Dan Molnar

School: El Dorado High

Sport: Football

Position: Defensive back

Class: Senior

El Dorado Coach Rick Jones says Molnar’s quick “brain-to-feet reaction time” makes him an outstanding pass defender. Molnar, a 5-foot-8, 170-pound cornerback, intercepted three passes Friday in El Dorado’s 17-14 victory over Fullerton. “He’s our ace in that defensive backfield,” Jones said. “He’s really got great reactions to the football.” Molnar made diving catches on two of his interceptions, the second of which ended a Fullerton possession late in the fourth quarter. He stayed on his feet after the first one, returning the ball 27 yards for a touchdown that gave the Hawks a 14-0 lead. Molnar, who is also a punt and kickoff returner, was a part-time starter in the defensive backfield as a sophomore but decided not to play football last season. He has returned this season to help the Hawks win three of their first four games, which is more victories than the Hawks have had the past two seasons combined.

Other top performers:

Mike Bradford, who ran 16 minutes 54 seconds for five kilometers to finish 12th and help Corona del Mar to the Division III team title at the Stanford Invitational.

Jeff Byrd, who rushed for 283 yards and four touchdowns in Rancho Alamitos’ 38-24 victory over Pacifica.

Jeremy Laster, who scored five goals in San Clemente’s 12-3 rout of El Toro in the finals of the Villa Park water polo tournament.

Christian Moore, who rushed for 88 yards and a touchdown and caught passes for 88 yards and two touchdowns, including a seven-yarder with 37 seconds remaining, to give Westminster a 26-24 victory over Santa Ana.