The All-Bay Area News Group has announced its top high school kickers and punters, recognizing outstanding performances from athletes across the region. Highlighting the talent in the area, this selection features exceptional players who have showcased their skills during the season.
First Team Selections
Leading the first team is Zach Brien from Bishop O’Dowd, a junior standing at 6 feet 2 inches and weighing 170 pounds. Recognized as a five-star kicker and the top kicker in the nation by Chris Sailer Kicking, Brien made 3 of 5 field goals and successfully converted 46 of 48 point-after attempts (PATs). His impressive performance includes achieving 55 touchbacks on 62 kickoffs, which ranks him among the best in California. Brien averaged 40.6 yards per punt with a hang time of 3.9 seconds.
Another standout is Saul Marks from Serra, a senior at 6 feet and 160 pounds. Marks utilized his strong kicking leg to convert 12 of 17 field goals, including two impressive 53-yard attempts, a 52-yarder, and two 48-yard kicks. He also generated touchbacks on 58 of 79 kickoffs and successfully made 42 of 46 PATs, averaging 43.8 yards per punt.
Second Team and Honorable Mentions
The second team features Thomas McKeon from St. Ignatius, a senior who notably made a 40-yard field goal as time expired, securing a win in the Central Coast Section Division II championship against Sacred Heart Cathedral. He successfully converted 6 of 7 field goals and 47 of 50 extra points. Another impressive performer is Elijah Delgado from Livermore, a junior who made 11 of 16 field goals with a long of 38 yards, along with 31 of 36 PATs.
Honorable mentions include several talented athletes: Nathan Fox from Sacred Heart Prep, Cody Houghtelling from Arroyo, Joseph Mirabal from Washington-Fremont, Ricky Miramontes from Milpitas, Manny Navarro from Woodside, Luis Rodriguez from Pittsburg, and Justin Uribarri from De La Salle.
The All-Bay Area News Group will continue its recognition of local talent with the announcement of various player of the year awards starting January 5, 2024. This will include honors for players from Alameda County, Contra Costa County, Santa Clara County, and the Peninsula. The selections highlight the effort and dedication of young athletes in the region, with the news organization’s high school sports staff making the final decisions based on performance during the season.
