Let’s talk about City Section football and the hidden talent you might not see.
City Section Football Championship Highlights Emerging Talents
During a City Section breakfast gathering on Wednesday, junior linebackers Elyjah Staples of Marquez and De’Andre Kirkpatrick of Crenshaw connected for a photo that could one day be seen as historic. Standing tall at 6 feet 3 inches, both players are demonstrating skills that are capturing the attention of college recruiters and, potentially, NFL scouts, challenging the stereotype often attached to City Section football.
Running back Darnell Miller from Santee has made headlines by rushing for over 3,100 yards this season. Known for his character, Miller, who also cares for his 10-year-old brother Frederick, remains without college offers despite his outstanding talent. The sports community sees him as a hidden gem deserving of recognition.
Adding to the excitement, versatile junior quarterback Chris Fields III from Carson and senior running back Darnell Miller, who excels with over 3,000 rushing yards this season, are positioned to be featured on television in the near future.
On the field, Marquez coach Rudy Fortiz is preparing for a significant challenge as his team faces his alma mater, South Gate, in the Division I title match. Fortiz admits he’s always supported South Gate—except during this current week of competition. Notably, South Gate was struggling with an 0-10 record just two seasons ago.
At Hawkins, coach Ronald Coltress is rebuilding the program after previous struggles, including a winless season in 2016. Coltress joined as the head coach in 2018, guiding the team toward a 10-2 record this year, leading them to the Division III championship match against Santee at Birmingham. “There was nobody left,” Coltress said, reflecting on the challenge of attracting players to the program.
The championship games take place at Birmingham on Friday and at L.A. Southwest College on Saturday, showcasing an array of emerging talents that could soon make their mark in higher levels of football.
