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Midseason report: The Star ranks the area's top 75 high school football players

joe curley, ventura county star
·10 min read

As the calendar turns to fall and league races heat up, The Star releases its Midseason Top 75 football players of Ventura County, taking into account the first half of the season.

Statistics are through Week 5. Last month’s preseason Top 50 ranking is in parenthesis.

1. Josh Joyner, Pacifica (1): Injuries have forced Ventura County’s No. 1-ranked team to rely on its top weapon even more. The Washington State commit has responded with 778 rushing yards and nine TDs in six games.

Josh Joyner has been the leader of unbeaten Pacifica, rushing for 778 yards and nine TDs through the first six games.
Josh Joyner has been the leader of unbeaten Pacifica, rushing for 778 yards and nine TDs through the first six games.

2. Brady Smigiel, Newbury Park (2): The No. 14-ranked player nationally in the Class of 2026, per Rivals, is still a 16-year-old sophomore. At this point, nearly every Ventura County passing record is in serious trouble.

3. Aaron Butler, Calabasas (3): The Colorado commit is averaging nearly 22 yards per reception.

4. Jaden Mosley, Oak Park (6): The county’s most disruptive interior presence leads the area in sacks (7) and tackles for loss (15) by a significant margin.

Jaden Mosely has been his usual dominant self on the defensive line for Oak Park.
Jaden Mosely has been his usual dominant self on the defensive line for Oak Park.

5. Shaun Torgeson, St. Bonaventure (10): The 6-foot-5, 285-pound offensive tackle is a three-star recruit with a nasty streak.

6. Shane Rosenthal, Newbury Park (7): Brady Smigiel’s top playmaker is fifth in the Southern Section in receiving yards.

Newbury Park's Shane Rosenthal has been one of the top receivers in the Southern Section.
Newbury Park's Shane Rosenthal has been one of the top receivers in the Southern Section.

7. Blake Lauritzen, Thousand Oaks (8): The county’s top edge rusher already has 6.5 sacks after putting Brady Smigiel under constant pressure in the Conejo rivalry game.

8. Dayday Aupiu, Pacifica (4): The UC Berkeley commit, the quarterback of the Tritons’ defense, has shrugged off an early injury to return for league play.

More: See who the readers picked for the best player in the county at the midseason point

9. Chance Harrison, Rio Mesa (5): The Arizona commit remains the county’s top cover corner.

10. JJ Bittner, Rio Mesa (13): Jim Bittner’s grandson has emerged as an explosive dual threat with 11 TD passes and eight TD runs through five games.

Quarterback JJ Bittner has used his arms and legs to lead the Rio Mesa offense.
Quarterback JJ Bittner has used his arms and legs to lead the Rio Mesa offense.

11. Sonny Aina, Pacifica (23): The powerful defensive tackle has solidified the Tritons’ defensive front. The Portland State commit is third in the county with 9.5 tackles for losses.

12. Chase Farrell, Oaks Christian (17): The three-star Stanford commit is living up to his reputation as a big-play threat, averaging more than 21 yards per catch.

13. Deshonne Redeaux, Oaks Christian (15): The sophomore running back was clocked at 21 mph returning a recent kickoff for a score. The four-star recruit is one of the top athletes nationwide in the Class of 2026, ranked No. 58 nationally per 247Sports.com.

14. Aufaga PeaPea, Pacifica (27): The 6-foot-2, 270-pound tackle is a dominant force up front for the Tritons. He had 10 pancake blocks in the season-opening win at Simi Valley.

15. Alonzo Contreras, Calabasas (24): Aaron Butler’s quarterback has emerged as a three-star prospect in his own right. The San Jose State commit has thrown 14 TDs and only three interceptions through five games.

16. Landon Bell, Newbury Park (NR): The three-star Arizona commit has made a big impact as a senior transfer, co-leading the county with eight TD catches through five games and starting at cornerback.

17. Drew Cofield, St. Bonaventure (22): The three-star cornerback, who has offers from Arizona and Washington, leads the county with 13 pass breakups through five games.

St. Bonaventure's Drew Cofield (right) breaks up a pass intended for Pacifica's Dayday Aupiu on Aug. 25. Both players are in The Star's Top 20 at the midseason point.
St. Bonaventure's Drew Cofield (right) breaks up a pass intended for Pacifica's Dayday Aupiu on Aug. 25. Both players are in The Star's Top 20 at the midseason point.

18. Carson Berry, Newbury Park (19): The 6-foot-5, 270-pound tackle, who protects Brady Smigiel’s blind side, already has seven Division I offers.

19. Isaiah Dillon, Pacifica (31): With Savion Taylor out injured, the dynamic junior has stepped forward. He tied the county record with five TD catches in a game Sept. 15 vs San Marcos.

