Jim Benkert, the football coach at Simi Valley High, recounts how he discovered defensive end Izak Simpson during a basketball game. Encouraged by Benkert, Simpson transitioned from basketball to football and has since excelled, recording 14 sacks last season and 15 this season as his team heads into the Southern Section Division 3 championship.

Despite a family history in football, including a grandfather who played for the Dallas Cowboys, Simpson initially focused on basketball. He now expresses his happiness with the sport and his teammates. Meanwhile, Mater Dei's Raul Lara praises this year's Monarchs team as his most talented yet, while Oxnard Pacifica prepares for a Division 4 final against St. Bonaventure, buoyed by standout performances from Savion Taylor and Isaiah Dillon.