ALL-NORTH COAST SECTION
Player of the Year
JOHN TORCHIO, CAMPOLINDO
By NATE SMITH
Prep2Prep
This much became clear over the course of the 2017 football season – there was not a player in the North Coast Section which meant as much to the performance of his football team as John Torchio did to Campolindo.
Consider this simple fact – despite amassing 4,075 yards and 48 touchdowns from scrimmage offensively, Torchio was named the Defensive Player of the Year in the Diablo Athletic League’s Foothill Division. And by the way, he led his Cougars to their fourth straight NCS title – the first program other than De La Salle to ever win four straight section crowns.
“I can’t imagine there is a high school kid who did as much for their team as John did for us,” said Campolindo coach Kevin Macy. “We could not pull him off the field at all. We just couldn’t figure out how to give him a break.”
Having entered the year with plenty of recruiting interest as a defensive back, Torchio took the reins at quarterback for the Cougars, bringing a new dimension to the position with his ability to run the ball. He flashed that ability early on, dashing for 109 yards and three touchdowns on the ground in a non-league win over St. Ignatius, and showcased his legs again late in the year, facing Milpitas in the CIF North 4-A regional final, when he ran for 111 yards and a score.
For the season, Torchio accumulated 761 yards and 11 touchdowns on the ground, but don’t think for a second that he didn’t guide Campolindo’s offense with his arm. To the contrary, the dual-threat displayed accuracy and arm strength, completing 64 percent of his passes for 3,314 yards and 37 touchdowns. And he was at his best in the post-season, completing 70 percent of his throws with 15 touchdowns and no interceptions.
Even in the regional final loss to Milpitas, Torchio could not be stopped. In addition to his season-high yardage total on the ground, he also threw for 352 yards and four scores, keeping the Cougars in the game against a one-loss opponent. For good measure, he added 16 tackles on defense, in one of the top all-around performances this year.
While thriving offensively, Torchio’s role also never changed in other aspects of the game. Despite looking for ways to rest the standout senior, there was never a solution which allowed him to see the sideline, and he was fine with that.
“I loved never coming off the field. Some people would ask if I got tired, but honestly I found myself just wanting more and more,” Torchio said. “I think it is just due to my passion for football.”
It seemed implausible after last year that Torchio would be able to replicate his defensive performance while playing full-time at the key position on the offensive side, but he did that and then some. He matched his seven interception from the previous season, finishing with 15 picks in three years, and was a playmaker everywhere on the field, adding 98 tackles, nine pass break-ups, two sacks, and a pair of fumble recoveries, as Campolindo searched for ways to maximize his defensive impact.
“Blitzing is honestly the most fun thing I did all season,” Torchio commented. “The ability to come free off an edge and have freedom to not worry about anything but getting a sack was awesome.”
The Cougars debuted that wrinkle in an NCS semifinal win over Windsor, when Torchio came up with a key sack to stall a Jaguars’ drive in the first half. He added another sack in the championship game against Granada the following week.
With most two-way standouts, the logical move would be to then rest those athletes on special teams. This was not the case with Torchio, who also served as the team’s punter and as a lethal punt returner. In a close game with rival Miramonte, it was his 67-yard punt return less than four minutes into the third quarter which placed momentum firmly on the Cougars’ side in a 38-20 Homecoming victory. And he averaged nearly 34 yards per punt, placing eight of his 23 kicks inside the opponents’ 20-yard line.
Due to all of Torchio’s efforts, Campolindo was able to battle through a grueling slate in the DAL-Foothill, and a non-league schedule which included a date with eventual NCS Division III champion Marin Catholic. Along the way, his role expanded as the games became more important, and it became clear that he needed to be in a position to make plays at all times.
“We didn’t have the same pieces around him this year,” Macy added. “He had to do everything for us. He’s a heckuva player anywhere on the field.”
The Cougars’ fan base certainly got to witness all of Torchio’s special talents. His junior year, with Jacob Westphal holding things down at quarterback, he got to focus on his play at defensive back and at receiver, where he had 43 catches for 664 yards and seven touchdowns, and was the team’s leader in both punt and kickoff returns.
Now, with his senior year behind him, Torchio has been able to reflect on special moments over the last year, and what the coming years might hold for a student-athlete who is not only excellent on the field, but carries a 3.87 GPA in the classroom.
“I’ll never forget the scene from our locker room after we won NCS this year,” Torchio said. “We were dancing and there was Christmas music on a speaker because Coach Macy loves it. That will always be a top memory.”
Football certainly seems to also be in his future, as Torchio now holds offers from Rice, Air Force, Army, Columbia, Dartmouth, and the University of San Diego.
For now, we are pleased to recognize Torchio as our Prep2Prep North Coast Section Player of the Year.
Others players considered include: Bishop O’Dowd’s Jevon Holland, Marin Catholic’s Spencer Petras, and De La Salle’s Henry To’oto’o.
Coach of the Year
MIKE BENBOW, FORTUNA
Fortuna's Mike Benbow is the choice for Prep2Prep NCS Coach of the Year.