20. Enzo Hall, Oaks Christian (NR): The 6-foot-4, 300-pound tackle is a three-star recruit with offers from Arizona State, Mississippi State and Louisville.

21. Cory McEnroe, Thousand Oaks (NR): The 6-foot-2, 218-pound junior has stepped into Chase Martin’s former middle linebacker role and has played like a Division I prospect.

Cory McEnroe has been a force at middle linebacker for Thousand Oaks.
Cory McEnroe has been a force at middle linebacker for Thousand Oaks.

22. Dominic Duran, Pacifica (NR): The scrappy junior broke the school record with six TD passes against Dos Pueblos on Sept. 21. He’s thrown 15 TDs and just two interceptions.

23. Silas Kemp, Thousand Oaks (NR): The senior leads the county with five interceptions, has caught a TD pass in all six games, and also punts.

24. DJ Doss, St. Bonaventure (NR): The Washington State commit, a senior transfer from Antelope Valley, flashed the type of impact he can have for the Seraphs in a win over Oak Hills.

DJ Doss, who has committed to Washington State, has emerged as a top target for St. Bonaventure.
DJ Doss, who has committed to Washington State, has emerged as a top target for St. Bonaventure.

25. Daniel Viveros, Fillmore (NR): The 6-foot-4, 305-pound tackle has a Division I body and is a two-way workhorse for the Flashes.

26. Nick Thomas, Ventura (30): The Cougars middle linebacker is the county co-leader with 66 tackles.

27. Luke Cochran, Moorpark (18): The senior running back leads county running backs with 13 TDs.

28. Koen Glover, St. Bonaventure (14): The 5-foot-10 junior has stepped into Delon Thompson’s big cleats and performed, running for 415 yards and five TDs through five games.

29. Allen Macias, Santa Paula (20): The junior running back has churned up more than 2,000 yards over the past two seasons for the Cardinals.

30. Christian Knoos, Oaks Christian (NR): The 6-foot, 213-pound junior leads the area with 70 tackles, and has four sacks and eight tackles for losses.

31. Miles Hull, Agoura (NR): The 6-foot senior has powered Agoura’s 5-0 start with six TD catches and two interceptions.

Receiver Miles Hull is one of the reasons that Agoura is unbeaten after five games.
Receiver Miles Hull is one of the reasons that Agoura is unbeaten after five games.

32. Mylan Walker, Ventura (34): The senior safety had three of the Cougars’ four takeaways in the upset win over Rio Mesa.

33. Victor Lopez, Rio Mesa (NR): The 5-foot-11, 215-pound middle linebacker is second in the county with 10 tackles for losses.

34. Davon Benjamin, Oaks Christian (NR): The disruptive 6-foot junior safety has been offered by Oregon, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Washington.

35. Nico Mastrippolito, Oak Park (NR): The 6-foot-2 junior, who is second in the county with 582 yards receiving, forms a big receiving tandem with 6-1 teammate Ethan Abergel.

36. Bronson Siler, Ventura (NR): After sitting out the last two seasons, the 6-foot-1, 250-pound nose guard has fortified the Cougars’ front seven with 37 tackles and 2.5 sacks.

37. Brice Hawkins, Simi Valley (NR): The 5-foot-7 senior has already scored 10 TDs for the Pioneers. He also plays defense and returns punts.

Brice Hawkins has scored 10 touchdowns this season for Simi Valley.
Brice Hawkins has scored 10 touchdowns this season for Simi Valley.

38. Budder Aina, Pacifica (39): The Tritons linebacker is the county co-leader with 66 tackles and has also provided depth at running back.

39. Kevin Ilano, Simi Valley (NR): The 5-foot-11, 250-pound junior is a three-year starter in the middle of the Pioneers line.

40. Jacob Mantei, Camarillo (NR): The 5-foot-11 senior has produced long TDs from the slot on offense and linebacker on defense.

41. Arturo Alcarez, Santa Paula (NR): The 6-foot-2, 285-pound lineman shifted from all-league tackle to guard as a senior, giving the 5-0 Cardinals an improved interior presence.

42. Josh Woodworth, Ventura (25): The 6-foot-3, 215-pound junior is one of the top tight ends in the county.

43. Nathaniel Madrigal, Camarillo (45): The Scorpions offense is founded upon its 5-foot-7, 188-pound senior running back, who already has nine TDs.

Running back Nathaniel Madrigal has scored nine times to lead the Camarillo offense.
Running back Nathaniel Madrigal has scored nine times to lead the Camarillo offense.

44. Harrison Novak, Agoura (NR): Those old enough are reminded of Doug Flutie by the 5-foot-7 quarterback, whose fourth-quarter heroics have inspired the Chargers’ 5-0 start.

45. Sol McGarey, Nordhoff (49): The senior running back was named MaxPreps Player of the Week after running for a school-record 406 yards and six TDs on Sept. 15 against Trinity Classical Academy.

