#1: Brendan McMinn

This year, the most impressive athlete for all fall sports has been senior running back Brendan McMinn. Not including last Friday’s game against the Oakmont Vikings, McMinn has totaled 1048 total yards and 19 touchdowns, leading the team in both categories. He also started on defense and has recorded 16 tackles plus a forced fumble which he returned for a touchdown.

According to head coach Larry Cunha, the biggest part of McMinn’s game is his versatility.

“On defense we were able to put him man up on Whitney’s best receiver and on offense he is our leading yard producer,” Cunha said. “His versatility is very important to us.”

According to senior linebacker Nico Andrada, McMinn’s leadership is just as important as his skill.

“On the field, Brendan might not be the most vocal guy, but he always leads by example,” Andrada said. “He is the hardest working player on our team, and I think that makes us all want to work harder.”

By Jamie Bateman, photo by George Hughes

#2: Kayla Kwong

Appearing in the Top Ten for the second year in a row is senior golfer Kayla Kwong, who takes the number two spot this fall season.

Alongside claiming the number two spot, she had received her second consecutive CVC league Most Valuable Player award. Kayla shoots a team best 37.2 on 9 hole rounds and 74.3 on 18 hole rounds.

According to coach Corey Fukuman, Kwong is a great leader on the team.

“Kayla has been a leader and a role model for her teammates,” Fukuman said. “She leads by example and is extremely supportive of her teammates which has earned their respect.”

Fukuman feels that Kwong has not let her success get to her head.

“Kayla is very humble and does not let her success get the best of her and is always striving to get better,” Fukuman said. “On course she is all business but off the course she has fun with her teammates.”

By Nolan Frame, photo by George Hughes

#3: Savanah Smith

Taking the third spot on the list is varsity outside hitter Savanah Smith. She has put up impressive statistics this year, securing 189 kills, 35 total blocks, 19 aces and an accumulated hitting percentage of .218. In terms of defense, Smith has 229 digs and 595 serve receive passes.

Senior teammate Shelbie McKay believes that Smith has pushed the team along this season and brings an alternative energy to the court.

“She is super positive and encourages people to play to their potential and do their best by holding all of us to a really high standard which forces us to do better and pushes people to do their best,” McKay said. “She’s definitely one of our main leaders, and she’s not someone you want to let down.”

Coach Cindy Simon agrees with McKay, saying that Smith has had a significant positive impact on the team and has been a key to its success.

“Savanah has brought a funny sense of humor and keeps the court moral very positive. We rely on her the most for consistent passing and putting the ball away when we need a kill,” Simon said. “She is a true team player and is constantly trying to help her teammates out. She has done a tremendous job this season.”

By Elena Bateman and Emily Wright, photo by George Hughes

#4: Nico Andrada

Taking the number four spot in the Top Ten is senior linebacker Nico Andrada. Andrada has started in all ten games this season and has been a key component of the Tiger defense, leading the team in tackles, with over 50, and also recording an interception.

He feels that he has earned his starting spot by working hard and taking charge of the defense on the field.

“I feel like I am more of a leader this year,” Andrada said. “Going into this season, I knew that I was going to have to work so I could be on starting defense. Playing linebacker, you have to control almost every part of the defense – getting the line in what position they need to be in, getting the calls in, calling the strength – you really have a lot of responsibilities.”

Senior strong tackle Nick Tucker feels that Andrada’s persistence and determination allows him step up on defense to make important plays and tackles.

“He has been a big help on the run defense for us and he has made a lot of big plays behind the line of scrimmage,” Tucker said. “The way he plays the game is very aggressive. He goes after people.”

By Megan Anderson, photo by George Hughes

#5: Anne Hoppes

Swimming in at number five is sophomore varsity water polo player Anne Hoppes. Hoppes played exceptionally well this year, scoring 62 goals in only 24 games. This 2.6 goals-per-game average secured her position as the top goal scorer.

Hoppes’ teammates believe that she was the team’s biggest contributor this year and are impressed with the success she has had as an underclassman on varsity.

Coach Paul Stewart is proud of Hoppes’ performance this year and refers to her as a “diamond of a sophomore.”

Stewart also said that Hoppes could possibly be one of the best girls water polo players ever to play at Roseville High School and is excited to see her progress in her junior and senior year.

