ALL-CENTRAL COAST SECTION
Player of the Year
BEN BURR-KIRVEN, RB/LB, SACRED HEART PREP
By JOHN MURPHY
Prep2Prep
Sacred Heart Prep football star Ben Burr-Kirven knew he could play in short order at Sacred Heart Prep and play for a section title at a school like St. Francis. He chose
SHP and it worked out pretty well for him.
Burr-Kirven wound up playing for a state title in 2013 and winning a CCS Open title in 2014 as the Gators defeated Bellarmine Prep 14-0 in the championship game. He was the
heart and soul of the Gators, gaining the tough yards, making the big tackles and keeping the team at a fever pitch throughout its amazing post-season run.
For his efforts, Burr-Kirven is the Prep2Prep CCS Player of the Year.
"He's a great athlete," SHP coach Pete Lavorato said. "He's athletic and has size and strength and speed that's special at the high school level. He understands the game.
Coach (Mark) Modeste said he could make a great coach someday because he just gets it. And he has such a positive attitude and so much confidence that it just permeated
the rest of the team."
Due to an Achilles injury, Burr-Kirven missed five games his senior year. But SHP won all of those games and when its star returned, he came back with a vengeance. The Washington-bound
running back/linebacker rushed for 862 yards, had 224 receiving yards, scored 19 touchdowns and averaged 14.5 tackles per game as SHP marched to a 13-0 record.
Double-digit tackling efforts were nothing new for Burr-Kirven. He had 11 tackles in the section title game against Bellarmine. He also had 16 tackles and a 47-yard touchdown run in
a 27-15 loss to Corona del Mar in the 2013 state D3 title game.
In retrospect, he had come a long way since his Pop Warner days as an 11-year-old with the Menlo-Atherton Vikings.
"I was OK (in Pop Warner) -- not great," Burr-Kirven said. "I wasn't that good at hitting people. I got a lot better in high school."
Burr-Kirven said he considered Menlo School and St. Francis for high school but had friends at SHP and was confident he could get playing time right away, if not necessarily
be competing for CCS Open titles.
"Going to Sacred Heart Prep is the best decision I could have made," Burr-Kirven said. "Coach Lavorato is an amazing man and taught us so much besides football that there's no
way to quantify what it meant to me the past four years."
In Burr-Kirven's three years on varsity, the Gators won three section titles and last season also captured the NorCal regional title. His SHP career was capped in grand
fashion as the Gators knocked off Bellarmine for the coveted Open title at San Jose City College before its overjoyed, red-clad fans.
"It was amazing," Burr-Kirven said. "It's the pinnacle of sports in the Bay Area. In all my dreams it wasn't something I expected. It was an incredible thing and not just
for the players, but for our community and students too."
Next it's on to Washington for Burr-Kirven, who will likely play defense at the Pac-12 school. There he'll join recent recruits like defensive end Jason Scrempos of Milpitas
in trying to lift the Huskies.
"I'm very excited," Burr-Kirven said. "Coach (Chris) Petersen has the program moving in the right direction and we have a strong class coming in that I think will get the ball rolling."
Coach of the Year
RANDY BLANKENSHIP, APTOS
Randy Blankenship led Aptos to a second straight CCS Division III title.
Aptos High football coach Randy Blankenship has won everywhere he's been and that includes his most recent stop in picturesque Santa Cruz County.
The Mariners defeated St. Ignatius 11-8 on Dec. 6 for their second consecutive section title. Blankenship has now coached seven section-winning teams spread over three schools.
His overall record at Aptos is 48-11-2.
For his efforts, Blankenship is the Prep2Prep CCS Coach of the Year.
"I think we'll keep him," quipped Mariners' athletic director Mark Dorfman.
So robust is the Aptos program now that Blankenship has scheduled Salinas, Mitty, Bellarmine and Palma on its 2015 schedule and is still looking for one more game, no doubt
against the strongest opponent he can find.
"Those teams called us and I love the competition," Blankenship said. "They have a lot more resources and tradition than us and we like playing them. We might be 0-4 but
if we win league and a section title it will all be worth it."
Blankenship said he especially enjoyed matching wits with St. Ignatius coach John Regalia in the last two section title games, both won by Aptos.
"It was a hard-hitting game and fortunately we put ourselves in a positition to win it," Blankenship said. "I was disappointed with their one TD pass where we had three guys
go after the interception instead of hitting the receiver. But I had a ball going against their coach both times -- he does a great job with their defense and trying to figure
out what they were going to do next was fun. It was a great contest."
