Scott Measures Up to the Greats

MISSION HILLS — At any moment during a game, whether running, receiving or returning a kickoff, De’Andre Scott of Alemany High was capable of reaching the end zone.

The excitement he created whenever he touched the ball reminded Coach Jim Bonds of two other great tailbacks from the region: Russell White of Crespi and Justin Fargas of Notre Dame.

“In my opinion, he’s the best [high school] running back playing right now,” Bonds said. “In my time as a player and coach from 1985 until now, he’s in the top three running backs with White and Fargas, just because of the things they do--their speed, their ability to run over people and by people.”

Scott is The Times’ Valley offensive co-player of the year.

A 5-foot-11, 198-pound junior, Scott scored 33 touchdowns against mostly Division I opponents. Nobody scared him and few were able to stop him.

“It motivated me because I like playing tough competition,” Scott said.

Scott averaged 8.1 yards per carry while rushing for 1,747 yards and 25 touchdowns. He also was a threat as a receiver, catching 28 passes for 620 yards and six touchdowns. He returned two kickoffs for touchdowns.

His big-play ability was unmatched among players in the region. He had an 85-yard touchdown run, a 98-yard kickoff return and a 74-yard touchdown reception.

“Most tailbacks have average speed,” Scott said. “Some just run over people. I’m the kind who can juke you, run over you or pass you.”

Scott’s consistency enabled Alemany to compete with and defeat some of the top programs in Southern California.

He rushed for 249 yards and scored two touchdowns in a victory over Notre Dame. He rushed for 353 yards and scored five touchdowns in a victory over Santa Margarita. He rushed for 131 yards in a loss to Loyola.

He rushed for 256 yards and scored five touchdowns in a victory over Esperanza. He rushed for 124 yards and scored three touchdowns in a victory over Bishop Amat.

He was durable and tough, even though there were times he could hardly breathe because of asthma.

“There were times he had to leave the field because of his asthma, and we were definitely a much different team with him off the field,” Bonds said.