SportsForce athletes haven been recognized over the past few weeks for their stand out performances. Previous Athlete of the Week, running back and USC commit Dillon Baxter has been the talk of many news outlets with an explosive start to his season. 619Sports.net wrote of Baxter and Missions Bay’s 49-27 win over Point Loma:

“ He ran the ball 22 times for 133 yards and four scores; breaking through tackles and embarrassing defenders along the way. Through the air he totaled 170 yards with 2 touchdowns and only one interception.

“All week we’ve been preparing,” said Baxter after the game. Our wide receivers just had to execute, the O-line had to buckle down because we knew they have a strong front. We just came out and matched their intensity and took it over.”

Full article here

Baxter had another amazing performance two weeks back against the Lincoln High Hornets, with the San Diego Union-Tribune reporting:

Baxter rushed for 268 yards and two touchdown in addition to passing for another 277 yards and four TDs while coming ever so close to 600 total yards after returning a crucial interception 41 yards to lead the Buccaneers to a 41-34 non-league victory, spoiling Lincoln’s homecoming.

Full article here or View Dillon’s Full SportsForce Profile

Kenny Stills, Jr, has also had a very impressive season thus far, and the Union-Tribune recently published a feature on the La Costa Canyon receiver. The Union-Tribune highlighted how Stills relationship with his father has helped to nurture his sports career. Stills father is Kenny Stills Sr, former NFL player and current USD defensive backs coach. The U-T writes:

Stills Sr. knew his son had talent and drive, but he has surpassed his expectations.

“Honestly, Kenny has developed more than I ever dreamed,” Stills Sr. said. “I’ve been a coach at the high school, college and pro ranks, and I can tell you I am totally impressed with the way he has developed into a complete player.”

Stills said his son has had one big motivating factor driving him his entire career as a football player.

“He’s always wanted to be better than his dad,” Stills Sr. said.

Full article here

This past weekend, the senior receiver continued his dominance and had nine catches for 130 yards, threw a 29-yard touchdown pass, returned an interception 75 yards interception and finished a 56-7 win over Mission Hills with 311 all-purpose yards.

View Kenny’s Full SportsForce Profile

Part II: Questions 4-6

4. Does My Senior Year Really Matter?

Yes, yes and yes! While many student-athletes have “committed” to schools, there are plenty of scholarships up for grabs. Often athletes that have committed to colleges play their way OUT of a scholarship. Even if your dream school is done recruiting for the upcoming season, keep recruiting them. If there are changes in their signing class, you may have a chance to slide in. Senior film will make or break a scholarship offer.

5. What happens in September and how important is that month for recruiting?

September 1^st is the first day that a college can officially call a senior prospect on the phone. If you get a call at midnight on the first, then that school REALLY wants you! However don’t take it personally if you do not hear from a school immediately. Coaches all have different philosophies when it comes to the September phone call. However if September comes and goes and you have not heard from the recruiter, then it is time to drop that school because you are not part of their future plans. Don’t be shy on these calls. Write down questions that you may have for the coach. Ask him every question you can.

September also marks the beginning of official visits. Schools will begin setting weekend trips for the fall and winter. If the coach is not offering you an official visit, then he doesn’t love you as much as you thought.

6. How do I handle the pressure?

I remember standing on various sidelines watching prospects play in games. I watched how they played when the ball came in their direction, as well when they were not involved in the outcome. I studied how they spoke to teammates and coaches alike. However, nothing is more impressive than production and winning. Do not let a recruiter’s presence change they way you play or act. Recruiters can tell when an athlete is “pressing” to make a play. These coaches liked the way you played enough to come and watch in person. There is no pressure in that situation, just another face in the crowd. Continue doing what got you this far. Work hard, play fast and ALWAYS show good sportsmanship.

Ian Autman is a sophomore running back out of Olympian High School in Chula Vista, CA. Ian Autman had a breakout game vs. San Ysidro which included 10 carries for 110 yards with 3 TD’s. Ian is a compact runner with explosive speed and agility. Built in the model of other undersized running backs, like Maurice Jones-Drew or Darren Sproles, his quick footwork and low center of gravity make him elusive and difficult to tackle. He is the leading rusher averaging almost 7 yards per carry for the undefeated 5 – 0 Olympian Eagles.

Visit Ian’s SportsForce profile to learn more.