In 30 years as a coach at Nevada Union, Clovis West, Fallbrook (Southern California), Texas, Capistrano Valley, Madera and Aptos, Blankenship's teams have won 250 games, 17 league
titles and the seven section titles.
FIRST TEAM OFFENSE
Anthony Gordon, Terra Nova
Position: Quarterback
Year: Senior
Gordon led Terra Nova to the CCS Division IV championship after a 2-5 start to the season. Rallied TN from a 13-point deficit against Carmel in the section semifimnals
to a 52-49 win while completing 18-of-23 passing for 383 yards and five touchdowns. He threw for 4,899 yards and 49 touchdowns and completed 69 percent of his passes.
He set records for CCS passing and touchdown yards in a season.
Kirk Johnson, Valley Christian
Position: Running Back
Year: Senior
Johnson rushed for 1,048 yards and scored 12 touchdowns in 10 games, while also missing several games due to injury. Has a scholarship (along with his brother Collin) to the
University of Texas, where his father Johnnie Johnson was a football All-American and is a member of the College Football Hall of Fame.
Hakeem Mays, Willow Glen
Position: Running Back
Year: Senior
Mays rushed for 1,486 yards and 22 touchdowns and caught 15 passes for 261 yards and two scores. On defense he averaged 2.6 tackles, had one interception and two fumble
recoveries. Was named the BVAL Mt. Hamilton's most outstanding player. Grew up in Pleasant Hill. Has a 3.3 GPA. Also runs track.
Jordan Genato, Terra Nova
Position: Wide Receiver
Year: Senior
Genato caught 104 passes for 2,000 yards and 22 touchdowns to lead the CCS in receiving. He had 247 yards receiving against Salinas and 236 against both Pioneer and
Menlo. His three consecutive touchdown receptions from Anthony Gordon against Sacred Heart Prep rallied TN from a 28-point deficit to make it a seven-point game.
Jack Dreyer, Serra
Position: Offensive Lineman
Year: Senior
The 6-8, 290-pound Dreyer has a scholarship to Stanford. Played left tackle for a program that has won consecutive WCAL co-titles and a a CCS Open title in 2013. Named
league most valuable offensive lineman as a senior. His sister Alexa was a star volleyball player at Mitty who made the 2014 MaxPreps All-America third team.
Jack Jarnigan, Los Gatos
Position: Offensive Lineman
Year: Senior
Jarnigan (6-2, 261) was named the SCVAL-De Anza offensive lineman of the year as he protected quarterback Dru Brown and created space for running back Joey Wood. Also
played defense for a team that went 10-3. Averaged 6.3 tackles per game on defense. Has a 3.9 GPA. Father Jeff Jarnigan is an assistant coach with the San Jose SaberCats.
Ben Burr-Kirven, Sacred Heart Prep
Position: Utility
Year: Senior
The 6-0, 200-pound Burr-Kirven averaged an eye-opening 14.5 tackles per game for the CCS Open Division champions this season. Averaged 107.8 yards rushing per game and
scored 19 touchdowns. As a junior, he rushed for 163 yards and four TDs in a stunning 42-7 win against El Cerrito in the NorCal Division III title game. Also had 16 tackles
and a 47-yard TD run in a 27-15 loss to Corona del Mar in the state D3 title game.
FIRST TEAM DEFENSE
Eduardo Barbosa, Palma
Position: Defensive Lineman
Year: Senior
Led Chieftains to a 9-1 record and a share of Monterey Bay League-Gabilan title. Named Monterey County Herald Defensive Player of the Year. Also competes in wrestling
and track and field. Has drawn football interest from Pacific University in Oregon and the University of Nevada.
Steven Dinneen, St. Francis
Position: Defensive Lineman
Year: Senior
Dinneen (6-5, 220) led the CCS in sacks with 14. Named the WCAL's most valuable defensive lineman. Has three sacks and a forced fumble against Mitty. Led Lancers to CCS
Division II title by making 99 tackles for the season. Played three years on varsity. Also is an All-WCAL volleyball player and has a 3.6 GPA.
Jason Scrempos, Milpitas
Position: Defensive Lineman
Year: Senior
Scrempos (6-6, 240) averaged 4.6 tackles per game and had seven sacks. Was named most outstanding defensive lineman in the SCVAL-De Anza in helping Trojans to a league title. Is
committed to Washington. Also stars in basketball (10.5 points per game last season) and track and field. Has an eighth-grade brother, Justin, who is 6-7, 280.
James Outman, Serra
Position: Linebacker
Year: Senior
Outman (6-2, 185) had 80 tackles, including 60 solo. Named WCAL co-player of the year in leading Padres to second consecutive league co-title. Also caught one pass
for 32 yards and had a 2-point conversion reception. Has a baseball scholarship to Sacramento State after hitting .325 with 15 RBI last season.