By HAROLD ABEND
Prep2Prep
The bottom line is this story is a lot more than just about a coaching award, it is about the twists and turns, and trial and tribulations of life.
Unlike legendary former De La Salle coach Bob Ladouceur, chances are they’ll never be a movie made about the coach of a team with a veer offense that won a CIF state football title this past season. However, after what Fortuna coach Mike Benbow, his Huskies team, and the entire Humboldt County community have been through, there’s more than enough material for a Shakespearean theatrical production.
The old clichés about overcoming obstacles and adversity could not be more appropriate when it comes to Benbow and the Huskies football program. The result, is after all has been said and done, not only is the 1988 graduate of Fortuna a sentimental and storybook selection, Benbow is pretty much a clear-cut choice as the Prep2Prep North Coast Section Coach of the Year.
For complete story, please click here
Other coaches considered for this award: Cardinal Newman's Paul Cronin and Pittsburg's Vic Galli.
FIRST TEAM OFFENSE
Spencer Petras, Marin Catholic
Position: Quarterback
Year: Senior
The Iowa-bound Petras was the class of the section when it came to pure signal-callers, and shredded opposing defenses. He completed 64 percent of his passes, for 4,157 yards and 50 touchdowns, with just two interceptions. The MCAL Offensive Player of the Year came through in the clutch when it mattered most, throwing for 502 yards and four scores in a wild NCS Division III title game win over Cardinal Newman. For good measure this season, he added nine touchdowns on the ground.
Kairee Robinson, De La Salle
Position: Running Back
Year: Senior
A healthy Robinson would have likely been in the running for one of our top awards, but even running on an injured foot, and missing games due to the injury, he was still one of the top backs in Northern California. He ran for 1,152 yards and eight touchdowns on just 111 carries, averaging over 10 yards per carry, and topped the century mark in the CIF Open game against Mater Dei.
Giles Jackson, Freedom
Position: Running Back
Year: Junior
After making the move from receiver to running back this season, Jackson terrorized defenses, rushing for 1,586 yards and 22 touchdowns, while adding 21 catches for 324 yards and five scores out of the backfield. The first-team All-BVAL selection also averaged nearly 30 yards per kickoff return, including a 91-yard return for a touchdown in a regular season meeting with Liberty.
Austin Jones, Bishop O’Dowd
Position: Running Back
Year: Junior
The first-team All-WACC running back has college offers totaling more than a dozen to this point, after rushing for 1,560 yards and 23 touchdowns in his junior campaign. He topped the 100-yard mark in his last seven games of the season, while adding 15 catches for 368 yards and four scores through the air.
Zane Hinojosa, Liberty
Position: Wide Receiver
Year: Senior
Hinojosa finishes his career as the Liberty school record holder in all single-season and career receiving categories, after adding 54 catches for 1,128 yards and 13 touchdowns this year, despite teams regularly adding safety help over the top of the first-team All-BVAL recipient. He could be easily recognized as one of the top one-on-one receivers in Northern California.
A’jae Boyd, Pittsburg
Position: Wide Receiver
Year: Senior
Playing in an offense which has always emphasized the run game, Boyd broke career receiving records at Pittsburg which had stood since the mid-1990’s. The BVAL Offensive Player of the Year had 50 catches for 916 yards and nine touchdowns, and added a pair of interceptions on the defensive side of the ball. He finished his three-year varsity career with 134 catches for 2,236 yards and 24 scores as a receiver, with 31 total touchdowns.
Vincent Mossotti, Campolindo
Position: Wide Receiver
Year: Senior
The first-team All-DAL receiver runs arguably the best fade route in the section, but also added an underneath game this year, and thrived as a go-to guy in every situation. Mossotti finished the season with 77 catches for 1,219 yards and 16 touchdowns, giving him 2,459 yards and 25 scores over the last two years. Just for good measure, he added a 98-yard kickoff return in a playoff win over Maria Carrillo.
Peter Brown, Marin Catholic
Position: Wide Receiver
Year: Senior
Petras’ favorite target, the Navy commit hauled in 56 passes for 1,519 yards and 23 touchdowns. He scored in every game this season, and two of his three biggest games came against some of the best competition the Wildcats faced. Those were a 10-catch, 231-yard performance against St. Ignatius and an eight-catch, 176-yard game against Cardinal Newman.
Blake McDonald, San Ramon Valley
Position: Offensive Lineman
Year: Senior
McDonald, a big time Division I recruit who is still being targeted by top programs across the country, was the anchor for the Wolves’ offensive line, allowing them to become balanced offensively on their way to an unbeaten run through EBAL. With McDonald up front, SRV averaged nearly 400 yards per game offensively, with near 50/50 balance in the pass and run game.
Brandon Mello, Clayton Valley
Position: Offensive Lineman
Year: Senior
The Ugly Eagles love to run the ball, and preferred to so behind the big and able body of Mello, who is committed to Cal. With the 6-foot-7 Mello paving the way, Clayton Valley averaged 315 yards per game on the ground, and went unbeaten in league play for the sixth straight season.