Nick Melka is a defensive end and tight end out of Lisle, IL. At 6’2” and 242lbs Nick is a force on the field. He is captain of the football team as well as a captain of the boys volleyball team. In his 2008 season, Nick has 51 Tackles, 6 tackles for a loss, 5 ½ sacks and one blocked punt. So far in his 2009 season, Nick has 11 ½ sacks over six games and one blocked extra point.

For Nick’s complete profile, click here.

Sean Callahan is a midfielder for the boys soccer team at the San Diego Jewish Academy. Sean is the leading all-time scorer for San Diego Jewish Academy as well as a varsity letter man as a freshman and named to All-Citrus League Team, scoring 8 goals. Sean was named team captain as a sophomore and Citrus League Player of the Year, scoring 28 goals in 19 games.

For Sean’s complete profile, click here.

Bernadette Butkiewicz plays outfield and 1B/2B for Patrick Henry High School in San Diego, CA. She was named the offensive MVP last season and also plays for the San Diego Chaos. Bernadette defines herself by saying, “I work hard not only in practice and in games, but I do my own personal training at Velocity in Poway and work with hitting Coach Darren Johnson.”

For Bernadette’s complete profile, click here.

Lauren Birks is the XX1090 Student Athlete of the Week and a stand out outside hitter for the La Jolla Country Day Girls Volleyball team. Head Coach Peter Ogle had nothing but praise for the 6’0” class of 2011 powerhouse.

Coach Peter Ogle says, “Lauren is a very special talent, explosive and quick. She is currently getting recruited by many of the larger college programs around the country.”

“Off the court Lauren is a very good student and has a great sense of humor and likes to have fun.”

Off the court La Jolla Country Day faculty has commented that “Lauren is such a mature young lady and very nice to be around.”

La Jolla Country Day is enjoying an undefeated season so far with Lauren leading the team in kills and aces and is being actively recruited by numerous top college programs around the country. She was also recently named Scripps Ranch High School Tournament MVP.

Granite Hills kicker and SportsForce student-athlete, Tyler Strickland is garnering attention for his amazing accuracy and dedication to his team. The Union-Tribune recently covered Strickland, praising the kicker for his abilities on the field and unwavering commitment to his team and the sport. Bill Dickens of the Union-Tribune writes:

“When it comes to kicking, precision is essential for Strickland and the Eagles football team. With the help of long snapper Joe Cardona and holder Dylan Rubio, Strickland is 13-for-13 on points after touchdown this season and has made one of two field-goal attempts, connecting from 37 yards.

Granite Hills coach Randy DeWitt said Strickland routinely kicks 55- to 57-yarders in practice.

‘In a game, I wouldn’t be afraid to give Tyler a shot from 45 yards — maybe even longer, depending on the situation,’ DeWitt said. ‘He focuses on his craft seven days a week, whether we’re in season or not.'”

Strickland is not just gaining notice in the local spotlight, but has several colleges with their eye on him, the article continues:

Strickland loves to contribute to the scoring, but that’s not his favorite part of the game.

“I like kicking off because that’s when I’m allowed to kick the ball as hard as I can,” said Strickland, who played defense for the Granite Hills soccer team for the past two seasons.

DeWitt, whose Eagles (2-1) host El Centro Central at 7 p.m. tomorrow, is pleased with that part of Strickland’s game. His kickoffs usually reach the end zone, resulting in a touchback. The coach figures about 90 percent of Strickland’s kickoffs are not returned.

“Having a kid like Tyler who can kick the ball that far is like an added weapon,” DeWitt said. “It takes a lot of pressure off our defense in terms of field position.”

Strickland handles all the kicking chores for the Eagles, including punting. Much of his practice time is actually not spent punting the ball.

“It’s all about the drop,” Strickland said. “In practice I’ll stand on the line facing the bleachers and make sure that I throw the ball straight up and let it hit the line. If you drop it to the left or to the right, you’re probably going to shank the punt.”

Arizona State, Nevada and Nevada Las Vegas have expressed interest in Strickland.

“Tyler has an uncanny ability to power the ball,” Eagles kicking coach John Matich said. “He can put the ball in the end zone and has long-range field-goal abilities, which makes him a Division I prospect for sure.”

John Matich, is a former NFL and NCAA kicker and now owner and director of The Kicking System, which offers Camps & Private Kicking Lessons in San Diego, Orange County, and Los Angeles.