46. Dylan Dunst, St. Bonaventure (NR): The 5-foot-9 safety has shifted to linebacker as a senior and has been one of the unsung playmakers of the first half, piling up 45 tackles, seven tackles for losses, two forced fumbles and a game-sealing interception.

47. Justice Williams, Oaks Christian (9): The Washington commit has 22 catches for 272 yards and two TDs through five games.

48. Ethan LaSecla, Grace Brethren (NR): The Lancers’ return to 11-man football was made easier by their veteran quarterback, who has piled up 1,721 yards and 24 TDs running and passing.

49. DeJuan Colvin, Pacifica (NR): The 6-foot junior is tied for second in the county in sacks (5.5) and is fifth in tackles for losses (8.5).

50. Zayne McCulley, Ventura (33): The 6-foot senior is a standout safety who also returns kicks and punts for the Cougars.

Ventura's Zayne McCulley has been a star at safety and a kick returner for the Cougars.
Ventura's Zayne McCulley has been a star at safety and a kick returner for the Cougars.

51. Jesse Sereno, Simi Valley (NR): The 6-foot-1 senior quarterback is the steady hand of the Pioneers offense. He’s thrown 13 TDs and just two interceptions.

52. J’Lin Wingo, Rio Mesa (26): The powerful running back is averaging 6.3 yards per carry.

53. Jovany Amezcua, Moorpark (NR): The 5-foot-10, 195-pound middle linebacker has six tackles for losses.

54. Max Peters, St. Bonaventure (28): The 6-foot senior can make an impact in all three phases for the Seraphs.

55. Tristan Phillips, Ventura (42): The 6-foot-4 outside linebacker has six tackles for losses.

56. Jaden Few, St. Bonaventure (NR): The 6-foot-5, 220-pound junior is a budding edge rusher.

57. Andrew Lacombe, Thousand Oaks (36): The outside speedster has 21 catches for 329 yards and four TDs through five games.

Thousand Oaks High's Andrew Lacombe has been one of the top playmakers in the county.
Thousand Oaks High's Andrew Lacombe has been one of the top playmakers in the county.

58. Shane Loes, Nordhoff (NR): The senior makes an impact running the ball and stopping the run for the Rangers.

59. Talon Gold, Newbury Park (43): The 6-foot, 210-pound senior is the leader of Newbury Park’s young linebacking group.

60. Carlos Ferreiro, Simi Valley (NR): Jim Benkert doesn’t like to play the senior strong safety on offense because he means so much to the defense.

61. Luis Aguilera, Oxnard (48): The 6-foot senior anchors the Yellowjackets’ defensive front.

62. Balen Betancourt, Newbury Park (NR): The 6-foot, 205-pound sophomore is a budding defensive star for coordinator Ron Wilford.

63. Philip Kim, Pacifica (29): Injuries have limited the Tritons’ bruising back, but he’s still averaging 7.2 yards per carry.

64. Jackson Walea, Camarillo (NR): The senior linebacker is fourth in the county with nine tackles for losses.

65. Aaron Cesario, Buena (NR): With starting running back James Blanks out with an injury, the 5-foot-10 junior has picked up the slack for the Bulldogs.

66. Cooper Cronquist, Moorpark (NR): The 6-foot junior starts in the slot and at safety for the Musketeers.

Cooper Cronquist is a standout receiver and safety for unbeaten Moorpark.
Cooper Cronquist is a standout receiver and safety for unbeaten Moorpark.

67. Noah McArthur, Newbury Park (NR): The 5-foot-8 senior has provided tough yards on offense and big plays on defense.

68. Nicolas Andrade, Moorpark (NR): The 6-foot-3, 255-pound nose guard gives the Musketeers’ front seven some power.

69. Scott Burleigh, Oxnard (46): The 6-foot-6, 376-pound junior tackle has shrugged off an early injury to power the Yellowjackets running game.

70. Jackson Carter, Buena (NR): The junior defensive end has made an impact with six tackles for losses and a blocked kick.

71. David Jimenez, Fillmore (NR): The senior running back and linebacker sacrificed his senior year by volunteering to play quarterback when starter Anthony Tafoya was injured in training camp.

72. Lance Olivares, Hueneme (NR): The 5-foot-10 junior has stepped forward as the Vikings’ playmaking quarterback.

73. Zach Nagy, Royal (NR): The 6-foot junior is averaging more than 19 yards per catch for the Highlanders.

74. Aron Byrd, Channel Islands (NR): The athletic junior quarterback has scored both TDs for the Raiders.

75. Ethan Curtis, Westlake (41): The 6-foot-4 junior is a strong two-way lineman for the Warriors.

Joe Curley covers high school, collegiate and professional football for The Star. He can be reached at joe.curley@vcstar.com. For more coverage, follow @vcspreps on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Midseason: The Star ranks the top 75 high school football players