John Deitchman, De La Salle
Position: Offensive Lineman
Year: Senior
The first-team All-EBAL selection paved the way for an offense which averaged over 250 yards per game on the ground, despite injuries in the backfield. De La Salle broke in two new quarterbacks as well this year, and it was the consistent play of linemen such as Deitchman which kept the offense humming all the way to a 26th straight NCS title.
Jack O’Hearn, Marin Catholic
Position: Offensive Lineman
Year: Senior
A two-time first-team All-MCAL selection, O’Hearn was the anchor of the Wildcats’ offensive line from his interior position, allowing Marin Catholic to average 475 yards of offense per game. As a center playing in a shotgun offense, O’Hearn was not only perfectly reliable on snaps, but the 6-foot-2, 270-pound senior also displayed both strength against down lineman and an ability to destroy defenders at the second and third level.
Theori Oliver, Encinal
Position: Utility
Year: Senior
Oliver was phenomenal in every way for the Jets this year, leading them to back-to-back WACC-Shoreline titles and an undefeated regular season. The Shoreline Offensive MVP completed 68 percent of his passes at quarterback, for 2,253 yards and 28 touchdowns, with just three interceptions. He was arguably more dangerous with his legs, rushing for 1,546 yards and 23 scores, including a whopping 376-yard, four-touchdown performance on the ground in a playoff win over Analy. By the way, he added 61 tackles, four tackles for a loss, and two interceptions in his time on the other side of the ball.
Beau Barrington, Cardinal Newman
Position: Utility
Year: Senior
A year after being one of the Cardinals’ top defensive players, Barrington brought his talents behind center, and put them back into a section title game. The NBL Co-Back of the Year threw for 2,809 yards and 30 touchdowns, completing 64 percent of his passes, while also running for 660 yards and 16 scores. His best performance came on the biggest stage, accounting for 439 yards and five touchdowns in a 59-56 NCS Division III championship game loss to Marin Catholic.
Seppi Ortman, Campolindo
Position: Kicker
Year: Senior
The strong-legged and reliable Ortman allowed the Cougars’ defense to almost always have 80 yards to defend, and was nearly perfect on his kicks through the season. That included 10 field goals, with a long of 46 yards. The Eagle Scout has recruiting interest from programs such as West Point and University of San Diego, also possessing a 4.5 grade point average.
FIRST TEAM DEFENSE
Jacob Bandes, Pittsburg
Position: Defensive Lineman
Year: Junior
The MVP in the BVAL, Bandes was one of the dominant interior line forces in all of Northern California, and put that on display in a spectacular performance against Narbonne in the CIF 1-A title game. His season totals of 50 tackles, eight tackles for a loss, and six sacks may not sound spectacular, but he drew double and even triple teams during the season, and also missed most of September with an injury.
Dino Kahaulelio, Cardinal Newman
Position: Defensive Lineman
Year: Junior
The Defensive Player of the Year in the NBL, Kahaulelio plays way bigger than his six-foot, 235-pound frame. He had 111 total tackles this year for the Cardinals, to go with 3.5 sacks. Playing both ways, he ramped up his game in the post-season, accounting for 21 tackles in the last two games of the year, and even showed some agility with a 46-yard interception return against Analy during non-league play.
Isaiah Foskey, De La Salle
Position: Defensive Lineman
Year: Junior
The 6-foot-4 All-EBAL selection has offers from major colleges across the country, including Alabama, Michigan, USC, UCLA, and Washington. He backed up those offers this fall, notching eight sacks and wreaking havoc on the edge against teams who even tried to run his way.
Isaac Hodgins, Berean Christian
Position: Defensive Lineman
Year: Senior
Hodgins was named the DAL-Valley Defensive Player of the Year for the second straight season, after the Oregon State commit once again dominated the interior of the line. He racked up 98 tackles, including 33.5 tackles for a loss, with seven sacks. The National Football Foundation scholarship winner for Contra Costa County also forced five fumbles.
Tuli Letuligasenoa, De La Salle
Position: Defensive Lineman
Year: Senior
The USC commit missed a number of games due to injury, but when healthy, was the dominant interior line force in the section, and maybe the top overall player. His presence on the inside was one of the bright spots in the CIF loss to Mater Dei, as the Monarchs found it tough sledding on the ground towards Letuligasenoa.
Mack Roesner, Marin Catholic
Position: Linebacker
Year: Senior
The MCAL Defensive Player of the Year was the rock in the middle of the Wildcats’ defense, a unit which pitched four straight shutouts at one point during the season, and held seven straight opponents to one score or less. Roesner led Marin Catholic with 117 tackles, while notching two interceptions and a pair of fumble recoveries.
Henry To’oto’o, De La Salle
Position: Linebacker
Year: Junior
The first-team All-EBAL selection, and our NCS Junior of the Year, racked up 101 tackles and seven sacks while spearheading the Spartans’ defense. To’oto’o was also more than capable in the offensive backfield, filling in for Kairee Robinson when needed, carrying the ball 57 times for 487 yards, including a key 173-yard performance in a 49-30 win over Central-Fresno and a 13-carry, 140-yard effort against Pittsburg in the Open Division title game.
