Prep football: City Section player of the year candidates step up

The Black Mamba, a.k.a. De’Anthony Thomas, has left Crenshaw High for the University of Oregon, and that means the competition for best football player in the City Section is wide open.

There’s a strong list of candidates who have thrust themselves into the discussion at midseason. Among the leaders:

—Gabriel Marks, Venice, Sr. Playing receiver, defensive back and some quarterback out of a wildcat formation, Marks is demonstrating his versatility and willingness to help the Gondoliers wherever he’s needed.

He has five touchdown receptions, two scores on kickoff returns, one score on an interception return and two touchdown runs, including an 89-yarder.

“I guess I’m just a playmaker,” he said. “I definitely use my speed to my advantage.”

—Darreus Rogers, Carson, Sr. Rogers, a receiver, has caught only six passes in the last three games while being double- and triple-teamed. Now that the Colts are back facing City competition, he’s expected to break out as he did early in the season, when he caught 12 passes each in games against Mater Dei and Long Beach Poly.

—Robert Lewis, South East, Sr. Lewis has rushed for 793 yards and scored 13 touchdowns as a running back. He’s also a dangerous punt and kick returner. South East is 6-0 and considered the favorite to win the City Division II championship.

—Jeremiah Allison, Dorsey, Sr. The defensive end-linebacker has six sacks and contributed huge defensive plays to help the Dons (4-1) defeat Garfield in overtime and upset Mission Hills Alemany.

—Troy Williams, Narbonne, Jr. Williams is the Gauchos’ quarterback and sets the tone every game. He makes big plays with his arm and legs. He has passed for 1,312 yards and nine touchdowns.

—Dejon Coleman, Arleta, Sr. Coleman has gained 971 yards rushing and scored 20 touchdowns.

—Kawan Rally, El Camino Real, Sr. A three-year starter at running back, Rally is having his best season yet, gaining 1,159 yards while scoring 14 touchdowns. Last season, he weighed 240 pounds. This season, he’s faster at 225 pounds.

—Kenny Potter, San Pedro, Sr. Potter, the Pirates’ senior quarterback, has the team off to a 5-0 start. He has 13 touchdown passes with only two interceptions and also can run.

The person who becomes the City player of the year at the end of the season is usually one who leads his team to a championship.

Aaron who?

Not since the days of Aaron Corp has Orange Lutheran (5-0) had a quarterback throwing the ball as accurately as senior Conner Sullvan, who is completing 73% of his passes.

Sullivan, headed to Duke on a baseball scholarship, will be tested Friday night when the Lancers open Trinity League play against No. 1-ranked Anaheim Servite at Cerritos College. The game will be shown on FS West.

Orange Lutheran Coach Jim Kunau said the passing success involves “the quarterback making good decisions, the offensive line giving enough time and the receivers and running backs running good routes.”

On the mend

Standout running back Charlie Etiaki of Servite, sidelined since breaking his collarbone last month, is out of a sling and starting to do strength work. He’s expected to be back for Servite’s Nov. 4 game against Santa Ana Mater Dei.

“It’s just time to heal the bone now,” Coach Troy Thomas said.

eric.sondheimer@latimes.com