Check out Strickland in action and visit his profile page.

–Article portions courtesy the Union-Tribune

By Craig at 619Sports.net

It’s not often you get a playmaker as talented as Kenny Stills into your program, so La Costa Canyon (5-0) is doing whatever it takes to get Stills the ball. The senior wide receiver also lined up at running back and quarterback during a 38-14 bruising of Rancho Buena Vista (1-2-1) on the LCC campus Friday night. Stills finished with 5 catches for 132 yards and a touchdown, while running out of the “Gator” formation twice for 21 yards. That’s Gator, as in Tim Tebow, as in the defending national champs who would very much like to see Stills in Tallahassee next year.

Not only is Stills multi-talented, but he is coveted by most of the top college programs in the country. Florida, Oklahoma, USC, Cal, and Penn State are all knocking down Stills’ door hoping to catch his eye. As a nod to his receiver’s brilliance, Stills told 619 Sports after the game that many of the formations the Mavericks use are named after the different schools seeking his services next year:

Hear more from Kenny Stills and LCC head coach Darrin Brown after the jump:Rancho Buena Vista actually started the game running the ball well, but the Longhorns were victims of their own mistakes all night long. A pair of botched shotgun snaps snuffed out a long, promising drive to open the game, and a pair of second-quarter fumbles, one on yet another bad snap, both were recovered by LCC.

Late in the first quarter, head coach Darrin Brown went to a hurry-up offense that delivered the game’s first touchdown on a 5 play, 43 yard drive. Seth Hanson punched in a 6-yard scoring run to make it 7-0 LCC. A bit later in the quarter, after Mavs’ linebacker Tucker Toolson recovered a high snap fumbled by RBV quarterback Willy Castillo, LCC marched a short field again. A 45-yard drive was capped with Westin Manor’s 2-yard touchdown plunge.

Coach Brown was pleased with his team’s overall effort on the night:

The signature play of the game was delivered by Stills with less than three minutes remaining in the first half. Facing a first-and-25 from their own 27, Mavericks’ QB Garrett Krstich hit Stills on a simple crossing route about 8 yards downfield. Stills then made a sharp cut upfield between two defenders, and scampered 73 yards for the touchdown.

Coach Brown on Stills’ great play:

Life is pretty good right now if you’re Kenny Stills. Tall and growing, young and talented, and coveted by most of the best teams in college football. The BMOC has found little to complain about:

The Longhorns, meanwhile, played with heavy hearts, after most of the team went to the memorial on Friday morning of one of their former players from 2007 and 2008. Michael Pyper was killed in an auto accident last Friday night coming home from the RBV game. It was a tough week for the kids according to the coaching staff, but to their credit the team kept playing late in the game, scoring two touchdowns against the LCC third team to make a 38-0 score more respectable at 38-14.

In a North County packed with top teams, the balanced Mavericks look primed for a deep run in the division playoffs, with hopes of a state bowl invite. Coach Brown won’t even think past the Mission Hills game. Stills, meanwhile, still thinks that LCC has some room to grow:

–Courtesy of 619Sports.net

by Kyle Englehart of 619Sports.net

Everybody’s eyes were fixated on Eastlake’s Tony Jefferson Friday night. The standout RB/DB was the focus of the fans, the media, and most obviously the Poway Titan’s defense.

Jefferson and the 5^th ranked Eastlake Titans (3-0-2) ran all over Poway (0-5) to cruise to an easy 34-7 victory Friday night in Chula Vista. Eastlake ran sweeps and misdirection plays all night that kept the Poway defense in a constant state of confusion.

There was seemingly nothing that the Poway defenders could do. Eastlake’s rushing trio of Jefferson, Chris Fletcher, and Daniel Diaz had the Poway secondary scampering to make tackles throughout the night. Whether it was pounding Jefferson up the middle, or sending it outside with Fletcher and Diaz, the rushing attack was relentless and unstoppable (31 rushes, 316 yards and 3 TDs).

Jefferson is off to an astounding start this year; entering tonight’s game with 600 yards and six touchdowns. Yet he is becoming accustomed to playing the role of decoy as of lately.

“A lot of teams are keying in on me, because of the success I have had,” he said after the game. “Less carries are coming for me, but as long as my team is getting the scores like today, it’s all good.”