Sam Walker, Miramonte
Position: Linebacker
Year: Senior
The Cal commit was a first-team All-DAL selection after racking up 98 tackles, including 12 tackles for a loss, and three sacks. The 6-foot-3, 220-pounder also lined up on offense for the Matadors, and was a receiving threat with 19 catches for 237 yards and three touchdowns.
Elias Rantissi, Rancho Cotate
Position: Linebacker
Year: Junior
The 6-foot-1, 205-pound two-way standout has been a tackle machine for Rancho over the past few seasons. This year, the first-team All-NBL selection racked up 134 total tackles, 84 solo, to go with 13 sacks. He also scored on a fumble recovery against Windsor. Rantissi will be a rare four-year varsity player next season, and already has 448 total tackles and 16 sacks to his name.
Nicholas Einess, Liberty
Position: Linebacker
Year: Junior
He’s not the biggest athlete on the field, but Einess make plays all over the place, plugging gaps and chasing down ball-carriers from sideline to sideline. The BVAL Defensive Player of the Year had 130 tackles while anchoring a Lions’ starting defense which allowed just 37 total yards in the NCS Division I championship game, and just two scores in the entire post-season. He also had 5.5 sacks, blocked two punts, and returned an interception for a touchdown.
John Torchio, Campolindo
Position: Defensive Back
Year: Senior
The DAL-Foothill Defensive Player of the Year was also one of the top quarterbacks in the section, and one of the top dual-threat signal callers in all of Northern California. But while he thrived offensively, throwing for 3,314 yards and 37 touchdowns, while adding 761 yards and 11 scores on the ground, Torchio was still dominant on the defensive side. He had 98 tackles, two sacks, and seven interceptions while playing in the secondary, finishing his high school career with 15 picks.
Delano Ware, El Cerrito
Position: Defensive Back
Year: Senior
The Defensive Player of the Year in the TCAL-Rock, Ware is both an imposing hitter in the secondary, but also a player with the speed and range to make plays on balls in the air. The Illinois signee was the leader of a Gaucho defense that propelled El Cerrito to back-to-back league titles.
Emany Johnson, Hercules
Position: Defensive Back
Year: Senior
The first-team All-TCAL recipient was the Titans’ leader on both sides of the ball, but was a lockdown secondary player on defense, where he will play for the University of Nevada-Reno. In the NCS Division IV semifinals, he took over on offense, defense, and special teams, leading Hercules to a berth in the title game.
Jevon Holland, Bishop O’Dowd
Position: Utility
Year: Senior
Holland produced all over the field for the Dragons, and was named the WACC-Foothill Defensive Player of the Year. The Oregon commit had 34 tackles and five interceptions from his cornerback spot, where he was largely avoided. He also returned five punts for touchdowns, and had 35 catches for 1,012 yards and 12 scores at receiver.
Ryan Wright, California
Position: Punter
Year: Senior
The Tulane commit averaged 43.6 yards per punt, and downed 12 of his 31 punts inside the opponents’ 20-yard line. Wright also threw for 1,013 yards as the Grizzlies’ quarterback this season, and had 31 touchdown passes over the past two years.
SECOND TEAM OFFENSE
Jake Simmons, Rancho Cotate
Position: Quarterback
Year: Senior
The Most Valuable Player in the North Bay League, Simmons finished an amazing two-year run behind center for the Cougars. He completed 65 percent of his passes this year, for 3,574 yards and 46 touchdowns, while adding 679 yards and 13 scores on the ground. His career varsity totals are staggering in just two seasons – 7,430 passing yards, 89 touchdowns through the air, plus 1,675 yards and 25 touchdowns on the ground.
Robby Rowell, Acalanes
Position: Quarterback
Year: Senior
Rowell did everything for the Dons offensively, and was named the DAL-Foothill’s Offensive Player of the Year as a result. In just 11 games, he completed 64 percent of his passes for 2,724 yards and 41 touchdowns, with just four interceptions. The National Football Foundation scholarship winner for Contra Costa County also led Acalanes in rushing with 539 yards and five scores. A three-sport standout, Rowell threw for 5,189 yards and 61 touchdowns in his two varsity seasons.
Aidan Quinn, Heritage
Position: Running Back
Year: Senior
The first-team All-BVAL selection was the focal point of the Heritage offense, rushing for 1,811 yards and 17 touchdowns, with an average of 8.5 yards per carry. Quinn finished the year with back-to-back 100-yard performances in the playoffs, running for 146 yards against Monte Vista and 126 yards against Liberty, with five scores in the two games. He holds the top three single-game performances in school history.
Peter Stehr, Miramonte
Position: Running Back
Year: Senior
With a rotating cast in front of him at quarterback this season, Stehr took on the bulk of the load for the Miramonte offense, and he delivered. The first-team All-DAL selection ran for 1,693 yards and 21 touchdowns, with an average of 9.1 yards per carry. And he was hardly one-dimensional – after running between the tackles, he lined up between them on defense at linebacker, registering 81 tackles with 15 tackles for a loss and six sacks.
