Editor’s note: This is one in a series of Bay Area News Group stories honoring the top football players from the fall 2021 season.
ATHLETES
First team
Jakson Berman, Valley Christian, 5-11, 185, senior
First-team all-West Catholic Athletic League selection was a Mr. Do It All. As a quarterback, he threw for 1,950 yards and ran for 1,050, accounting for 40 touchdowns. As a defensive back, he intercepted three passes, recovered two fumbles and was credited with 39 tackles, including 14 solos.
Simeon Harris, Benicia, 5-11, 160, senior
The Colorado-bound standout caught 39 passes for 12 touchdowns in nine games. Also stood out at cornerback. “Dynamic player on both sides of the ball,” a league rival coach said. “Shut down CB and bails team out with big-time catches when the offense gets bogged down. Best player we saw this year.”
Dominique Lampkin, Serra, 6-2, 190, senior
West Catholic Athletic League quarterback of the year capped a brilliant varsity career with a Central Coast Section Division I championship and a runner-up finish to Mater Dei in the CIF Open Division. He was dangerous with his arm and effective with his legs, particularly in the rematch against St. Francis in the CCS final. “ALWAYS came through for Serra for 3 years,” coach Patrick Walsh wrote.
Dreyan Paul, McClymonds, 6-0, 180, senior
The dynamic quarterback led Oakland powerhouse McClymonds to two state championships and a runner-up state finish in four seasons as a starter. In the final game of his high school career, a 54-7 rout of Birmingham-Lake Balboa in the CIF Division 3-A state title game, Paul threw for three touchdowns and ran for one as McClymonds completed a 12-1 season.
Ray-John Spears, Sacred Heart Cathedral, 6-1, 190, senior
First-team all-West Catholic Athletic League. Was at his best in the biggest games, throwing three touchdown passes in a road victory over Bellarmine as the Fighting Irish showed they were better than their 0-5 start. In the CIF Division 4-A state title game against Northview-Covina, which SHC won 48-29, Spears completed 15 of 22 passes for 300 yards and five touchdowns.
Second team
Charles Brown Jr., Pittsburg, 5-7, 155, junior
First-team all-Bay Valley Athletic League running back. Finished with more than 1,200 yards rushing and receiving. Scored 16 touchdowns. “Tremendous talent and the best all-around player on Pittsburg’s team, which is really saying a lot as they were (NCS) D1 Champs,” one BVAL coach said.
Garrett Deatherage, 6-4, 185, Encinal, senior
WACC/MVAL Mission Division offensive player of the year threw for 2,291 yards and 27 touchdowns, completing 63% of his attempts for the league champions. “Probably the biggest reason why we didn’t win league,” Castro Valley coach Denny Molzen said. “Not only did he make some big-time throws he scrambled and broke our backs on several 3rd and long situations. He made big plays in big games.”
Tyler Dutto, Miramonte, 6-4, 210, senior
The wide receiver/free safety received first-team honors in the Diablo Athletic League’s Foothill Division, finishing the season with 67 receptions for 1,240 yards and 15 touchdowns. One opposing coach called Dutto “outstanding.” Another said, “Tall and athletic with great hands. Excellent route runner, deep threat, makes big-time plays. Very productive.”
Khalid Robinson, James Logan, 5-11, 165, senior
The WACC/MVAL Foothill Division offensive player of the year led the Colts to the league championship. Rushed for 1,348 yards and 16 TDs in 150 attempts. Caught 26 passes for 449 yards and four TDs. Said one coach in the league, “Amazing Running Back, Baller!” Another coach from the league said, “Great young man on and off the field. Game changer on the field who plays with a “big chip on his shoulder.”
Derek Sheerer, Homestead, 5-10, 160. senior
Santa Clara Valley Athletic League De Anza Division first-team selection and team MVP. Helped the Mustangs reach the CCS Division IV final, rushing for 1,146 yards and 15 touchdowns and catching 26 passes for 325 yards and three TDs. Finished with 2,118 all-purpose yards and led the team with three interceptions.
Honorable mention
Kai Burgermeister, Amador Valley, senior
Malakhi DeMoss, De Anza, senior
Tyberius Egorerua, Milpitas, junior
Dane Fifita, Menlo-Atherton, senior
Axel Garcia, Pioneer, senior
Kevin Green, Gunn, senior
Bryce Johnson, Pioneer, senior
Tevita Kioa, San Mateo, senior
Jack Kern, Sequoia, senior
Brad King, Alhambra, senior
Sam Littlejohn, Evergreen Valley, junior
Dwayne McDougle, McClymonds, senior
Greyson Mobley, Monta Vista, junior
William Moffitt, Half Moon Bay, senior
Joshua Olberg, Mt. Eden, senior
Alphonse Ortega, Mills, senior
Nathan Ortiz, Sobrato, senior
Jaime Torres, Yerba Buena, senior
Herschel Turner Jr., Freedom, sophomore
All-BANG football team
Tuesday, Jan. 11
Wednesday, Jan. 12
Thursday, Jan. 13
Friday, Jan. 14
Co-offensive players of the year
The team was selected by the Bay Area News Group’s high school sports staff.