Jacob Moen, Christopher
Position: Linebacker
Year: Senior
Moen (6-4, 240) had 154 tackles, including 111 solo. Was named the MBL-Pacific most valuable player in leading the Cougars to the division title. Had 10 tackles (five for loss),
two pass breakups, two recovered fumbles, two forced fumbles and a sack in a 41-2 win against Alisal. Has a 3.8 GPA.
Anu Tuiono, Oak Grove
Position: Linebacker
Year: Junior
Tuiono (5-9, 182) was named the BVAL-Mt. Hamilton most valuable player, leading the way not only at linebacker, but at running back. Averaged 7.6 yards per carry and
had 112 tackles (12.4 per game) and had 14 tackles for loss. Also managed three sacks, one interception and four caused fumbles.
Mitch Martella, Sacred Heart Prep
Position: Defensive Back
Year: Senior
Martella led the Gators with six interceptions. Was named first-team All-PAL-Bay. Had two interceptions in the playoffs, including one in the CCS Open title win against
Bellarmine. Also plays basketball and baseball, averaging four points, 4.2 assists and 2.1 steals per game in the former.
Marco Mosqueda, Serra
Position: Defensive Back
Year: Senior
Mosqueda picked up the slack after shut-down corner Kelepi Lataimua was injured in the first half against Mitty and lost for the season. He had 44 solo tackles
and three interceptions, recovered three fumbles and had nine defended passes. Named WCAL co-defensive back of the year.
Christian Rita, Milpitas
Position: Defensive Back
Year: Senior
Had nine interceptions and returned five of them for scores while also averaging 2.4 tackles per game. Returned three punts for touchdowns. Caught 20 passes for 570 yards and
eight touchdowns, averaging a whopping 28.5 yards per catch. Was named the SCVAL-De Anza MVP.
SECOND TEAM OFFENSE
SECOND TEAM DEFENSE
HONORABLE MENTION:
ALISAL:
Frank Lerma, Ricardo Picazo
ANDREW HILL:
Jose Jasso, David Kibbie
APTOS:
Dalton Weitzel, Weston Hinson, Ben Sheriffs, Charlie Mehl, Greg Bjur, Gordon Verdugo, Dominic Churchill, Hans Plam
ARAGON:
Billy Mason, James Fononga, Chad Franquez, Bubba Tongamoa, Devin Grant, Kono Filimoehala-Egan
ARCHBISHOP MITTY:
Trevor Lewis, Dakari Monroe, Kris Bubic, Nicolas McMurray, Tommy Hudson
ARCHBISHOP RIORDAN:
Payton Ilalio, Rocco Russell, Angelo Novello, Jake Cochrane
BELLARMINE COLLEGE PREP:
Wolfie Rehbock, Josh Bringuel
BURLINGAME:
Cooper Gindraux, Chi Li Tang, Tommy Dryden, Andrew Kennedy
BRANHAM:
Luke Morin, Larry Atkins, Ray Ellis, Noah Antonello
CAPUCHINO:
Tony Pellegrini
CARLMONT:
Willie Teo
CARMEL:
Connor Marden, Covossay Windham, William Kehoe
CHRISTOPHER:
Matt Adamkiewicz, Jacob Zimmerman
DEL MAR:
Aaron Couch, Jack Tuatoo, Conner Howery
FREMONT:
Phillip Tran, Devante Sanchez, Sam Kanongata'a, Afa Prescott, Alejandro Morales
GILROY:
Noe Garcia, David Munoz
GONZALES:
Chrystian Harrigan, Brian Rosas, Sebastian Medina
GREENFIELD:
J.J. Jackson, Sabien Jackson
GUNDERSON:
De'Jon Packer
GUNN:
Noah Riley, Guy Kasnick, Nozuma Imanaka, Dietrich Sweat
HALF MOON BAY:
Shane Actin
HARBOR:
Bodhi Stahl, Mac Hesson
HOMESTEAD:
Jerome Holloway, Justin Miller, Devaun Crittle
HILLSDALE:
Ro Mohanty, Stewart Allen
INDEPENDENCE:
Joseph Tinoco
JEFFERSON:
Damari Cual-Davis, Johnny Paramore
