High School Football: Profile of Notre Dame High School in Sherman Oaks, California

Unlike the Fighting Irish of the University of Notre Dame, the Knights of Notre Dame High School (Sherman Oaks, California) are projected to be one of the top teams in the nation this year. This perennial top 20 favorite opened its season with a 17-7 victory over Canyon. The fact that Canyon came into the game as last year's CIF State champions, makes Notre Dame's opening day victory all the more impressive. Look for the Knights to build upon their impressive start and end the year as one of the top rated teams in both California and the nation. Among Notre Dame's most impressive players to keep and eye on this year are:

Dayne Crist QB

The Knights are lead by star quarterback Dayne Crist. The highly recruited Crist has all the talent and attributes you would want in a starting quarterback. A natural leader with a great arm and mobility, this 6-5 prospect had a good showing against Canyon in the season's opener, hitting on 13 out of 26 passes for over 175 yards. The versatile Crist also rushed for 74 yards on 9 carries, extending one of his scrambles into a run of 31 yards. Look for this former All-State star to have a fantastic Senior season and a great college career later on. It is reported that Crist has committed to the University of Notre Dame for the 2008
season.

Wes Horton DE

USC bound Wes Horton got off to a great start this season with two sacks against Canyon. Horton is a 6-5, 235 lbs athlete whose father and brother have both played the college game. Wes is blessed with size and exceptional quickness of the ball. As a Junior, he had a hand in 91 tackles and 13 sacks, making him highly visible to college recruiters across the nation. This year Horton committed to USC for the 2008 season.

Thaddeus Brown RB

Brown, a Senior halfback, also got off to a good start, carrying the ball 17 times for 79 yards against Canyon. Brown scored the only offensive touchdown for the Knights in the opener. Coming off a Junior year in which he gained over 1,300 yards rushing, Thaddeus has already received offers from UNLV, Utah State and Illinois State. Look for the Senior to get a few more offers as the season develops.

Anthony McDonald LB