Former High School Football Star Wrongfully Jailed for Rape to Sue State of California

by Jeff Fisher
High School Football America

The story of former Long Beach Poly (California) football player Brian Banks, whose 2002 rape conviction was dismissed by a judge on Thursday, continues to twist and turn like a soap opera.

The LA Times reported on its blog today that the 26-year old Banks will be seeking money from the State of California for the five years he was in prison.  In the same story, the LA Times Blog reports that the former high school football star will not take legal action against his accuser Wanetta Gibson.

The path to Banks' freedom came after Gibson "friended" him on Facebook and telling him she felt guilty about making-up the rape allegations.  Banks, who wanted to play college football at USC at the time of the allegation, always contended the sex was consensual.

Banks, who's in great shape, is hoping to get a tryout with an NFL team.

Based on the odds Banks overcame to win his freedom, stay tuned to see what happens next in his story...I don't doubt that one NFL will give him a shot.

Who knows, since Banks still has his college eligibility, maybe a college coach will give him a chance to resume his dream.

In the meantime, watch the story on NBC's Today Show on Friday that includes an exclusive interview with Banks.

   

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13 Year Old QB Commits to USC

by Jeff Fisher
High School Football America

I hesitate to post this, because it just seems too crazy to be true! And...if it is true, it just disgusts me.

There are reports all across the internet that 13-year old David Sills of Bear, Delaware has given his verbal commitment to Lane Kiffin after the new USC boss offered the 7th grader a scholarship. According to the LA Times, the offer came through Steve Clarkson, who privately tutors young quarterbacks.

Clarkson has worked with current USC quarterback Matt Barkley, who started 12 games as a freshman last season. Clarkson believes the 6-foot, 145-pound Sills could be better than Barkley or Jimmy Clausen.

Clarkson introduced Sills to Kiffin via the video below.



I know that Kiffin didn't overtly go after Sills, but I hope when this news reaches the appropriate people, someone will step-in and create a rule that prevents this from ever happening again.

Mission Bay (CA) QB/RB/WR Named U.S. Army All-American Bowl National Player-of-the-Year

by Jeff Fisher
High School Football America

Mission Bay High School's Dillon Baxter had one of the most incredible high school football seasons ever, and Friday the San Diego-area senior was named as the National Player of the Year by the officials of the U.S. Army All-American Bowl.

Baxter, who also was named as California's Mr. Football on Friday, played quarterback, running back and wide receiver this season, accounted for 76 touchdowns and 5,115 yards of total offense. NBC San Diego reports that Baxter's senior year will go down in the record books.

Now the big question facing Baxter is whether he should stick to his verbal commitment to play his college ball at USC. According to the NY Times today, Baxter is re-thinking his decision because Pete Carroll has resigned to take the head coaching job with the Seattle Seahawks.

West Wins U.S. Army All-American Bowl

by Jeff Fisher
High School Football America

Game MVP Ronald Powell of Mission Viejo High School (CA) led the West stars to a 30-14 win over the East squad in the 10th annual U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio Saturday.

The 6-5, 230-pound Powell, who committed to Florida during the broadcast on NBC, ended the game with five tackles, one for a loss and one forced fumble, plus caught a 23-yard touchdown pass and returned a block extra point for two points.

Probably the most interesting thing about the game was how Pete Carroll's announcement that he was leaving for USC for the NFL's Seattle Seahawks affected some of the players. ESPN Rise takes a look at that topic.

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Mater Dei (CA) Survives in 3 OT Battle With Carson on ESPN 2

By Jeff Fisher
The High School Football Huddle


It took three overtimes, but 2007 Gatorade National Player of the Year Matt Barkley and his Mater Dei (Santa Ana, CA) teammates were finally able to shake Carson 46-43 in a game that was nationally televised on ESPN 2 Wednesday night.

Barkley, who looked good-and-bad at times, tossed six touchdown passes to go along with four interceptions, including one in the second scoreless overtime for the Monarchs, who entered the game ranked #29 in the ESPN Rise Fab 50. Barkley, who has verbally committed to USC, ended the game 15-of-31 for 301 yards. His top receiver was senior Ario Winston who caught six balls for 143 yards and three touchdowns.

To read more from the Orange County Register, click here.