{"id":8713961,"date":"2023-01-12T06:30:11","date_gmt":"2023-01-12T14:30:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/?p=8713961&preview=true&preview_id=8713961"},"modified":"2023-01-16T10:45:14","modified_gmt":"2023-01-16T18:45:14","slug":"bay-area-news-group-santa-clara-county-football-player-of-the-year-mittys-danny-scudero","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/2023\/01\/12\/bay-area-news-group-santa-clara-county-football-player-of-the-year-mittys-danny-scudero\/","title":{"rendered":"Bay Area News Group Santa Clara County prep football player of the year: Mitty\u2019s Danny Scudero"},"content":{"rendered":"

SAN JOSE \u2014\u00a0Danny Scudero started Archbishop Mitty\u2019s improbable playoff run with a 95-yard kickoff return for a touchdown.<\/p>\n

He ended the game that night at Los Gatos with a two-point conversion reception in overtime to propel the San Jose school into the Central Coast Section Division I semifinals.<\/p>\n

Two weeks later, in the section final, the 5-foot-10, 150-pound receiver caught a touchdown pass just before halftime against heavily favored Serra to send the teams into the locker rooms tied 7-7.<\/p>\n

In the final minute of the third quarter that night, Scudero scored on a 3-yard run to cut the margin to six points as the Cinderella team of the playoffs threatened to pull off another upset.<\/p>\n

Mitty ran out of gas in the fourth quarter, losing 41-14.<\/p>\n

But Scudero left an impression, just as he had all season.<\/p>\n

Named the West Catholic Athletic League player of the year by the league\u2019s coaches, Scudero also has been chosen Bay Area News Group Santa Clara County player of the year by our staff.<\/p>\n

\u201cDanny Scudero is one of the most special football players I have ever come across,\u201d said Mitty coach Danny Sullivan, a former Los Gatos High and Arizona State quarterback. \u201cThe things he does are incredible.\u201d<\/p>\n

After Mitty finished 1-9 during Scudero\u2019s junior season, the Monarchs went 9-4 this fall on their way to being the runner-up in the CCS\u2019s top division.<\/p>\n

The Sacramento State-bound Scudero caught 60 passes for 982 yards and 13 touchdowns. He also ran for 309 yards and three TDs and had 4.5 sacks and an interception that he took back for a touchdown.<\/p>\n

In 16 kickoff returns, he gained 506 yards and scored two TDs.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s unbelievable,\u201d Serra coach Patrick Walsh said. \u201cHe\u2019s a fantastic player, a fantastic competitor. I don\u2019t know if he plays any other sports. But I swear to God, someone needs to take a chance with him because he\u2019s absolutely spectacular. He was the heart and soul of that team. Love that kid. We have nothing but respect for him here at Serra.\u201d<\/p>\n

For Scudero, the best part of Mitty\u2019s playoff run was spending more time with teammates.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis team, we built it up from the ground,\u201d Scudero said. \u201cThe senior class is special. It\u2019s always fun to be a part of a team like this. Who would have thought, 1-9 last year, D1 CCS championship (game) this year? I am just so happy I could be with my brothers one more game.\u201d<\/p>\n

ALL-BAY AREA NEWS GROUP FOOTBALL SCHEDULE<\/strong><\/p>\n

Monday, Jan. 9<\/strong><\/p>\n

Kickers\/punters<\/a><\/p>\n

Offensive linemen<\/a><\/p>\n

Defensive linemen<\/a><\/p>\n

Athletes<\/a><\/p>\n

Tuesday, Jan. 10<\/strong><\/p>\n

Utility players<\/a><\/p>\n

Linebackers<\/a><\/p>\n

Running backs<\/a><\/p>\n

Wednesday, Jan. 11<\/strong><\/p>\n

Defensive backs<\/a><\/p>\n

Wide receivers\/tight ends<\/a><\/p>\n