Baylei Coston, Freedom
Position: Wide Receiver
Year: Senior
One of the most prolific receivers in BVAL history, Coston had 58 catches for 1,094 yards and 12 touchdowns. The first-team All-BVAL selection added four interceptions and seven pass break-ups on defense, while also returning a punt for a touchdown in a playoff win over Amador Valley. Coston finished his three-year varsity career with 164 catches for 3,088 yards and 32 touchdowns.
Micha Fontenot-Cornely, St. Bernard’s
Position: Wide Receiver
Year: Senior
Named the Defensive MVP of the HDN-Little 3, we are placing Fontenot-Cornely on the offensive side of the ball after completing a special career for the Crusaders. The 6-foot-2, 185-pound ballhawk racked up four straight 1,000-yard seasons at receiver for St. Bernard’s, including 80 catches for 1,221 yards and 18 touchdowns this year. He scored in four different ways, adding a rushing touchdown to go with an interception return and kickoff return. Defensively, he had 65 tackles to go with four interceptions and six pass break-ups.
Ben Skinner, Marin Catholic
Position: Tight End
Year: Senior
The first-team All-MCAL selection was an integral part of the prolific Wildcats’ passing attack, especially in the post-season, when they captured the NCS Division III title. In a pair of come-from-behind wins in the playoffs, Skinner had six catches for 156 yards against Miramonte, and was then unstoppable against Cardinal Newman in the championship game, racking up eight catches for 256 yards and a pair of scores. For the season, he had 39 catches for 1,025 yards and six touchdowns.
Luke Ogburn, De La Salle
Position: Offensive Lineman
Year: Senior
Undersized but fast and athletic, Ogburn earned first-team All-EBAL honors as the lynchpin of the Spartans’ offensive line at the center position. De La Salle averaged over 250 yards per game on the ground, with a pair of young quarterbacks, making Ogburn’s job in the veer more crucial than ever.
Zach Walsh, Foothill
Position: Offensive Lineman
Year: Senior
The three-year varsity starter earned first-team All-EBAL honors this year, after garnering Honorable Mention status as a junior. The 6-foot-4, 290-pound tackle provided protection for league MVP Ben Wooldridge and paved the way for a versatile running game.
Isaias Sierra, Pittsburg
Position: Offensive Lineman
Year: Junior
Despite losing their starting quarterback to injury, and going through multiple injuries to running backs, the Pirates still averaged over 350 yards per game and reached the CIF 1-A title game, after reclaiming their throne atop the BVAL. Sierra was a major reason why, and earned first-team All-BVAL honors as a result.
Matt Famor, San Leandro
Position: Offensive Lineman
Year: Senior
The two-way standout for the Pirates could be placed on either side of the ball, but we are going with him on offense as a standout drive blocker from his interior guard position. He can pull out in front of plays or down block to the second level, and racked up 39 pancake blocks, including a season-high seven in the playoff win over Foothill. Defensively, he had 62 tackles, including 13 tackles for a loss, and 5.5 sacks.
Jermaine Jackson, San Leandro
Position: Utility
Year: Senior
The speedy and elusive Jackson was San Leandro’s version of a Swiss Army knife, and was named the WACC-Foothill’s Offensive Player of the Year. He had 1,346 yards (751 rushing, 595 receiving) and 22 touchdowns from scrimmage, but also added four punt returns for scores, and returned both an interception and a kickoff for touchdowns.
Tanner Mendoza, Cardinal Newman
Position: Utility
Year: Senior
Easily one of the top two-way players in the section, Mendoza was a force at both running back and linebacker. The North Bay League Offensive Player of the Year ran for 1,365 yards and 27 touchdowns, while adding 269 yards and a score through the air. Defensively, he racked up 135 tackles and 6.5 sacks.
Dominic Cea, Harker
Position: Kicker
Year: Senior
Part of an incredible run for the Eagles, Cea drilled 7-of-8 field goals this season, and put the majority of his kickoffs in the end zone. He had a long of 37 yards on his field goals. And this is one kicker who can make an open field tackle – Cea also played linebacker, where he had 25 tackles, including three for a loss.
SECOND TEAM DEFENSE
Leo Le Merle, Marin Catholic
Position: Defensive Lineman
Year: Senior
Le Merle was named the MCAL Lineman of the Year, leading the Wildcats to another MCAL title and a NCS Division III title. His ability to come off the edge was key in Marin Catholic’s Division III semifinal win over Bishop O’Dowd. He had 104 tackles for the year, along with a team-high six sacks and three fumble recoveries.
Beau Garratt, San Ramon Valley
Position: Defensive Lineman
Year: Senior
Wolves’ coach Aaron Becker raved all year about the performance of his defense, and Garratt was a major reason why. SRV held four different league opponents to seven points or less, and the defense did not allow a rushing touchdown in the Open Division semifinals against Pittsburg, a team that typically relies on a strong ground game.
Bas Osborn, Windsor
Position: Defensive Lineman
Year: Senior
The explosive six-foot Osborn was once again a terror for opposing linemen, and received first-team All-NBL honors after racking up 121 tackles, including a whopping 31.5 stops behind the line of scrimmage. The two-year standout finishes his career with 223 total tackles, 56 of them in the backfield.
