Zero Teen Fatalities’ Player of the Month: Silverado's Armani Combs

Silverado High School junior running back Armani Combs rushed for 203 yards and two touchdowns in a victory against Spring Valley to open the 2025 season. Photo by: Ray Brewer

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The Silverado High football team runs through offensive sets in the final minutes of Tuesday’s practice with the intensity of a fire drill.

Players sprint to the line of scrimmage, execute their assignments, and hustle back for the next rep. For the Skyhawks, this breakneck pace has found its perfect complement in junior running back Armani Combs.

That relentless tempo paid off Friday night, when Combs exploded for 203 yards and two touchdowns as Silverado scored seemingly at will in a dominant 69-40 victory over Spring Valley. It was the program’s first win since 2023.

At 5-foot-4 and 135 pounds, Combs certainly isn’t an intimidating figure. But the moment the ball touches his hands, he transforms into something entirely different. This was evident in his 13.5 yards per carry in the win.

“He just has the mindset where he runs the ball hard and aggressively,” coach Anthony Barilla said.

Combs rushed for 421 yards and two touchdowns on 101 carries last season, cracking the varsity roster as a sophomore while most of his classmates remained at the lower levels. But Combs wasn’t satisfied — especially with the team’s results.

He spent the offseason grinding through passing league tournaments, camps, and countless training hours. Friday’s breakout performance was a long time coming — for both Combs and the entire Silverado program.

“I’m not really focused on personal stats,” he stressed. “I’m only focused on getting the win for my boys. We have more to come. We are going for the championship.”

Combs said those 203 yards would not have been possible without his offensive line. He made sure to credit center Niko Mercado, guard Elijah Jaydenn Johnson, tackle Thomas Black and sophomore Edward Semate.

Combs wasn’t the only Silverado player to shine. Quarterback Dillon Elliott completed 13 of 15 passes for 165 yards and two touchdowns, and Clemente Jones rushed for 128 yards and two touchdowns on just three carries. Donte Jasames scored on a pair of touchdown receptions.

“You win and you’re the greatest thing since sliced bread,” Barilla said. “You have a big game, and your team plays well, and the energy changes. So we’re going to try to take that momentum and build on it.”

Combs is eager to do his part, never dwelling on his size and believing that once the ball is snapped, everyone becomes equal. What drives him most is competing alongside his teammates.

“You know, we’re all human,” he said. “We’re all men under God. No one’s better than God. I just put my head down and see who comes out on top.”