MaxPreps 2016 California Medium Schools All-State Football Team

Video: Eric Melesio highlights vs. St. Margaret's
The Norte Vista running back rushed for a national best 563 yards.

Eric Melesio's value to the Norte Vista (Riverside) football team this year cannot be overstated. In his only year with the Braves after transferring from Citrus Hill, Melesio helped Norte Vista finish one win away from a Southern Section championship.

Melesio defined the term workhorse. In carrying the ball 478 times, Melesio had the fourth-highest single season total in national history. His 4,459 yards rushing also led the nation and were fourth best in national history - second best in state history.

With three receptions during the season, Melesio touched the ball 75 percent of the time in Norte Vista's offense - a ridiculously high percentage for a non-quarterback. In a game against Hillcrest, Melesio touched the ball on 92 percent of Norte Vista's plays. Twice this season he carried the ball 55 times in a game and one time he rushed for 563 yards - the single-game national best for 2016.

For these reasons, Melesio has been chosen as the MaxPreps Medium Schools California Player of the Year.



Meanwhile John Ellinghouse of Sierra Canyon (Chatsworth) earns the Medium Schools state Coach of the Year honor.  Ellinghouse's squad finished the season 16-0 despite being a small school, enrollmentwise, playing against much larger programs.

First, Ellinghouse guided Sierra Canyon to a two-overtime win over Corona del Mar (Newport Beach) in the Southern Section Division 4 finals. In the Southern California regionals, Sierra Canyon knocked off Los Angeles City Section Division II champion Los Angeles.

The Trailblazers then topped Central Coast Section Open Division 2 champion Serra (San Mateo) in the Division 2-A state championship game.

Melesio and Ellinghouse head the All-State medium schools teams, which consist of a 30-member first team and a 30-member second team. The players are chosen from schools that play in enrollment divisions that generally consist of teams with enrollments between 1,000 and 2,000 students.

Graphic by Ryan Escobar

First Team Offense
QB – Tristan Gebbia, Calabasas, 6-3, 185, Sr.
Honors: Southern Section Division 5 Offensive Player of the Year; Los Angeles Daily News All-Area Team; Ventura County Coaches Association Player of the Year; Ventura County Star All-Area Player of the Year.
Stats: 341 completions, 485 attempts, 5,338 yards, 61 touchdowns; Career - 858 completions, 1,294 attempts, 13,109 yards, 141 touchdowns.

QB – Braden Wingle, Bakersfield Christian, 6-5, 200, Jr.
Honors: Bakersfield Californian All-Area Team.
Stats: 274 completions, 418 attempts, 4,379 yards, 44 touchdowns.



RB – Eric Melesio, Norte Vista (Riverside), 5-9, 165, Sr.
Honors: Southern Section Division 7 Offensive Player of the Year; Los Angeles Times All-Area Team; Riverside Press-Enterprise All-Area Team.
Stats: 478 attempts, 4,459 yards, 56 touchdowns.

RB – Bobby Cole, Sierra Canyon (Chatsworth), 5-9, 193, Sr.
Honors: Southern Section Division 4 Offensive Player of the Year; Los Angeles Daily News All-Area Offensive Player of the Year.
Stats: 288 carries, 2,380 yards, 34 touchdowns; Career - 496 carries, 4,848 yards, 63 touchdowns.

RB – William Semone, Oakdale, 5-8, 195, Sr.
Honors: Modesto Bee All-Area Team; BlackHat All-209 Team; Prep2Prep All-Sac-Joaquin Section Team.
Stats: Rushed for 2,851 yards.

WR -Anthony Flores, Valley Christian (San Jose), 6-1, 190, Sr.
Honors: Bay Area News Group All-Bay Area Team; San Francisco Chronicle All-Metro team; Prep2Prep All-Central Coast Section team.
Stats: 42 catches, 758 yards, 10 touchdowns.

WR – Jamire Calvin, Cathedral (Los Angeles), 5-11, 170, Sr.
Honors: All-Southern Section Division 3 team.
Stats: 86 catches 1,312 yards, 14 touchdowns.

WR – Jerimiah Foster, Bakersfield Christian (Bakersfield), 6-3, 190, Sr.
Honors: Bakersfield Californian Offensive Player of the Year.
Stats: 88 catches, 1,652 yards, 20 touchdowns.