Josiah Suani, Hayward
Position: Defensive Lineman
Year: Senior
Suani was the Defensive Player of the Year in the WACC-Shoreline, and has offers from a handful of Division I colleges. The six-foot, 315-pound standout anchored both lines, was named first-team All-WACC on both sides of the ball, and really stood out on the interior defensive line. He racked up 79 total tackles, including 32 tackles for a loss, and 14 sacks. Suani had 41 tackles for a loss and 23.5 sacks over the past two seasons.
Jayden Clark, Dublin
Position: Linebacker
Year: Senior
The first-team All-EBAL helped lead a resurgence for the Gaels this year, and a trip to the Division I quarterfinals. Clark had 93 solo tackles, including 21 tackles for a loss, plus four sacks and two forced fumbles.
Jason Severance, Amador Valley
Position: Linebacker
Year: Senior
The Cal rugby commit played at the heart of the Dons on both offense and defense, leading the defense from his linebacker position, while also serving as the team’s top running back. Severance was a first-team All-EBAL selection at linebacker, showcasing the tackling talents he will carry over to the pitch as a Golden Bear.
Isaiah Henry, Bishop O’Dowd
Position: Linebacker
Year: Senior
The first-team All-WACC selection held down the Dragons’ defense at the second level, finishing the year with 85 tackles, including 21 tackles for a loss, and eight sacks. He played especially big in a quarterfinal win over Acalanes, when he notched four tackles for a loss and three sacks.
Jack Lacy III, Pittsburg
Position: Linebacker
Year: Junior
The 5-foot-11, 210-pound middle linebacker stood tall in the middle of the Pirates’ defense, registering 65 tackles with 11 tackles for a loss, and added an interception during Pittsburg’s CIF North regional win over Granite Bay. He was a unanimous first-team All-BVAL selection.
Ben Lageson, San Ramon Valley
Position: Linebacker
Year: Senior
The 6-foot-2 senior linebacker was at the core of a stingy Wolves’ defense, a unit that allowed more than two scores just twice all season, and held Pittsburg to only a pair of touchdowns in the Open Division semifinals. Five of their eight EBAL opponents were held to 10 points or less. Lageson received All-EBAL honors as a junior and senior.
Logan Reese, Rancho Cotate
Position: Defensive Back
Year: Senior
The NBL Co-Defensive Back of the Year produced in all facets of the game for the Cougars. Defensively, he had 55 tackles and rarely allowed a completed pass to his side. Offensively, he had 55 catches for 1,221 yards and 20 touchdowns at receiver, including a huge seven-catch, 176-yard, three-touchdown performance in a 38-35 win over Eureka in the NCS Division III quarterfinals. For good measure, he returned kicks and punts, taking a kickoff 71 yards for a touchdown in a 33-28 win over Campolindo.
Devon Willis, Liberty
Position: Defensive Back
Year: Senior
Lions’ defensive coordinator Brian Reel made it clear that Willis drew everyone’s top receiver, usually without any help, and he responded with a series of shutdown performances. He did have two interceptions, but it was his ability to take away top targets which has him on this list.
Jason Moran, Cardinal Newman
Position: Defensive Back
Year: Senior
The NBL Co-Defensive Back of the Year is also one of the rare athletes to earn all-section honors in both football and baseball. As a defensive back, Moran had 77 tackles to go with two interceptions and a pair of blocked kicks. He was also a threat on the offensive end, adding 37 catches for 633 yards and six touchdowns as a receiver.
Zane Cribb, Monte Vista
Position: Utility
Year: Senior
A year removed from a section title, Cribb was the only returning starter for the Mustangs. He responded with veteran leadership, running for 699 yards and eight touchdowns, hauling in 37 passes for 418 yards and three scores, returning kicks and punts, and snagging five interceptions on defense, one of which he returned for a touchdown in a playoff loss.
Quinn Brinnon, Bishop O’Dowd
Position: Utility
Year: Senior
When O’Dowd needed a lift at quarterback, the Dragons turned to Brinnon, a Colorado State commit as a defensive back. He responded by throwing for 1,919 yards and 25 touchdowns, rushing for 457 yards and 10 scores, and not coming off the field on defense either, where he had 46 tackles, two tackles for a loss, and three pass break-ups.
Tyler Werner, Berean Christian
Position: Punter
Year: Senior
Werner averaged 40 yards per punt this year for the Eagles, placing eight of his 19 kicks inside the 20-yard line. He also drilled touchbacks on 21 of his 38 kickoffs. If needed, he can also make a play in the open field – he had 37 tackles and three interceptions on the defensive side of the ball.
