Here's a closer look at this week's candidates, in alphabetical order for the American Chevrolet Large-School Athlete of the Week. Manteca's Ryan Ward is your winner.
Isaac Herman, Gregori: Only a sophomore, Herman showcased his versatility and explosiveness in the Jaguars' third consecutive victory. Herman had 110 yards and two touchdown on just nine carries, and he scored on an 85-yard kickoff return as Gregori routed Weston Ranch, 63-7. To vote, click here.
Charles Jackson, Atwater: Trailing by 20 points at the half, Jackson and a resurgent offensive line answered the call. One of the region's true game-changing running backs, Jackson rushed for three second-half touchdowns and 203 yards as Atwater improved to 4-1. To vote, click here.
Dawaiian McNeely, Central Catholic: Slowed by a shoulder injury during the first month of the season, McNeely hit top speed in the Raiders' Valley Oak League opener against Manteca. He rushed for a season-high 215 yards stabilizing mistake-prone Central Catholic, which struggled to put away the Buffaloes. To vote, click here.
Zeke Saffar, Oakdale: Saffar clinched the Mustangs' 35-26 victory at East Union with an 80-yard touchdown run with 7:31 left in the game. His touchdown came just 17 seconds after East Union pulled within 28-26. Saffar finished with a team-high 194 yards on just 10 carries. To vote, click here.
Ryan Ward, Manteca: The junior quarterback sliced and shredded the Raiders' secondary, completing 24 of his 32 passes for 332 yards and four touchdowns, two apiece to Jorge Cedano and Jacob DeJesus. A highly-touted pitching prospect, Ward has six touchdowns passes in his last two games. To vote, click here.
Follow James Burns on Twitter @jburns1980, or email him at frontrowpreps@gmail.com.