TE – Andrew Manuele, Los Altos (Hacienda Heights), 6-3, 210, Sr.
Honors: All-Southern Section Division 6 Team; San Gabriel Valley Tribune All-Area Team.
Stats: 37 catches for 699 yards, 5 touchdowns; 94 tackles, 33 tackles for loss, 11.5 sacks.

OL – Aaron Banks, El Cerrito, 6-7, 318, Sr.
Honors: Bay Area News Group All-Bay Area Team; San Francisco Chronicle All-Metro Team; Prep2Prep All-North Coast Section Team.

OL – Dylan McCreery, Valley Christian (San Jose), 6-4, 324, Sr.
Honors: Bay Area News Group All-Bay Area Team; San Francisco Chronicle All-Metro Team; Prep2Prep All-Central Coast Section Team.

OL – Alijah Tucker, Bishop O'Dowd (Oakland), 6-5, 291, Sr.
Honors: Bay Area News Group All-Bay Area Team; San Francisco Chronicle All-Metro Team; Prep2Prep All-North Coast Section Team.

OL – Michael Saffell, Edison (Huntington Beach), 6-3, 290, Sr.
Honors: All-Southern Section Division 3 team; Orange County Register All-County Team; Los Angeles Times All-Area Team.

OL – Kanan Ray, Sierra Canyon (Chatsworth), 6-4, 275, Sr.
Honors: All-Southern Section Division 4 team; Los Angeles Times All-Area Team; Los Angeles Daily News All-Area Team.



K – Clay Eggeman, Capistrano Valley (Mission Viejo), 5-11, 155, Sr.
Honors: All-Southern Section Division 5 Team; Los Angeles Times All-Area Team; Orange County Register All-County Team.
Stats: Kicked 17 of 19 field goals with a long of 41, made 53 of 55 extra points.

AP – John Buksa, St. Anthony (Long Beach), 6-1, 193, Sr.
Honors: Southern Section Division 10 Offensive Player of the Year; Long Beach Press-Telegram Dream Team.
Stats: 167 completions, 320 attempts, 3,009 yardsd, 32 touchdown passes; 109 carries, 1,627 yards rushing, 22 touchdowns.

First Team Defense
DL – Kenny Carmichael, Edison, 6-2, 205, Sr.
Honors: Southern Section Division 3 Defensive Player of the Year; Orange County Register All-County Team.
Stats: 114 tackles, 19.5 sacks.

DL – Hunter Echols, Cathedral (Los Angeles), 6-5, 240, Sr.
Honors: All-Southern Section Division 3 team.
Stats: 79 tackles, 9 sacks.

DL – Martin Andrus, Los Angeles (Los Angeles), 6-1, 280, Sr.
Honors: Los Angeles All-City Section Player of the Year.

DL – Shane Irwin, Palos Verdes (Palos Verdes Estates), 6-4, 240, Sr.
Honors: All-Southern Section Division 3 team; Orange County Register All-County Team; Los Angeles Times All-Area Team.
Stats: 98 tackles, 18.5 sacks.



LB – KJ Latu, Paraclete (Lancaster), 5-11, 220, Sr.
Honors: Southern Section Division 6 Defensive Player of the Year; Los Angeles Daily News All-Area Team.
Stats: 106 tackles, 7 sacks.

LB – Pika Fakava, San Gorgonio (San Bernardino), 5-11, 225, Sr.
Honors: Southern Section Division 7 Defensive Player of the Year; San Bernardino Sun All-Area Team; Riverside Press-Enterprise All-Area Team;
Stats: 195 tackles, 11 tackles for loss.

LB – Miguel Garcia, Sanger, 6-1, 215, Sr.
Honors: Fresno Bee All-Area Defensive Player of the Year.
Stats: 130 tackles.

LB – Charles Ike, Hart (Newhall), 6-0, 220, Sr.
Honors: All-Southern Section Division 3 team; Los Angeles Daily News All-Area team; All-Santa Clarita Valley Team.
Stats: 102 tackles, 4 sacks.

LB – Trent Laubach, Valley Christian (San Jose), 5-7, 180, Sr.
Honors: Bay Area News Group All-Bay Area Team; San Francisco Chronicle All-Metro Team; Prep2Prep All-Central Coast Section Team.
Stats: 148 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, 4 sacks.

