Acalanes quarterback Robby Rowell and Campolindo's John Torchio were recognized as the top players in the Diablo Athletic League's Foothill Division, for the 2017 football season. Rowell was named the league's Offensive Player of the Year, while Torchio garnered Defensive Player of the Year honors.
Rowell led the Dons to a runner-up finish in the league, and into the Division III quarterfinals before falling to Bishop O'Dowd. The senior signal-caller completed 63 percent of his passes for 2,724 yards and 41 touchdowns, with just four interceptions, despite the offense shutting down early during a number of blowout victories. He also led Acalanes in rushing, with 539 yards and five scores.
Torchio not only was recognized as the Defensive Player of the Year, but also received first-team all-league honors as a quarterback. He led Campolindo to its fourth straight North Coast Section title, and did so with standout play on both sides of the ball. Offensively, through the team's first 14 games, Torchio completed 65 percent of his throws for 2,962 yards and 33 touchdowns, while also running for 650 yards and 10 scores.
As a player who never left the field, Torchio also racked up 71 tackles from his defensive back position, plus seven interceptions and a sack. Twice, he returned picks for touchdowns. The interceptions match his total from last season, giving him 14 over the last two seasons and 15 in his varsity career.
DAL-FOOTHILL FIRST-TEAM OFFENSE
Player of the Year - Robby Rowell, Acalanes, QB
QB - John Torchio (Campolindo)
RB - Peter Stehr (Miramonte), Thomas Alatini (Clayton Valley), James Teofilo (CV)
WR - Blake Thorpe (Las Lomas), Brian Merken (A), Vincent Mossotti (Campo)
UT - Ben Acebo (CV)
OL - Brandon Mello (CV), Rob Vanderlaan (M), Max Thrasher (A)
DAL-FOOTHILL FIRST-TEAM DEFENSE
Player of the Year - John Torchio, Campolindo, DB
DL - Dusty Mitchell (CV), Kitione Tau (CV), Chris Brahney (Campo), Ryan Nall (A)
LB - Sam Walker (M), Cole Lipelt (LL), Grant Larsen (Campo), Nick Henderson (A)
DB - Gabriel Dobbins (CV), Ben Daynes (Concord), Trenton Tso (A)
DAL-FOOTHILL SECOND-TEAM OFFENSE
QB - KJ Gardner (CV), Dylan Graham (LL)
RB - Austin Williams (C)
WR - Parker Windatt (Campo), Aidan McNamara (A)
TE - Justin Ehrenberger (Campo)
UT - Will Cassriel (M)
OL - Dylan Chrisco (CV), Cole Berzins (Campo), Cole Brant (A), Eric Larson (A)
DAL-FOOTHILL SECOND-TEAM DEFENSE
DL - Duane Alatini (CV), Matt Huffaker (CV), Mark Mezody (M)
LB - Enzo Gravino (LL), Nicholas Bettencourt (A), Gabe Middleton (A), Cade Carter (CV), Ryan Wilson (CV)
DB - Jake Hassard (M), Garrett Gonguet (CV), Ryan Regan (Campo)
