DAILY PILOT HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PLAYER OF THE WEEK:Sage Hill senior is Lightning in open field

Braden Ross is a visionary on the football field. Having prepared thoroughly beforehand with videotape study of opponents, the Sage Hill School senior quickly processes pre-snap indicators revealed by opposing players.

Whether it be from his receiver spot or his vantage point at strong safety, the 5-foot-11, 180-pounder usually can see a play unfolding before those in the stands have formulated a clue.

But it is in the midst of the action, just after a reception or before the opposing quarterback releases a pass — the instant when thought gives way to instinct — when Ross consistently rises above his peers.

So it is all the more surprising that the Newport Coast resident, who began fixating on the round soccer ball soon after he could walk, found himself blindsided by his preference for touchdowns over goals.

“My dad played soccer in college and the game has always been in my family,” said Ross, who also stars for the Lightning soccer squad. “My grandfather was a referee.

“But when I was deciding last summer about what sport I wanted to pursue in college, I found I had really developed a love for football. That kind of surprised me, because I had always been better at soccer than football.”

Most would agree that is no longer the case, as Ross, in his fourth varsity football season, has attained the promise that Sage Hill Coach Tom Monarch predicted for him after his freshman year.

Ross, thrust into the job days before the season opener due to an injury sustained by the projected starter, played quarterback his first season at Sage.

When current third-year starting quarterback Jamie McGee came on the scene three seasons ago, Monarch sold Ross on the idea of changing positions.

“I told Braden I could foresee him, with hard work and dedication, becoming one of the best receivers in Orange County,” Monarch said. “Lo and behold, three years later it has happened.”

Monarch marvels at Ross’ open-field running skills, which have helped him amass 752 yards on 41 receptions this season (18.3 yards per catch).

“One of our assistant coaches made the analogy that when Braden is in the open field, he reminds him of the way Jim Carey darts around the screen in the movie, ‘The Mask,’ ” Monarch said.

Ross’ open-field prowess helped him produce touchdown catches of 49 and 43 yards in the Lightning’s 63-26 nonleague win over Animo Leadership Friday night. The Daily Pilot Player of the Week also returned two interceptions for touchdowns, including a 102-yarder to end Animo’s first possession.

“I think he’s one of the best open-field runners in Orange County,” Monarch said. “He really explodes when he’s in the open field and he has great cutting ability and vision. He’s just a lot of fun to watch.”

Ross, who is receiving recruiting interest from Division III programs, said Friday’s game may have been the most fun he has had on a football field.

“We threw the ball more than we usually do, so we got to show off our passing game,” said Ross, who caught four passes for 126 yards.

Ross, a two-time first-team All-Academy League performer who was second-team all-league as a freshman, said his open-field skills were honed by his soccer background.

“Part of it just comes naturally and part of it is from soccer,” he said. “In soccer, you develop the ability to cut quickly and to see the field. You have to know what’s going on on the field.”

Ross said he develops a sense for what will develop by studying foes on videotape. He also said he learns virtually one new move each week.

“One move I did last week worked for a touchdown,” Ross recalled. “I caught a hitch with my back to the defender. I faked to the inside, then spun to the outside. It’s great when you work on something all week and it works in the game.”

Ross’ workload includes duty at strong safety. He also returns kicks, holds on field goals and conversion kicks and, as one of two four-year starters (Don Ayres is the other), he is a trusted leader.

“And he sells popcorn at halftime,” Monarch quipped.