THIRD TEAM OFFENSE:
QUARTERBACK: Ben Wooldridge (Foothill), Clark Baker (San Ramon Valley), TJ Campbell (St. Bernard’s)
RUNNING BACK: JB Lewis (Fortuna), Sergio Manzo (Eureka), Thomas Alatini (Clayton Valley), Mekhi McElroy (Livermore), Alvonte Thornton (San Leandro), Tyerell Sturges-Cofer (Liberty), Daniel Medley (San Ramon Valley), Adi Anderson (Moreau Catholic), Kenneth Fitzgerald (Casa Grande), Jahmal Changeux (San Marin)
WIDE RECEIVER: Josh Wishom (Heritage), Jacob Ponzo (Analy), Jack Powers (De La Salle), Matt Gillespie (San Ramon Valley), Brian Merken (Acalanes), Malikhi Miller (El Cerrito), Kenden Robinson (Encinal), Isaiah Mays (Berkeley), Blake Thorpe (Las Lomas), Robert Simkins (Terra Linda), Ethan Fischler (Miramonte)
TIGHT END: Brad Archer (Livermore), Cristian Wunder (Northgate), Sterling Stokes (Bishop O’Dowd)
OFFENSIVE LINE: Isaak Gutierrez (Eureka), Max Peterson (Heritage), Giovanni Spinelli (Pittsburg), Rob Vanderlaan (Miramonte), Luke Haggard (Petaluma), Franklin Banks (El Cerrito), Delayo Faatiliga (Encinal), Nick Wycoff (Cardinal Newman), Payton Zdroik (Liberty)
UTILITY: Sione Vaki (Liberty), Jack Fulp (Northgate), Akil Edwards (St. Patrick-St. Vincent), Blake Thomas (Santa Rosa), Jacob Arms (Willits), Hokulani Wickard (Lower Lake), Willie Harts III (Pittsburg), Roman Sahagun (Foothill)
KICKER: Ryan Redman (Deer Valley), Andrew Alfaro (Rancho Cotate), Cameron Shapoorian (Acalanes)
THIRD TEAM DEFENSE:
DEFENSIVE LINE: Garrett Robinson (Antioch), Tyler Clemons (Alhambra), Jett Stanley (Heritage), Jadan McDermott (Harker), Sam Hines (Saint Mary’s), Michael Pryor (Pittsburg), Ryan Nall (Acalanes), Dusty Mitchell (Clayton Valley), Parker Bosche (Saint Mary’s), Alex Lopeti (Tennyson), Jamar Sekona (Marin Catholic), Colton Hall (Middletown), Emerson Freeman (Kennedy-Fremont)
LINEBACKER: Darion Ellison (Kennedy-Richmond), Arthur Corbin (Hercules), Jordan Seiden (Moreau Catholic), Josiah Porter (Pittsburg), Brenden Riso (De La Salle), Semisi Saluni (Northgate), Ed Singleton (El Cerrito), Grant Larsen (Campolindo), Cade Carter (Clayton Valley)
DEFENSIVE BACK: Josh Scott (Deer Valley), Larry Washington (Kennedy-Richmond), Deshon Wilson (Stellar Prep), Jalen Mitchell (Pittsburg), Clay Facteau (San Ramon Valley), LJ Anderson (Moreau Catholic), Auston Rapolla (Montgomery), Brennon Dyer (San Leandro), Jake Gammon (Marin Catholic)
PUNTER: Pablo De La Torre (Hayward), Zack Henry (Heritage)
HONORABLE MENTION:
ACALANES:
Max Thrasher, Nick Henderson, Trenton Tso
ALAMEDA:
Derrick Walrod, Padraig Lane
ALHAMBRA:
Aaron Hern, Daniel Boyd
AMADOR VALLEY:
Tommy Kramer, Max Heverly, David White
AMERICAN:
Genaro Estrada
ANALY:
Brenden Medina, Bennett Simpson, Anthony Lepori, Nic Visser
ANTIOCH:
Vinny Ballardo, Omari Harris, Dalaan Green, Willem Karnthong
ARCATA:
Austin Kadle, Demitri Patterson, Max Rice
ARROYO:
Jonathan Caling
BEREAN CHRISTIAN:
Jayden Jackson, Justin Jackson, Austin Sharp
BERKELEY:
Avery Burt, Gimarion Hutson
BISHOP O'DOWD:
Tyler Harris, Chris Lucas, Kenyan Branscomb
CALIFORNIA:
Kinan Alatasi, Hugh Savage, Caden Jarvis
CALIFORNIA SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF:
Calel Aramboles
CAMPOLINDO:
Chris Brahney, Cole Berzins, Ryan Regan
CARDINAL NEWMAN:
Kyle Carinalli, Mark Boschetti, Dario Marrotto
CASA GRANDE:
Jack Leonetti
CASTRO VALLEY:
Jared Fleming, Cameron Brown
CLAYTON VALLEY CHARTER:
James Teofilo, Kitione Tau, Ben Acebo, KJ Gardner
CLEAR LAKE:
Alex Adams, Justin Cantrell
CLOVERDALE:
Christian Chaves
COLLEGE PARK:
Luis Navarro, Tre Smith
CONCORD:
Ben Daynes, Austin Williams
DE ANZA:
Taemon Evans, Kyree Hall, Teddy Bing
DE LA SALLE:
Luke Freeman, Josh Allan, Jhasi Wilson, Angel Asiasi, Taveis Marshall
DEER VALLEY:
Donovan Picazo, Hamilton Darwin
DEL NORTE:
Jeremiah Norbury
DOUGHERTY VALLEY:
Daniel Tang, Chris Thompson
DRAKE:
Terrance Coleman
DUBLIN:
Clayton Schaible, Tre Hines, Marcos Hoy, Jason White
EL CERRITO:
Derrick Langford, Lanique Wilkes, Brandon Valera
EL MOLINO:
Jalen Hall, Sire Clark
ELSIE ALLEN:
Jonathan Rubio, Diego Mendoza
ENCINAL:
Abdul Holland, Taj Banks, Xavier Keele, Teddy Oliver
EUREKA:
Cruz Montana, Tyce Mullins, Ali Lee
FERNDALE:
Wyatt Coppini, Tanner Hall
FOOTHILL:
Donovan Mayer, Jake Jackson
FORT BRAGG:
Ian Sutton
FORTUNA:
Church Crenshaw, Shaeden Kadle, Brendon Harralson
FREEDOM:
Joey Aguilar, Diego Fratus, Tyler Dixon
GRANADA:
Octavio Morales, Bo Bushere, Zach MacIntire
HARKER:
Aaron Smith, Nate Kelly, Jalen Clark
HAYWARD:
Laprel Boyd, Brandon Williams
HEALDSBURG:
Alex Johnson
HERCULES:
Tashyia Smith, Kris Miles, Gage Garvey
HERITAGE:
Hassan Williams, Austin Lamunyon, Nick Filardo
HOOPA VALLEY:
Ryan Reed
IRVINGTON:
Dalton Evans, Sam Carpio
JAMES LOGAN:
Rezjohn Wright
JUSTIN-SIENA:
Ronnie Caretti
KELSEYVILLE:
JD Prescott, Zack Watkins
KENNEDY-FREMONT:
Clayton Reboca, Logan Kiester
KENNEDY-RICHMOND:
Manny Aguero, Micah Barnes
LAS LOMAS:
Cole Lipelt
LIBERTY:
Estevan Davila, Max Lawrence
LIVERMORE:
Adam Lebish, Jose Martinez
LOWER LAKE:
Taylor Scott, Peerliss Brooke
MARIA CARRILLO:
Cameron Basile, John Nieman
MARIN CATHOLIC:
Anthony Marino, Colby Jacques, Gaven Cooke
MIDDLETOWN:
Colton Hall, Trey O’Neill
MIRAMONTE:
Will Cassriel, Mark Mezody
MONTE VISTA:
Andy Yi, John Giagiari
MONTGOMERY:
Joey Thresh, BJ Johnson
MOREAU CATHOLIC:
Max Anderson, Adonis Forrest, Josh Pullum
MT. EDEN:
Anothen Faiai-Sua, Isaiah McGlown, Asi Bailey
NEWARK MEMORIAL:
Caleb Hopkins
NORTHGATE:
German Acosta, DiMarco Ventura, Joey Marondola
NOVATO:
Marcus Kehs
PETALUMA:
Justin Turner, Jacob Rollstin, Nick Ayers, Isaiah Blomgren
PIEDMONT:
Lane Bentley, Cole Kingston
PINER:
Kelvin Castillo, Jake Herman, Noble Amani, Colton Roy
PINOLE VALLEY:
Demari Davis, Guillermo Sierra, Josh Francisco
PITTSBURG:
Justin Sanders, Jaden Tauanu’u, De’jon Benton, Justin Boyd, Timote Finau
RANCHO COTATE:
Kyle Luque, Connor Barbato, Kobi Buckley
REDWOOD:
Wiley Geiger, Alex Aguero
RICHMOND:
Josh Ajche, Brandon Dumay
SAINT MARY'S:
Trenton Johnson, Antoine Morales, Dylan Wyatt
SALESIAN:
Adrian Perez, Princeton Toki, Xavier Matthews
SAN LEANDRO:
Rayshaun Baker-Lynch, Jordan Cobbs
SAN LORENZO:
Jeremiah Cornn, Hugo Gomez
SAN MARIN:
David Thoma, Cole McCue
SAN RAFAEL:
Arlon Mazariegos
SAN RAMON VALLEY:
Tristan Sinclair, Stephen Thompson, Nicolai Katona
SANTA ROSA:
Josh Truong
SONOMA VALLEY:
Tyler Winslow, Rocko Wetzel
SOUTH FORK:
Gabe Malley, CJ Van Meter
ST. BERNARD'S:
Bryce Gratz, Garrison Roach, Connor Plevin
ST. HELENA:
Casey Walker
ST. PATRICK-ST. VINCENT:
Jamonte Barrett, Nathan Olmes, Ryan Lacy, Kailon Johnson-Loud
ST. VINCENT DE PAUL:
Gio Antonini
TAMALPAIS:
Cooper Jacobs
TENNYSON:
Jimmy Fon
TERRA LINDA:
Matt Peters, Jackson Zabierek
UKIAH:
Nick Brocchini, AJ Link
WASHINGTON:
Jaylen Edmonds
WILLITS:
Triston Martin
WINDSOR:
Ryan Weir, Jorgen Sarganis, Jairo Mejia
YGNACIO VALLEY:
Devaughn Brown, Tyrik Daniels
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