DB – Bennett Williams, Saint Francis (Mountain View), 6-1, 195, Sr.
Honors: Bay Area News Group All-Bay Area Team; South Bay/Peninsula Defensive Player of the Year by Bay Area News Group; Prep2Prep All-Central Coast Section Team.
Stats: 49 tackles, 6 interceptions.



DB – Deommodore Lenoir, Salesian (Los Angeles), 6-0, 185, Sr.
Honors: All-Southern Section Division 5 Team; Los Angeles Times All-Area Team.
Stats: 108 carries, 1,172 yards rushing, 17 touchodwns, 30 completions, 50 attempts, 595 yards passing, 6 touchdowns; 25 catches, 663 yards, seven touchdowns; 52 tackles, 1 interception.

DB – Darnay Holmes, Calabasas, 5-11, 185, Sr.
Honors: All-Southern Section Division 5 Team; Los Angeles All-Area Team; Ventura County Coaches Association Player of the Year; Ventura County Star All-Area Team.
Stats: 69 catches, 1,214 yards, 14 touchdowns; 30 tackles; Career - 215 catches, 3,455 yards, 39 touchdowns.

DB – Greg Johnson, Hawkins (Los Angeles), 5-11, 190, Sr.
Honors: Los Angeles City Section Defensive Player of the Year.
Stats: 122 carries, 1,377 yards, 13 touchdowns; 17 catches, 364 yards, 3 touchdowns; 55 tackles, 5 interceptions.

P – Luis Chavez, Serrano (Phelan), 6-3, 210, Sr.
Honors: All-Southern Section Division 3 team; Victorville Daily Press All-Area Team; San Bernardino Sun All-Area Second Team.
Stats: 44-yard average, 5 inside 20, 28 touchbacks.

Second Team Offense
QB – Jack Newman, Analy (Sebastopol), 6-1, 180, Sr.
Honors: San Francisco Chronicle All-Metro Team; Prep2Prep All-North Coast Section Second Team.
Stats: 277 completions, 397 attempts, 4,488 yards, 55 touchdowns; Career - 591 completions, 882 attempts, 8,926 yards, 114 touchdowns.

QB – Jacob Westphal, Campolindo (Moraga), 6-2, 190, Sr.
Honors: Bay Area News Group All-Bay Area honorable mention; San Francisco Chronicle All-Metro Team.
Stats: 238 completions, 392 attempts, 3,716 yards, 28 touchdowns; Career - 407 completions, 694 attempts, 6,582 yards, 59 touchdowns.



RB – CJ Verdell, Mater Dei Catholic (Chula Vista), 5-9, 195, Sr.
Honors: All-San Diego Section Offensive Player of the Year.
Stats: 262 carries, 2,399 yards, 36 touchdowns; Career - 467 carries, 4,855 yards, 64 touchdowns.

RB – Tyler Nevens, Los Altos (Hacienda Heights), 6-0, 215, Sr.
Honors: Southern Section Division 6 Offensive Player of the Year; San Gabriel Valley Tribune All-Area Player of the Year.
Stats: 318 carries, 2,533 yards, 40 touchdowns, 15 catches, 201 yards, 1 touchdown.

RB – Stephen Carr, Summit (Fontana), 6-0, 202, Sr.
Honors: All-Southern Section Division 6 Team; San Bernardino Sun All-Area Offensive Player of the Year.
Stats: 2,128 yards rushing, 31 touchdowns, 20 catches, 491 yards, 5 touchdowns.

WR – Tae Le', Corona del Mar (Newport Beach), 6 -4, 230, Jr.
Honors: All-Southern Section Division 4 Team; Orange County Register All-County Team.
Stats: 78 catches, 1,294 yards, 22 touchdowns.

WR – Emoryie Edwards, Tulare Union (Tulare), 6-0, 190, Jr.
Honors: Visalia Times Delta All-Area Team; Fresno Bee All-Area Team.
Stats: 94 catches, 1,571 yards, 19 touchdowns.

WR – Mozes Mooney, Bishop's (La Jolla), 6-1, 175, Jr.
Honors: All-San Diego Section Team.
Stats: 69 catches, 1,081 yards, 17 touchdowns; 25 total touchdowns.



