if not the most accurate, QB in attendance at the L.A. Nike Camp. Bennett also knows how to take something off the ball and throw it with zip when needed. He's given a verbal to Oregon and would like nothing more than to close his prep career by leading the Celts to their second CIFSS Pac-Five title game appearance in three years.

K -- Steven Puchini (Moorpark) 5-11, 165 Sr.
Nailed seven field goals and added 34 extra-points as a junior. For his efforts, he was named to the all-CIFSS Northern Division team.

Defense

DE -- Todd Davis (Paraclete, Lancaster) 6-2, 225 Sr.
A repeat selection, Davis had a monster junior campaign to follow up on a tenth-grade campaign that saw him rack up 31 tackles, 52 assists, and 11 sacks. We love the honesty of the Paraclete stat man as Davis was credited with 50 solos, 111 assists and 14 sacks while earning all-CIFSS Mid-Valley Division honors for the Spirits. Davis is quick (4.38 20-yard shuttle) athletic (33.2 inch vertical) and most importantly, gives maximum effort on every snap.

NG -- Steve Dillon (Palmdale) 6-4, 240 Jr.
The sleeper pick on this defense, Dillon is primed for a breakout season for a Falcons team that has high hopes of winning the CIFSS Western Division title. He's more of a natural end, but is best suited for the middle on this team. He can also play tight end. Last season, he racked up 32 solo tackles, 11 assists, caused and recovered a fumble and recorded 5.5 sacks.

DE -- Reggie Coats (Crespi, Encino) 6-0, 225 Jr.
This talented underclass player shined in Crespi's season-opening victory over Lancaster and should enjoy a fine season. As a sophomore, he contributed 20 solo tackles and two sacks. Teammates give him rave reviews and he also looked good at the Stanford Nike Camp, taking reps at both tackle and end.   
 
LB -- Anthony Espinoza (Alemany, Mission Hills) 5-10, 195 Sr.
State-ranked club's leader on defense is this no-nonsense linebacker that excels at plugging holes. Against state No. 1 Oaks Christian, Alemany didn't allow a run of longer than 26 yards to Malcolm Jones in 37 carries. This three-year starter earned all-CIFSS Western Division honors last season and you can expect similar, if not more, honors to come his way this fall.

LB -- Collin Keoshian (Santa Clarita Christian) 6-2, 235 Sr.
He's the only player from an eight-man football-playing school to make one of the preseason all-Southern Section teams. And he's more than deserving after helping the Cardinals capture the CIFSS Div. I 8-man title with a 50-28 victory over Faith Baptist of Canoga Park to avenge one of their two losses last season. He would not only shine in 11-man competition, he's good enough to earn a scholarship to BYU.

LB -- Ryan Seidler (Burbank) 6-1, 210 Jr.
One of the better players in the Pacific League, Seidler had a breakout sophomore season in which he set a school record with 141 tackles. Burbank started off its 2009 season on a positive note with a 32-6 victory over Simi Valley. The team's defensive star in the game was Sam Bethany, who recorded two interceptions.

LB -- Ian Zavara (Quartz Hill) 6-5, 210 Sr.
Helped the Rebels win the CIFSS Western Division title last season by racking up 27 tackles, 22 assists and two interceptions. Zavara can do more than just stuff the run, as he makes positive things happen on defense. He also caused a fumble and recovered two of them for a 13-1 club. The competition will be stiff, but it Quartz Hill can make another title run Zavara will get his fair share of post-season honors.

DB -- Malcolm Marable (Alemany, Mission Hills) 5-9, 175 Sr.
Marable is so talented, he almost made this team as an incoming tenth-grader two years ago. Last year, he was a lock, and he delivered on that acclaim by rushing for 1,655 yards and 23 touchdowns. On defense, he added 26 tackles and two interceptions although teams tend to avoid him when he's playing defense. Already a three-time all-Mission League choice, Marable might be the Indians' most talented back since De'Andre Scott in the late 1990s or perhaps even Terry Barnum in the early 1990s.

DB -- Brock Vereen (Valencia) 6-0, 180 Sr.
This returning all-CIFSS Northern Division pick and second team all-state underclass choice probably won't match his junior numbers, but that's only because teams will avoid him as much as possible. The brother of Cal running back Shane Vereen, Brock helped Valencia to a 10-3 record and a berth in the CIFSS Northern Division semifinals by racking up 38 tackles, 25 assists and six interceptions. With Vereen and a host of returnees back, Valencia fully expects to again play in week 13 and possibly beyond.