Hear Tony Jefferson’s postgame comments:

While his attempts may have decreased, his production certainly has not. Jefferson ran the ball 10 times tonight for 120 yards with three touchdowns. His rushing partners Fletcher and Diaz combined for 179 yards themselves.

“It’s nice to have 3 guys that do a good job,” remarked Eastlake head coach John McFadden. “They all run hard and they all read the holes well.”

Listen to John McFadden’s postgame comments:

McFadden and his offense were using pre-snap motion to confound the Poway defenders early and often. Faking the outside sweep to either a motioning Fletcher or Diaz opened up the middle for Jefferson. While play-faking to Jefferson clogged up the line and left the outside open for the motion-man to run free.

“It’s hard for defenses to focus in on one player,” said Diaz (7 rushes, 68 yards). “Obviously Tony gets most of the attention, and rightfully so, but it’s hard for defenses to prepare for that.”

Equally as impressive as the Eastlake rushing trio was the play of their defense. Eastlake held Poway scoreless until the final minutes of the game, when a 25-yard TD strike with 1:09 depleted any hopes of a shutout.

The Eastlake defensive line and linebackers were in the backfield on almost every play. Poway QB Colton Kirkegaard (11/15, 108 yards, 2 INTs) was sacked five times and had to scramble out of the pocket any time he wished to throw. The run defense was just as stubborn, allowing Poway about 1.8 yards per carry. Besides their only score, the highlight of Poway’s night was kicker Marcus Diaz drilling 60-yard field goals during halftime.

“Our defense has really been good all year long,” said Coach McFadden. “I wouldn’t want to go against them.”

Hilltop (3-2) is the next opponent in line for Coach McFadden and the Eastlake Titans. The Lancers are coming off of a devastating 44-6 loss to Mission Bay and will be looking to rebound on October 16, when the two teams meet.

–Courtesy of 619Sports.net and Kyle Englehart

Charly is a running back and line backer for Central Union High School in El Centro, California and the XX1090 Student Athlete of the Week. This season he has has rushed for 392 yards and 10 touchdowns on 57 carries. He scored a school-record five touchdowns while rushing for 157 yards on 24 carries as the Spartans topped Santana (Santee, CA) 37-29. Moreno scored on runs of 1, 1, 4, 6 and 1 yard.

According to Central Union Head Football Coach, Kevin Bird, Charly is a ““total team player that encourages other players, plays unselfishly and is the vocal leader on the team. Charly has great attitude and his work ethic is beyond question. He has set weight room records each year and currently holds almost all of Central’s weight room records.”

Coach Bird added that, “Charly is versatile back that can punish his opponents with his power and also has good hands so J.T. can throw to him out of the backfield. Moreno versatility reflects our team’s style of play as we feel we have the ability to run or pass depending on what the other team gives us.”

The Cathedral Catholic Dons (4-0), the 2008 California state bowl champs, looking to repeat the stellar season of last year, faced off against the tough Carlsbad Lancers (1-3) at Cathedral. The Dons used a strong rushing attack to open up the passing game, led by Johnny Marshall who carried the ball 18 times for 78 yards to lead Cathedral Catholic to a 38-7 win. Opening up big holes for Marshall was Senior Offensive Tackle Alex Crosthwaite, the # 26 rated tackle in the country who has committed to play for CAL next year . After a very defensive first quarter with both teams turning it over Cathedral got their act together. In the second quarter Brewer found his mark throwing TD passes of 18 and 70 yards to take a 17-0 lead at halftime. In the 3rd quarter Cathedral again went on the offensive, taking care of Carlsbad’s defense and scoring on a one-yard run from Jonny Martin and a 28-yard pass from Max Brewer to Corrie Garcia. Max Brewer would add one more TD pass in the 4th and Carlsbad would get into the end-zone thanks to some impressive runs by Ryan Lendrum who finished the game with 40 yards on 4 carries.

For the game, Carlsbad’s QB Blake Vandenkolk was 2 of 10 with 3 interceptions. Quarterback Max Brewer was 9 of 13 with four touchdown passes and one interception. Two of his completions went to junior wide receiver Chance Early for 80 yards and one TD. He is currently getting interest from Iowa. Carlsbad’s starting running back Michael Taele who is averaging 153 yards a game, was held to just 55 on 15 carries. Cathedral pounded out 151 yards on 38 carries as a team. Cathedral has a tough road ahead if they plan to get another state bowl game bid, as three of their remaining six games are against undefeated Eastern League foes.