Day One players to watch in NCS Boys Brackets
The North Coast Section playoffs started yesterday, with the boys Division I and Division IV brackets getting going this afternoon. With kickoff just a few hours away, here are a few players to keep an eye on in this postseason.…
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Continue ReadingThe North Coast Section playoffs started yesterday, with the boys Division I and Division IV brackets getting going this afternoon. With kickoff just a few hours away, here are a few players to keep an eye on in this postseason.
Enzo Bernales, Piedmont, Sophomore, Central Midfielder
Bernales is a center mid that does everything. He’s a top goal scorer, doing so from the middle of the pitch, which is impressive. He’s the kind of player who can change the game quickly and leave his impact because of his scoring ability and because he is comfortable in possession and can really pick a pass.
Elias Castro, Freedom, Senior, Forward
Castro is what you want out of a senior captain. He’s a leader on the pitch, and shows his teammates how hard they need to work, how to fight for every ball and how to be a confident player. Castro makes big plays when they matter, scoring game-winning goals against Liberty, Pittsburg and San Ramon Valley this season. He’s a scorer, but also can distribute and will get back and defend. He recovers a lot of balls in the attacking third. He scored 15 goals, had eight assists and was a first-team All-BVAL player.
Fernando Cavazos, Foothill, Senior, Midfielder
Cavazos is a very smart, versatile midfielder who can be moved all over the pitch. He can quite literally play anywhere. He’s a leader, but he’s not a rah-rah guy. Instead, he leads by example and lets his play be something that others aspire to. He is an absolute presence on the pitch for the Falcons.
Jake Hensley, San Ramon Valley, Junior, Midfielder
Hensley is a big reason the Wolves turned it around from a 2-6-1 start, to go 11-9-3 and make the DI playoffs. Hensley is a midfielder that covers a lot of ground, he’s tough, he’s unselfish as he always looks to do what’s best for the team.
Marco Jara, Clayton Valley, Senior, Midfielder
Jara helped the Eagles to an unbeaten season, and being the heartbeat of the team, he played a big role. He is a complete midfielder and can control play both offensively and defensively. He is very easy-flowing and graceful as he can use both feet. He shows great vision, he’s smart and sees play develop in front of him.
Isaac Jensen, Berean Christian, Senior, Central Defender
Jensen is a hard-working, solid center back. He is a natural athlete, so he can do everything from defending 1v1 to tracking back quickly to possessing the ball. He is a natural athlete and displays great leadership qualities.
Cooper Kennedy, De La Salle, Senior, Striker
Kennedy entered the season as a striker with a nose for goal, and developed into a very versatile and dynamic player. He’s moved around the front line and has played in the No. 10 spot as well. He’s been the offensive engine on this team.
Gerardo Kong, Dougherty Valley, Senior, Forward
Kong is a big game player, saving his best moments for when the Wildcats really need it. He’s also a forward who makes an impact on both sides of the ball. He plays on the outside and always seems to make an impact on the match.
Amiel Mengistab, Cardinal Newman, Senior, Keeper
Mengistab is a two-year starter, and has improved greatly over his four years in the Cardinals program. His ability and confidence have improved, but he is also a team first player. He has put in the hard work it takes to improve and he has come into his own because of it. He is what players strive for when they put in the work to improve.
Alan Rubio, Berkeley, Senior, Forward
Rubio is a versatile player. He can play out wide or play in the attacking midfield. He is a very serious attacking threat as he loves to get forward for the Yellowjackets. He has an engine that really never stops as he is a player you cannot outwork.
Alejanrdo Tejeda Gonzales, St. Mary’s, Senior, Attacking Midfielder
Tejeda Gonzales sets the Panthers offense in the middle as most of the team’s goals this season have gone through him. However, he is not just an attacker as he also plays both sides of the ball as he is a powerful defensive presence.