DB -- Christian Bush (Knight, Palmdale) 6-0, 170 Sr.
Another talented athlete that is known more for his offensive exploits but fits better here at defensive back, Bush closed out his 2008 season with a 266-yard, 3-touchdown performance on only 14 carries in a victory over Antelope Valley of Lancaster. In fact, he rushed for more than 240 yards in three of his final five games of the season to finish with 1,659 yards and 16 rushing touchdowns. Yet another returning all-CIFSS Western Division choice, Bush also picked off a pass in a seven-point loss to Palmdale.

P -- Matt Goudis (Chaminade, West Hills) 5-11, 150 Jr.
Makes this team for the second time, as last season he made it as a kicker after converting seven of 10 field goals as a freshman in 2007. He again made seven field goals as a sophomore while also averaging over 39 yards per punt.

Multi-Purpose

DL/TE -- LaVonte Barnett (Paraclete, Lancaster) 6-4, 205 Sr.
Here's another underclass sleeper who we expect to have a big year for the Spirits. Last year as a sophomore, he earned all-Olympic League and all-CIFSS Mid-Valley Division honors after racking up 43 total tackles, an interception and 3.5 sacks. Barnett can also play tight end and will likely expand that role after catching four passes last year. Other returning all-CIFSS Mid-Valley picks for Paraclete are P Kyle Steffes and DL Brandon Owen.

DB/QB/WR -- Joshua Shaw (Palmdale) 6-2, 185 Sr.
One of the most highly-regarded players in this region, Shaw made the all-CIFS Western Division team last year at wide receiver after catching 27 passes for 443 yards. It's at defensive back where Shaw has few peers around the state. He was the size and body that top-tier colleges covet and he's been offered by a school form every power conference in the country after posting 40 tackles, six pass break-ups and four interceptions for the Falcons last season. This season, he may get avoided like the plague in the secondary, but veteran coach Jeff Williams will make sure he gets his hands on the ball as he'll be the starting quarterback on offense. Like was done often in the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s, we wish more programs would but their best skill-position player under center and let him make things happen.

DB/WR -- Vincent Neilson (Palmdale) 6-1, 185 Sr.
Returning all-CIFSS Western Division pick shined on both sides of the ball for the Falcons. He collected 27 solo tackles, 18 assists and two interceptions while also contributing 12 reception for 253 yards and two scores. Look for his offensive numbers to grow as Joshua Shaw moves from wideout to quarterback. Another skill position, two-way threat for Palmdale is junior David Richards. On Friday, Neilson and Richards will do battle on both sides of the ball against Hart's Ty MacArthur, who just missed making this team.            

WR/DB -- Brando Tessar (Chaminade, West Hills) 6-0, 180 Sr.
Spectacular all-around athlete who also is an excellent baseball player, Tessar excelled on both sides of the ball for the Eagles. On defense, he racked up 44 tackles and two interceptions while hauling in 48 balls for 720 yards and six touchdowns on offense. Tessar was selected for the Milwaukee Brewers Blue Area Code team as a pitcher and was clocked at 91 MPH. MLB scouts also like him as a potential centerfielder because of his top end speed.

DB/RB -- Dietrich Riley (St. Francis, La Canada) 6-1, 196 Sr.
Another repeat selection, Riley was a first team all-state underclass pick last season after racking up 39 tackles, a sack, an interception and over 1,300 rushing yards and 13 TDs on offense. No matter the competition or venue, it's a rare occasion when Riley is not the best player on the field. At last spring's L.A. Nike Camp, he has such an overwhelming performance, many veteran talent evaluators are torn at what his best position may be on the next level. During one-on-ones, he completely dominated linebackers at running back and also showed well as a defensive back. With his body, range and skill level, safety just might be the best fit for him, although he loves to have the ball in his hands on offense.    

QB/RB -- Ryan Kasdorf (Notre Dame, Sherman Oaks) 6-2, 208, Sr.
Last but certainly not least, Kasdorf is the most highly-honored returning player not only in this region, but in the state. He was a serious contender for Mr. Football state player of the year honors last season as a junior until undefeated Notre Dame was stunned in the CIFSS Pac-Five Division quarterfinals by Orange Lutheran. Even in that game, Kasdorf impressed with his running ability and toughness. He was named state junior player of the year and Gatorade State Player of the Year after accounting for 3,919 yards of total offense. In Notre Dame's season-opening win in Texas, Kasdorf even caught a 71-yard touchdown pass for a score and was blocking on other players. He might not have scholarship offers, but he's simply a football player and that's the greatest compliment you can give someone in his position.   

*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.