"(Eric Sondheimer / Los Angeles Times) At the City Section breakfast on Wednesday morning for teams competing this weekend in championship football games, two linebackers from the class of 2027 were asked to take a photo together, because one day, it could be historic. Elyjah Staples, a 6-foot-3 junior from Marquez, and De'Andre Kirkpatrick, a 6-3 junior from Crenshaw, can match their skills against anyone in the state. College recruiters are paying attention and one day NFL scouts will too. They are helping destroy the stereotype that City Section football is lacking in talent."
"Running back Darnell Miller of Santee has rushed for 3,100 yards. He's a perfect gentleman taking care of his 10-year-old brother Frederick. No offers. If anyone needs a terrific talent with character Darnell Miller is that person. pic.twitter.com/g64gaDJutQ- eric sondheimer (@latsondheimer) November 26, 2025 Add versatile junior quarterback Chris Fields III from Carson and senior running back Darnell Miller from Santee, who has surpassed the 3,000-yard mark rushing this season, and you have a group of players you'll be watching on television in the coming years."
"Here's the schedule for games at Birmingham on Friday and L.A. Southwest College on Saturday. Marquez coach Rudy Fortiz has been hearing from friends through text messages. He's in a bit of a bind. His team is facing his alma mater, South Gate, for the Division I title on Saturday. Fortiz says he always roots for South Gate - except for this week. South Gate was 0-10 two seasons ago. Hawkins coach Ronald Coltress is the one who had the put the program back together after it went 0-13 in 2016 because of forfeits and firings of coaches. In 2017, he was JV coach when the varsity went 0-11 following an exodus of players. He took over in 2018 and the team went 1-9. The administration told him to stay the course and make sure players were going to class, behaving and graduating. Now Hawkins is 10-2 and playing for the Divisi"
Two Class of 2027 linebackers, Elyjah Staples of Marquez and De'Andre Kirkpatrick of Crenshaw, demonstrate statewide-caliber skill and are drawing college and future NFL interest. Running back Darnell Miller of Santee has rushed for more than 3,000 yards and is noted for character while lacking offers. Versatile junior quarterback Chris Fields III from Carson adds to the growing list of prospects. Several City Section teams reached championship games with matchups at Birmingham and L.A. Southwest College. Marquez faces alma mater South Gate in the Division I final, and Hawkins rebuilt from winless seasons to a 10-2 record.
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