Kickoff 2009: These playmakers can change the game

DIETRICH RILEY
The St. Francis senior running back/safety is no stranger to these cover shots. This is his third one, and for good reason.

He has not disappointed and proved to be worth every bit of hype. USC football coach Pete Carroll was the first to offer a scholarship, even before Riley played in his first full season.

Combine after combine, the consensus remains the same: Riley is a top player in the making. The evidence lies in the dozen or so offers to some of the top programs in the nation, including USC, Florida, Alabama, Notre Dame and LSU.

Riley will not announce a decision until after the season ends. His focus now isn't on the hype surrounding his future, but on putting St. Francis back on the map.

The Knights suffered heartbreaking losses, which ultimately resulted in a wild-card entry into the playoffs where St. Francis was one and done.

Riley is intent on making the Knights not just competitive, but successful in the always tough Mission League, and he's leading by example and willing to sacrifice his stats if it means earning a valuable victory.

More than his increased speed, muscle frame and added responsibility, it's Riley's sheer determination and leadership that impresses St. Francis coach Jim Bonds.

"He's an absolute joy to coach," Bonds said. "He's about making his teammates better. His work ethic is just unbelievable."

Riley was spread out last season at various positions and he relishes the same role this season, where ever the Knights use him.

"He's even come up to me and asked to be a decoy so other guys can make plays," Bonds said.

And Bonds doesn't worry that Riley may be spread too thin. In fact, Riley welcomes the role with open arms.

"I love it," he said. "Bring it."

MITCHELL CROCKOM
Alhambra's Crockom seems more determined this year, and for that reason many feel he will have a breakout season.

The 6-foot-2 senior caught 36 passes for 791 yards and six touchdowns, modest numbers for a player of his caliber. Still, many coaches in the valley feel his talent alone was deserving of a spot in last year's first team All-Area team at wide receiver.

He has great hands, elusive speed, agility and great reach, all qualities that has attracted offers from New Mexico State and UNLV and fielded interest from some Pac-10 schools. That he has an explosive arm in Darrian Cazarin throwing to him down the field only makes Crockom that much more of a threat.

Crockom alone can't carry the Moors, but his simple presence at wideout should create opportunities for the offense to thrive.

It's that kind of impact that makes Crockom the area's best wide receiver.

ISAAC VALDEZ
How a high-caliber player like San Gabriel's Valdez isn't fielding offers from a score of schools is not known.

It'll only be a matter of time until a school scores this potential gem. He's the area's best returning quarterback because his work ethic is unmatched, but what makes him even more valuable is he can lead by example.

When he's not training or on the field with his teammates, Valdez keeps a watchful eye on area teams and players, all in an effort to learn from their prowess as well as their flaws.
The 5-foot-8, 150 pound senior has improved each season since exploding onto the scene his sophomore year. He threw for an area-best 2,754 yards and 16 touchdowns last season, establishing himself as the area's best quarterback.

NICK BUENO
This season, Bueno's not holding back.
The 5-foot-8 speedster had a successful campaign last year when he threw for 1,037 yards and 10 touchdowns. He wasn't Monrovia's go-to guy offensively, not with Marquise Williams in the backfield.

But his steady hand became more and more evident, and by season's end he established himself as the Wildcats' leader on offense. He'll take on added responsibilities this season, and having one season under his belt will only help the junior masterfully direct the Wing-T offense.

MAX RUCKLE
Temple City's part-time running back last season put in some heavy overtime, rushing for 1,599 yards and 17 touchdowns in leading the Rams to a semifinal run in the Mid-Valley Division playoffs.

He didn't get his shot until almost halfway through the season. When he finally it, Ruckle turned heads and suddenly gave the Rams a much-needed punch on the ground.

No longer little known, Ruckle will have to continue his smash-mouth style and hide behind his experienced offensive linemen to better last year's stats and help the Rams make another deep playoff run.

JARRON WILLIAMS
A new year, a new team.

This is Jarron Williams' team.

Muir's standout-studded lineup last season overshadowed Williams' success, throwing for 1,599 yards and 15 touchdowns. With only six returning starters, Williams is the power expected to carry the Mustangs to greener pastures.

As a junior, Williams demonstrated he could lead and carry the Mustangs when needed. He almost single-handily helped Muir make a comeback that fell short against Diamond Ranch in the first round of the CIF-SS playoffs.

Muir returns a stout offensive line, and for that reason Williams has been working with them all year and working out with them, too. He knows if Muir is to succeed he'll need solid blocking.

Once that's established, there's no telling how far Williams will go.

miguel.melendez@sgvn.com