HS FOOT: Mitchell is a force at Valencia

You won't find a more underrated football player in the Northern Division than Darrol Mitchell, a Valencia defensive lineman who has 21 1/2 sacks heading into a semifinal Saturday between the host Vikings (12-0) and Moorpark (11-1).

"Darrol had a decent season as a junior last year but I don't even think he made all-league," quarterback Alex Bishop said. "He's come back a lot stronger this season."

Meanwhile, there is a growing contingent of Valencia fans who wear purple "manfro" wigs every game in honor of running back Steven Manfro, a junior who has rushed for 1,607 yards and scored 33 touchdowns.

"At first there were about 50 of them, but now it's closer to 100," Bishop said. "I think it's great."

One final note on Valencia: Receiver/defensive back Brock Vereen said it would be a mistake to read too far into Moorpark's 22-point playoff victory last year over the Vikings.

"Moopark is a whole new team just like we're a whole new team," Vereen said. "Last year is behind us, but we are going to look at it as motivation."

-- Gerry Gittelson