San Jose, California – Valley Christian High School’s football team is gearing up for an exciting season, and one player who is sure to turn heads is Uchenna Eke, the talented senior running back and outside linebacker for the Valley Christian Warriors, class of 2024. Eke has already made a name for himself in the West Catholic Athletic League (WCAL), earning accolades and catching the attention of colleges such as Hawaii, Air Force, Fresno State, and Sac State.

In the 2022 season, Eke’s exceptional performance on the field was recognized when he was awarded the prestigious WCAL’s Running Back of the Year title. He was a driving force behind the Warriors’ offense, displaying his versatility and skill in every game. Eke’s contributions did not go unnoticed, as he was named to the First Team All-League and even earned a spot on the Cal-Hi Sports’ first-team all-state team.

Throughout the season, Eke showcased his incredible talent, scoring an impressive 13 touchdowns. On 131 carries, he rushed for an astounding 936 yards, averaging an impressive 7.1 yards per carry. He consistently delivered remarkable performances, and his most memorable game came against the Sacred Heart Cathedral Fightin’ Irish of San Francisco on October 1st, 2022. Eke dominated the field that day, scoring three touchdowns and amassing 214 rushing yards on 20 carries, leaving his opponents in awe.

Eke’s impact extended beyond rushing, as he also demonstrated his agility and versatility as a receiver. He caught seven passes for 74 yards in the season, further solidifying his value to the team. His ability to contribute in multiple areas of the game made him a true asset to the Warriors.

The 5’10” senior, weighing in at a solid 195 pounds, possesses the physical attributes that make him a formidable force on the field. However, not just his natural talent sets him apart; Eke’s dedication and hard work are evident in his performance. His mother, who has been his guiding force, has instilled in him the importance of academically and athletically excelling. With a remarkable 3.5 GPA, Eke is the epitome of a student-athlete, balancing his commitments with remarkable discipline.

Valley Christian High School provides an ideal environment for athletes like Eke to flourish. Equipped with a state-of-the-art weight room and one of the best facilities in California, the Warriors have created a nurturing space for serious athletes. Their multi-million dollar football stadium serves as a testament to the school’s commitment to excellence, providing a stage where players like Uchenna Eke can truly shine.

As Eke enters his senior year, he has his sights set on playing Division I football. With his wide range of skills and impressive statistics, recruiters from various universities have taken notice. Earlier this summer, he attended major camps at Cal Berkeley, Sac State, Idaho, UC Davis, San Jose State, and Fresno State, showcasing his abilities and leaving a lasting impression.

Coach Eric Scharrenberg, the Valley Christian Warriors’ Vice President of Athletics, speaks highly of his team’s potential. He believes that this year’s squad possesses both talent and tradition, and their hard work and discipline will undoubtedly lead to success on the field. The coach’s confidence is echoed by running back coach Brandon Ford-Fragger, who sees Uchenna Eke as a key player and potential leader for the team. Ford-Fragger emphasizes the team’s determination to prove themselves this season, using their past experiences as fuel for their efforts.

Eke’s coach believes that the sky’s the limit for the talented senior. With a focus on improving every aspect of his game, Eke has been working diligently on his ball security, route running, and catching skills. Coach Ford-Fragger sees all the intangibles required for success at the next level in Eke and believes that he has what it takes to make a lasting impact in college football.

As the Valley Christian Warriors prepare to take the field this season, all eyes will be on Uchenna Eke. With his exceptional skill set, determination, and the support of his coaches and teammates, he is poised to leave an indelible mark on the football field. The stage is set for this rising star to make his mark, and the football world eagerly awaits his next move.

San Jose, Ca – Leigh High School’s star running back and linebacker, Shayan Shariat, is a force to be reckoned with on the football field. Standing tall at 6’2″ and weighing in at 220 pounds, Shayan possesses the physical attributes that make him a formidable player. However, it’s not just his size that sets him apart; it’s his dedication, versatility, and outstanding achievements both in sports and academics.

Shayan’s football journey began as a freshman when he defied his parents’ initial concerns and signed up for summer workouts. After witnessing his skills and passion during his first game, they wholeheartedly supported his decision. Since then, Shayan has become a vital asset to the Leigh Longhorns, showcasing his prowess on offense, defense, and special teams.

But football isn’t Shayan’s only athletic pursuit. He is a true three-sport athlete, also making waves as a member of Leigh High School’s competitive cheerleading squad and track team. Balancing multiple sports while excelling academically is no easy feat, but Shayan manages to maintain a remarkable GPA of 3.6 and above.

In addition to his contributions to Leigh High School’s athletic program, Shayan plays for the GSF 5-Star 7v7 football team, where he made significant strides this past Spring. His involvement in various camps at San Jose State, Cal Berkeley, and Stanford showcases his determination to refine his skills and catch the attention of Division 1 college recruiters.

Off the field, Shayan is a natural leader, admired by his teammates and coaches alike. He credits his father for training him in sports, acknowledging the pivotal role his parents played in shaping him into the athlete he is today. The head coach of the Leigh Longhorns, Coach Padia, expresses immense pride in Shayan’s accomplishments, highlighting his versatility and commitment to the team.

With a “never leave the field” attitude, Shayan embraces the opportunity to contribute in any way possible. Coach Padia plans to utilize his talents on both offense and defense this year, emphasizing his ability to make an impact across all facets of the game. Shayan eagerly embraces this challenge, eager to lead his team to victory and potentially earn himself another MVP award.

While Shayan continues to excel in his athletic pursuits, he remains focused on securing a scholarship offer from a top Division 1 school. Undeterred by the absence of an offer thus far, he dedicated his off-season to training with ATP, the team’s strength and conditioning coach. Additionally, Shayan honed his skills by participating in 7v7 games with the GSF 5-Star team while also devoting time to his successful cheerleading squad, which clinched multiple tournament wins, including a National Championship.

Looking forward to his senior season, Shayan exudes confidence and determination. He predicts big things for the Leigh Longhorns this fall and is poised to lead his team on a quest to win the league and CCS title. With his exceptional talent, work ethic, and unwavering drive, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Shayan Shariat earn himself another accolade along the way.

Reflecting on his journey, Shayan offers valuable advice to his eighth-grade self: “Train right away, play Pop Warner, and make sure you keep your grades up.” This sage counsel reflects his understanding of the importance of discipline, perseverance, and maintaining academic excellence.

As Shayan Shariat heads into his senior year, all eyes will be on this remarkable athlete who combines skill, versatility, and leadership on and off the field. With his sights set on making a significant impact and leaving a lasting legacy, there’s no doubt that Shayan’s future is destined to be filled with success.