KING CITY:
Dominic Rose
LEIGH:
Jared King, Greg Le
LELAND:
Kevin Cance, Chuck Culberson
LINCOLN:
Robert Zamora, Jacob Hoekstra, Ryan Ruffing
LIVE OAK:
Brandon Sorce, Paul Lomanto, Ryan Quadros
LOS ALTOS:
Sean Lanoza
LOS GATOS:
Brendan Ross, Jake Holton, Colt Doughty
LYNBROOK:
Jeff Wallis, Jonathan Chang
MENLO:
Charlie Roth, Jack Marren, Chris Couch
MENLO-ATHERTON:
Api Mane, Laki Fonua, Bryce Rogers
MILLS:
Darnel Salcido, Alec Goff, Malik DeMartha
MILPITAS:
Uate Mataele, Cros Chavez, Cole Poffenberger, Victor Rodriguez
MONTA VISTA:
Max McCann
MONTE VISTA CHRISTIAN:
D’Shawn Hopkins
MONTEREY:
Michael Armstead, Carter Aldrete, Akili Jones, Ryan Reynolds
MOUNTAIN VIEW:
Frank Kapp, Dylan Fluckinger, Austin Johnson
MT. PLEASANT:
Jonathan Vasquez, D'Angelo McKenzie, George Landero
NORTH MONTEREY COUNTY:
Andrew Ducusin, Tony Villa, Bobby Tovar
NORTH SALINAS:
Joseph Gutierrez
OAK GROVE:
Rasaan Fonetenette
OVERFELT:
Alex Puentes
PACIFIC GROVE:
Keenan Selbicky
PALMA:
Jack Richardson, Emilio Martinez, Xavier Woods
PALO ALTO:
Justin Hull, Jayshawn Puckett, Eli Givens
PIEDMONT HILLS:
Marcus Romero, Isaiah Stewart, Aaron Tillak, Daniel Garcia
PIONEER:
Zach Silva, Lou Coulombe
PROSPECT:
Tarnell Pollard
SACRED HEART CATHEDRAL:
Jamar Williams-Sheppard, Logan White
SACRED HEART PREP:
Mason Randall, Andrew Daschbach, Ryan Tinsley, Andrew Robinson, J.R. Hardy
SALINAS:
Zach McDermott
SAN BENITO:
R.J. Clark, Hunter Nye, Chris Blake, Justice Filice
SAN JOSE:
Kyle Alves
SAN LORENZO VALLEY:
Isaac Newberry, Nate Gentry, Brighton Hart, Davon Northcutt, Tommy Fitzerald, Aaron Compello, Jake Hampton, Brett Bukowski, Jared Trader, Ari Solomon
SAN MATEO:
Watson Filikitonga, Line Latu
SANTA CLARA:
Brandon Priest, Carlos Aceves, Josh Durocher
SANTA CRUZ:
Travis Schuhe, Mitchell Bourick, Chris Uribe, Jalen Allen
SANTA TERESA:
Almir Halilcevic, Corey Garcia
SARATOGA:
Joey Medeiros
SCOTTS VALLEY:
Jonathan Velez, Tristian Leonetti, Ethan Harris, Kyle Gigueire
SEASIDE:
Daryin Choates
SEQUOIA:
Tommy Lopiparo
SERRA:
Creighton Felise, Billy Tuitavake, Justin Tatola, Leki Nunn, Kelepi Lataimua
SILVER CREEK:
Dontye James
SOBRATO:
Josh Maese, Ben Hagiperos
SOQUEL:
Tylon Seeger, Fin Del Bonta-Smith, Owen Jack
SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO:
Eric Kamelamela, Tavai Tuitasi
ST. FRANCIS:
Zachary Toussaint, Kevin Glajchen, Thomas Toki
ST. FRANCIS CCC:
Nick Ciandro, Carson Cuzick, Conor Cagchee
ST. IGNATIUS:
Alex Griffin, Rob Meagher, Ryan Hagfeldt
STEVENSON:
Read Reynolds, Kenny Pich, Jeff Davi
TERRA NOVA:
Reggie Auelua, Marvin Montoya, Dante Campagna, Carlos Grande
THE KING'S ACADEMY:
Dominic Sabel, Maurice Washington, Christopher Hansen, Jaret Falkowski, Jordan Duncan, Derek Friske, Mark Miclean
VALLEY CHRISTIAN:
Victor Lopez, Yusuf Haddad, Trevor Thomas
WATSONVILLE:
Dominic Velasquez, T.J. Lacy, Israel Aguirre
WESTMONT:
Alex Rodarte, Stefan Skoff, Jakob Good
WILCOX:
Jonathan Herrera, Jonathan Pohahau, Manu Turituri, Julian Jones
WILLOW GLEN:
Josh Landers, Will Kaufusi
WOODSIDE:
David Teu, Colin Kloezeman, Joseph Mahoni, Adagio Lopeti
YERBA BUENA:
Orlando Cabrera II, Jorge Mota
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