Noah Jackson, RB, Rancho Buena Vista: The Longhorns' other 1,000-yard rusher is the perfect lightning to Ian Sluss' thunder. The 5-foot-8, 193-pound Jackson leads RBV with 11 rushing touchdowns.
David Hernandez, LB, West Hills: A big playmaker on defense, the 5-foot-8, 200-pound senior is difficult to block and ranks among West Hills' leading tacklers.
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Online: Check out the Union-Tribune's high school football Web site for a complete playoff schedule and statistical leaders. Go to utprepsports.com/football
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Brandon Meredith, RB, Montgomery: The 6-foot-2, 250-pound senior has been a consistent performer for the Aztecs this season, scoring one or more touchdowns in eight of the squad's nine games for a team-high 11.
Derek Holsapple, LB, St. Augustine: The Saints, two-time defending champs in Division III, will be looking to their defense to stymie Monte Vista. The 6-foot-1, 210-pound Holsapple leads the team in tackles.
San Diego Section first-round games are at 7:30 tonight unless noted.
DIVISION I
Rancho Bernardo (4-5) at El Camino (4-6): The Broncos are led by versatile option quarterback Gerald Kemp. The Wildcats answer with UCLA-bound wide receiver Nelson Rosario.
Fallbrook (2-7) at Mira Mesa (6-3): After going 0-10 last year, the Warriors have wins over playoff teams Rancho Bernardo and Santa Fe Christian. The return of QB Kevin Ozier from injury has buoyed the Marauders' offense. (Web: KBCsports.com)
Vista (5-4) at Chula Vista (7-2), 7: The Panthers are led by QB David Fisher and WR Brian McMullen. Spartans RB Matthew Stacy is averaging 99.7 yards per game on the ground. (TV: 4 San Diego; Web: hitekradio.com)
Calexico (5-4) at Rancho Buena Vista (6-3): Workhorse RB Oscar Sanchez is the mainstay for the Bulldogs, who have won three of their last four. Longhorns double-threat Ian Sluss can pound the ball as a fullback and create turnovers on defense as a linebacker. (Web: KBCsports.com)
DIVISION II
Scripps Ranch (5-4) at Grossmont (6-3): QB Robert Forcier can put the ball in the air for the Falcons, who also count on the running of sophomore Brennan Clay. Key losses have depleted Grossmont's offense, but the defense remains intact behind safety Dominique Bradley.
Hoover (6-3) at San Pasqual (7-2): The Cardinals' biggest playmaker, Corey Trisby, has been switched to RB-WR after playing QB most of the season. A postseason staple, the Eagles seek their first title in a decade.
Mt. Carmel (4-5) vs. Bonita Vista (6-3) at Southwestern: Sundevils LB Ben Vasko is among the section leaders in tackles. The Barons are looking for their first win in four tries over the Sundevils. (Web: KBCsports.com)
Westview (4-5) at West Hills (5-4): Wolverines K Bobby Wenzig can change field position as a punter and also has a 47-yard field goal. Do-it-all senior Eric Fiege (DB-slot) is the cornerstone for the Wolf Pack, which is making its 15th consecutive playoff appearance. (Web: KBCsports.com)
DIVISION III
Central (6-3) at Lincoln (5-4): Senior RB Jaqueem Coleman leads the Spartans. Coach Ron Hamamoto's Hornets have speed and athleticism to make up for youth and inexperience. (Web: KBCsports.com)
El Capitan (5-4) at Mount Miguel (6-3): Section passing leader Tanner Rust (2,927 yards, 29 TDs) guides a Vaqueros offense averaging 40.2 points per game. The Matadors are anchored by QB Aaron Bryant (1,666 total yards, 21 TDs). (Web: KBCsports.com)
Monte Vista (4-5) vs. St. Augustine (5-4) at Balboa Stadium, 7: Versatile QB Maurice Payne leads the Monarchs into the playoffs for the first time in three years. When QB David Popkins is on, the Saints roll, but if he has an off night, the defense must carry the load. (Web: KBCsports.com)
Montgomery (6-3) at Brawley (7-3): The Aztecs are hoping for their first playoff win since 1986. Junior RB Darren Clark (726 yards rushing, 11 TDs) is the main man in the Wildcats' attack.
DIVISION V
Olympian (2-7) at Holtville (5-4), 5: The Eagles have reached the playoffs in their first varsity season. The Vikings like to keep it on the ground with Bevan Johnson and Jonathan Cueto leading the charge.
Mountain Empire (4-5) at La Jolla Country Day (6-3): Senior QB Marcus Stephens leads a potent Red Hawks passing game. The Torreys won their last four games by a composite score of 182-14. (Web: KBCsports.com)
Julian (5-3) at Imperial (6-3): The Eagles of first-year head coach Tim White finished strong with four straight wins. Same is true for coach Steve Cato's Desert League-champion Tigers.
Tri-City Christian (3-6) at Vincent Memorial (4-4): Sophomore Andrew Torkelson (1,092 yards, nine TDs) will put the ball up for the Eagles. The senior-laden Scots count on QB Tommy Alexander.
Online: Check out the Union-Tribune's high school football Web site for a complete playoff schedule and statistical leaders.
Go to utprepsports.com/football
