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Ranking the top 10 specialists in Orange County going into the 2025 high school football season:
TOP 10 SPECIALISTS
1. Aiden Migirdichian, Orange Lutheran, Sr., K
When Orange Lutheran rallied from a 19-point deficit at halftime last season to stun Sierra Canyon 33-26, the surge began with a 41-yard field goal from Migirdichian in the middle of third quarter. It was one of several clutch moments for Migirdichian (5-11, 165) in 2024. He converted all nine of his field goals and 37 of 38 extra points, to earn first-team All-County.
Orange Lutheran’s special teams should be strong this fall with Kaden Hawkins at punter and his twin brother Konner at long snapper.
2. Gianluca D’Amato, El Toro, Sr., K/P
The first-team All-Iota League selection went 6 for 6 on field goals last season, including a 44-yarder. He also converted all 40 of his extra points. D’Amato (6-1, 155) is committed to Cal State Fullerton for soccer but is a “Power 5 (Conference) talent” for college football, Chargers coach Peter Lofthouse said. D’Amato’s brother Vince kicked at Cal.
3. Ishaan Kedia, Portola, Sr., K
Kedia made 9 of 14 field goals, including three from at least 40 yards, and all 42 of his extra points for the CIF State runner-up Bulldogs last season. Kedia (6-1, 145) earned third-team All-County.
4. Jerry Shifman, Mater Dei, So., K/P
Shifman (5-10, 170) played junior varsity at Agoura last season but arrives at Mater Dei as a touted kicker. He’s rated as the No. 1 kicker in the nation in the Class of 2028 by Chris Sailer Kicking. Shifman recently won a field goal competition with a 58-yarder. “He’s an amazing young kicker,” Sailer said.
5. Noah Thayer, JSerra, Sr., K
Thayer (5-9, 165) is ranked as a five-star kicker by Chris Sailer Kicking and the No. 1 O.C. kicker from the Class of 2026. He holds offers from Western Colorado and Puget Sound.
6. Lincoln Irwin, El Modena, Sr., LS
Irwin is the top-rated senior long snapper in Orange County, according to Rubio Long Snapping. Rated as a five-star prospect, Irwin (6-2, 215) will also start at linebacker and tight end, Vanguards coach Matt Mitchell. Irwin recorded three sacks last season.
7. Matthew Schirmer, Servite, Sr., LS
Servite coach Chris Reinert and Rubio Long Snapping agree: Schirmer (5-11, 180) is a long snapper to watch. “Schirmer is a stud,” Reinert said of the senior, who is rated as a 4.5 star prospect by Rubio.
8. Caleb Sylvia, Mission Viejo, Jr., K
Sylvia earned strong reviews from Brad Bohn of West Coast Kicking after his sophomore season, and the enthusiasm for the kicker hasn’t let up. “(He’s) looking great,” Mission Viejo coach Chad Johnson said of Sylvia.
9. Blake Hartfelder, Canyon, Sr., K
Hartfelder features a booming right leg that helped him kick field goals of 43 and 47 yards last season. He highlighted a recent fall practice by making 4 of 4 field goals from 45 yards, coach Phil Hughes said. In the winter, Hartfelder (5-10, 170) plays soccer.
10T. Kyle Donahue, San Juan Hills, Sr., K
Donahue (5-11, 150) steps into the starting position after backing up All-County kicker/punter Manuel Maganda last season. Donahue has impressed Brad Bohn of West Coast Kicking and earned a 4.5 star rating from Chris Sailer Kicking.
10T. Owen Erdman, Servite, So., K
Erdman is ranked as a 4.5 star recruit by Chris Sailer Kicking and joins Shifman as a sophomore to watch. “We are really excited about him,” Reinert said of Erdman (6-0, 170), who gained varsity experience last season. Erdman is the No. 8-ranked sophomore in the nation by Sailer.