Top 10 High School Football Plays of the Year
Spencer Linton and Greg Lee countdown the top high school football plays from the 2012 season. See the provided video links (left side of the page) to rediscover the best of the best from another memorable prep season.
10. Special Teams Showdown: Marcus Simerson of La Quinta and Braden Bateman of Palm Desert show of their kickoff return skills in the rivalry flag game. A classic case of “anything you can do, I can do better.”
9. Freshman Phenom: Taylor Hawkins of Palm Springs can’t drive yet, but he has a license to score. The return specialist offers up his best at #9.
8. 8-Man Dynasty: The Joshua Springs Lightning won an unprecedented 4th consecutive C.I.F. title in 2012. Naturally, an 8-man team should lay claim to #8.
7. Wildcat Wonder: David Haney of Twentynine Palms helped the Wildcats win another De Anza League championship by making plays on both sides of the ball. His two best involve a lot of running… and scoring.
6. Eagle has Landed: Roman Pellum (Desert Chapel) is a big guy who knows how to make a big catch… and with only ONE HAND!
5. I am Conqueror: R.J. Alvarez of Desert Christian Academy doesn’t score many touchdowns… but after a key interception he would not be denied.
4. Year of the Toland: James Toland of Shadow Hills High School had a record-setting year for the Knights in shining purple, catapulted by his incredible 494 yards and 7 touchdowns vs. Banning. The Homecoming King also led the Knights to their first-ever CIF playoff berth.
3. Ace in the Pocket: Desert Hot Springs’ Ace Lewis provided an unforgettable moment when he snagged this pass with one hand — and then beat everyone down the sideline.
2. Speedy Gamble: James Rodriguez made Cathedral City head coach Richard Lee look like a genius when he opted for a fake punt from his own 14 yard line. 86 yards later, the Lions had a touchdown and Rodriguez had one of the top plays of the year.
1. Blackhawk Beast Mode: La Quinta’s Darius Griffin spent most of the season in the shadow of DVL player of the year Isaiah Verazas, but in the biggest of games, he emerged for a bone-rattling, jump-out-of-your-seat touchdown run to help secure another rivalry win vs. Palm Desert.
