MIDSEASON PREP FOOTBALL REPORT

Columnist Eric Sondheimer examines the region’s top players by position based on performances through five games of the 1997 season: * Quarterbacks

Rk, Player, School, Yr.: Comment

1. Nick Czernek, Newbury Park, Jr.: Keeps improving every game

2. Dave DeMartinis, Notre Dame, Sr.: Zero interceptions, 65% completions

3. Peter Dirksen, L.A. Baptist, Sr.: Passed for 1,339 yards, 11 TDs

4. Zac Wasserman, Westlake, So.: By end of season, he could be No. 1

5. Scott Doherty, Birmingham, Sr.: His team is 5-0 and rolling

* Running backs

Rk, Player, School, Yr.: Comment

1. Justin Fargas, Notre Dame, Sr.: He’s the best in the nation

2. Kenny Pritchett, Crescenta Valley, Sr.: Gaining respect every game

3. Desmond Davis, Oxnard, Sr.: Threat to score on every carry

4. Manuel White, Valencia, So.: Headed for a 2,000-rushing season

5. Chris Poling, Agoura, Sr.: Has given offense a big boost

* Receivers

Rk, Player, School, Yr.: Comment

1. Joey Cuppari, Westlake, Sr.: Making catches like Billy Miller

2. Jerry Owens, Hart, Jr.: Terrific athlete just learning the game

3. Jake Farrel, Newbury Park, Sr.: His 6-5 height causes big problems

4. Tim Feirfeil, L.A. Baptist, Sr.: Can lead Knights to Alpha title

5. Alex Holmes, Harvard-Westlake, So.: TE averaging 20.5 yards per catch

* Offensive linemen

Rk, Player, School, Yr.: Comment

1. Andrew Jones, St. Bonaventure, Sr.: A 260-pound dominating tackle

2. Tony Sanchez, Sylmar, Jr.: 300-pounder with bright future

3. Chris Bishop, Quartz Hill, Sr.: Creating lots of holes

4. Derek Graf, Agoura, Sr.: UCLA, USC are watching closely

5. Steve Nevarez, San Fernando, So.: Young player who’s become top blocker

* Linebackers

Rk, Player, School, Yr.: Comment

1. Kevin Bentley, Montclair Prep, Sr.: Has 18 tackles for losses, seven sacks

2. Brian Crain, Newbury Park, Sr.: He’s the Panthers’ sack man

3. Scott Hunt, Hart, Jr.: Playing great at inside LB

4. Joe Martinez, Ventura, Sr.: Also a standout wrestler

5. Demond Daniels, El Camino Real, Sr.: Keeps disrupting pitch plays

* Defensive linemen

Rk, Player, School, Yr.: Comment

1. Matt Leonard, Palmdale, Sr.: College teams could use him now

2. John Harrison, Hart, Sr.: Has contributed eight sacks

3. Karl Holley, Westlake, Sr.: Showing strength, toughness in trenches

4. Jonathan Hicks, North Hollywood, Sr.: Making tackles in bunches

5. Armand Seals, Kennedy, Sr.: Can outduel the best offensive linemen

* Defensive backs

Rk, Player, School, Yr.: Comment

1. Sedric Hurns, Taft, Sr.: Hits as if he’s Ronnie Lott

2. Travis Campbell, Westlake, Jr.: On his way to becoming a star

3. Ray Gaudioso, Royal, Sr.: Has made five interceptions

4. Joe Manning, Antelope Valley, Sr.: Makes big plays on defense

5. Brandon Braga, Notre Dame, Sr.: Hardest hitter on Knight defense

* Kickers

Rk, Player, School, Yr.: Comment

1. Derek Brown, Highland, Sr.: Has six field goals and counting

2. Kjell Nesen, St. Francis, Sr.: Averaging over 40 yards per punt

3. David Rosenberg, Calabasas, Sr.: Knows how to make clutch kicks

4. Emmanuel Evans, Birmingham, Sr.: Best punter in City Section

5. Juan Plascencia, Notre Dame, Sr.: No longer just a soccer goalie