SAN JOSE — Danny Scudero started Archbishop Mitty’s improbable playoff run with a 95-yard kickoff return for a touchdown.
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.
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.
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.
Mitty ran out of gas in the fourth quarter, losing 41-14.
But Scudero left an impression, just as he had all season.
Named the West Catholic Athletic League player of the year by the league’s coaches, Scudero also has been chosen Bay Area News Group Santa Clara County player of the year by our staff.
“Danny Scudero is one of the most special football players I have ever come across,” said Mitty coach Danny Sullivan, a former Los Gatos High and Arizona State quarterback. “The things he does are incredible.”
After Mitty finished 1-9 during Scudero’s junior season, the Monarchs went 9-4 this fall on their way to being the runner-up in the CCS’s top division.
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.
In 16 kickoff returns, he gained 506 yards and scored two TDs.
“He’s unbelievable,” Serra coach Patrick Walsh said. “He’s a fantastic player, a fantastic competitor. I don’t know if he plays any other sports. But I swear to God, someone needs to take a chance with him because he’s absolutely spectacular. He was the heart and soul of that team. Love that kid. We have nothing but respect for him here at Serra.”
For Scudero, the best part of Mitty’s playoff run was spending more time with teammates.
“This team, we built it up from the ground,” Scudero said. “The senior class is special. It’s 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.”
ALL-BAY AREA NEWS GROUP FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
Monday, Jan. 9
Tuesday, Jan. 10
Wednesday, Jan. 11
Bay Area News Group coach of the year
Thursday, Jan. 12
Alameda County player of the year
San Mateo County player of the year
Santa Clara County player of the year
Bay Area News Group player of the year
WHO IS ELIGIBLE
Those eligible for all-Bay Area News Group recognition come from leagues based predominantly in Alameda, Contra Costa, Santa Clara and San Mateo counties. For corrections, please email highschools@bayareanewsgroup.com.
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