By Kale Jibson, photo courtesy Press Tribune

#6: Jay Razzano

Senior Jay Razzano comes in as the number six ranked athlete for the 2016 fall season. Razzano has played two years on the varsity football team as a running back. Last year, he was recognized by earning first-team CVC honors and has continued to dominate on the field.

Razzano has been a valuable asset in leading the Tigers on their 9-1 journey which has secured them a spot in the playoffs.

He has racked up a total of 637 yards on 122 carries which included a dominant 225 rushing yard game against a potent Whitney Wildcat defense.

On top of his 91 average yards a game, he has piled up six rushing touchdowns.

According to senior wide receiver Josh Clark, Razzano’s leadership drives the team toward success.

“He’s been a motivating person who keeps us focused,” Clark said. “He  really defines the role of a leader.”

Clark believes that Razzano’s offensive abilities greatly benefit the team.

“He is just another huge force on offense,” Clark said. “He’s another weapon we have and can use to our advantage.”

By Brandon Del Rosario, photo by George Hughes

#7: Kyle Gard

Coming in at number seven on the list is varsity boys water polo standout junior Kyle Gard.

Gard has been a monster in the water, achieving a dominating .860 shots-made percentage this season, scoring 49 times out of 59 total shots. The next closest scorer on the team is nowhere near Gard, scoring 21 goals, a 28 score difference.

Gard’s contributions to his team come not only from his play, but from his efforts as a captain and as a role-model.

“He is a very skilled and talented player, and he always has a very positive attitude in games and toward teammates,” teammate junior Anthony Morales said. “This being my first year, he is a great teacher of how to play the game to newcomers and even to teammates he’s been playing with for years.”

By Dominic Taylor, photo courtesy Jamie Edmonson

#8: Jordyn Berry

Eighth on the Top Ten list this year is sophomore JV running back Jordyn Berry.

Berry has had a monstrous season on the offensive side of the ball, having 129 carries, 1099 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns so far

Sophomore cornerback Ben Baker thinks that Berry is one of the team’s most important assets because of the positive attitude and energy that he brings.

“He has brought enthusiasm to our team during practices and games,” Baker said. “Throughout this year, Berry has shown great efforts to this team, and it has really shown on our record.”

Not only has Berry performed well on offense, he has also put up impressive defensive numbers, having 19 tackles and three interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown.

Baker thinks Berry’s play on both sides of the ball motivates the team to play harder.

“Berry’s performances on both sides have enhanced our team to help us either rise up after a bad offensive series or to keep pounding on defense,” Baker said. “I’m proud to say that he is a friend of mine and got us through this season as a team.”

By Blake Beaman, photo by George Hughes

#9: Jessica Donahue

Junior Jessica Donahue is a second-year varsity volleyball player and comes in at number nine on this list.

Although Donahue, one of the team’s captains, is a setter for the Tigers, she is in second place in league for blocking this season with a total number of 87 blocks. She is also sixth place in league for assists with 321.

During her varsity career, Donahue has maintained a .156 hitting average, a 15.8 ace percentage and a kill percentage of 35.8.

Junior outside hitter Sydney Richardson feels that Donahue has earned her position on the Top Ten list due to the hard work and dedication she has put forth this season for her team.

“She has come so far and is doing an amazing job as our setter,” Richardson said. “She has even been promoted to a captain position as a junior on varsity.”

By Karli Dugger and Kylie Irwin, photo by George Hughes

#10: Juliette Oliver

Claiming the tenth and final spot on this year’s Top Ten is senior varsity tennis captain Juliette Oliver. This is Oliver’s second consecutive year as a varsity captain, and she has lead the team to a winning record for the first time in the past four seasons.

Oliver recorded seven wins this season as the team’s number one singles player, which is an improvement from her six wins in the previous season.

According to junior teammate Jada Kranig, part of Oliver’s success is due to her hard work in both matches and practice.

“She never gives up even when she is facing the toughest opponent, “ Kranig said. “She brings this same intensity to practice.”

Kranig also believes Oliver’s impact on the team goes further than just her advanced skill set.

“She is a very positive influence on everyone all of the time despite the situation and is always trying to get the best out of the team,” Kranig said.

By Jackson Esparza, photo courtesy Gary Pratt