You may not know them now, but you could be reading a lot about these guys on Saturday morning …

I’m tired of keeping it quiet. I’m tired of hearing the downplaying from area coaches about certain guys who are obviously headed for monster seasons. These are the guys I’ve identified as being kept under the radar until everything is on full display this Friday night.

Demetrius Hicks, RB, Glendora: Worried about Glendora’s running game or lack of a gamebreaker? Don’t be. Hicks will be unveiled on Friday night against Charter Oak and by all accounts he’s a dangerous man with the ball in his hands. When last seen, Hicks was a frosh playing at Western Christian. He’s now a senior and has a chance to be one of the better weapons around. You’ll find out on Friday night.

Eric Alvarez, QB, San Gabriel:
Trying to shred the Muir secondary may not be the best way for a new QB taste his first success, but Alvarez will get his shot on Friday against the Mustangs. Alvarez won a QB battle, so he’s already been fighting. And it should be noted that due to San Gabriel’s schemes, quarterback has become a plug-and-play position for the Mats.

Dionza Blue, RB, Bishop Amat: Blue is well-known to Amat fans and all of it is based on his strong freshman season. Now a sophomore, Blue figures into the mix at running back for the Lancers. Well, it may not be a mix for long. Blue’s ability to make people miss and be a legit home-run threat should land him the unquestioned starting job in no time. He can get started on that on Friday against Garfield.

Maurice Clements, DE, Charter Oak: I get the sense that Clements is relishing the opportunity to make his debut against Glendora and QB Chad Jeffries. The Tartans had better protect Jeffries’ backside with Clements bearing down on him. This guy is a man child. If you attend the game on Friday, you’ll find out right away what I’m talking about. The Long Beach Poly transfer could be the top defensive end in the area by season’s end.

Shane Blood, QB, La Mirada: The Mats haven’t been sweating the loss of QB Daniel Poncedeleon and that’s because Blood, by all accounts, is ready to rock. He makes his debut against St. Paul and that should mean plenty of opportunities to have a big night. Blood is under the tutelage of La Mirada coach Mike Moschetti, so that right there should tell you he’ll be one of the very best in the area.

Irvin Crawford, RB, Rowland:
You would’ve heard tons about Crawford already but he got hurt in Rowland’s scrimmage last season and missed the year. The word is he’s ready to carry the load in a big way for the Raiders and could be one the better ball carriers in the area. Crawford’s coming out party comes against a tough opponent in Baldwin Park, which should have one of the stingiest defenses in the area. But if Crawford rumbles for over a buck, then you know what to expect the rest of the way.