TE – Elijah Cooks, Atascadero (Atascadero), 6-5, 215, Sr.
Honors: San Luis Obispo Telegram Tribune all-county team.
Stats: 57 catches, 967 yards, 12 t ouchdowns.

OL – Chantz Russell, Marin Catholic (Kentfield), 6-6, 280, Sr.
Honors: San Francisco Chronicle All-Metro Team; Prep2Prep All-North Coast Section Team.

OL – Dominic Gudino, Olympian (Chula Vista), 6-2, 300, Sr.
Honors: All-San Diego Section Team.

OL – Andrew Vorhees, Kingsburg, 6-6, 290, Sr.
Honors: Fresno Bee All-Area Team.

OL – Ryan Nelson, Buena Park, 6-6, 280, Sr.
Honors: All-Southern Section Division 3; Orange County Register All-County team;

OL – Jair Goiz, San Gorgonio (San Bernardino), 6-2, 218, Sr.
Honors: All-Southern Section Division 7 Team; All-San Bernardino Sun Team; Riverside Press-Enterprise All-Area Second Team.



AP - Chase Garbers, Corona del Mar (Newport Beach), 6-3, 215, Sr.
Honors: All-Southern Section Division 4 team; Orange County Register All-County Team.
Stats: 254 completions, 370 attempts, 3,895 yards, 47 touchdowns, 114 carries, 582 yards rushing, 11 touchdowns Career - 589 completions, 854 attempts, 7,970 yards passing, 91 touchdown passes.

K – Clay D'amico, Valley Christian (Cerritos), 5-10, 175, Sr.
Honors: All-Southern Section Division 9 Team; Long Beach Press-Telegram Dream Team.
Stats: 9 of 12 field goals, long of 50, 54 of 58 extra points.

Second Team Defense
DL – Drew Dalman, Palma (Salinas), 6-3, 265, Sr.
Honors: Monterey Herald All-County Team; Prep2Prep All-Central Coast Section Team.
Stats: 8 sacks.

DL – Richard Cage Jr., Roosevelt (Eastvale), 6-3, 240, Sr.
Honors: Southern Section Defensive Player of the Year; Riverside Press-Enterprise All-Area Honorable Mention.
Stats: 59 tackles, 13 sackcs, 9.5 tackles for loss.

DL – Ricky Leung-Wai, Ridgeview (Bakersfield), 6-2, 240, Sr.
Honors: Bakersfield Californian All-Area Defensive Player of the Year.
Stats: 72 tackles, 16.5 sacks, 24 tackles for loss, 32 hurries, 3 forced fumbles, 3 blocked punts.

DL – Zach Ritner, Capistrano Valley (Mission Viejo), 6-3, 235, Jr.
Honors: All-Southern Section Division 5 Team; Orange County Register All-County Team.
Stats: 42 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, 18 sacks, 33 hurries.



LB – Anthony Miller, Don Lugo (Chino), 5-11, 190, Sr.
Honors: Southern Section Division 8 Defensive Player of the Year; San Bernardino Sun All-Area Second Team; Inland Valley Daily Bulletin All-Area Team.
Stats: 174 tackles, 26 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, 10 hurries.

LB – Mitchell Hamilton, Silverado (Victorville), 6-2, 220, Sr.
Honors: Southern Section Division 9 Defensive Player of the Year; San Bernardino Sun All-Area Second Team; Victorville Daily Press All-Area Team.
Stats: 143 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 1 interception.

LB – John Stamos, Villa Park, 6-3, 230, Sr.
Honors: All-Southern Section Division 3 team; Orange County Register All-County Team.
Stats: 123 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, 5 sacks, 186 carries, 1,093 yards, 20 touchdowns.

LB – Reggie Hughes, Calabasas, 6-2, 215, Jr.
Honors: All-Southern Section Division 5 Team; Los Angeles Daily News All-Area Team.
Stats: 69 tackles, 19 sacks, 23 hurries, 22 tackles for loss.

LB – Solomon Nokeakua-Stroud Tuliaupupu, Claremont, 6-3, 225, Jr.
Honors: Inland Valley Daily Bulletin All-Area Team.
Stats: 126 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, 2 sacks.

DB – Daniel Scott, St. Francis (La Canada), 6-2, 195, Sr.
Honors: All-Southern Section Division 3 team; Pasadena Star News All-Area Defensive Player of the Year.
Stats: 41 catches, 688 yards, 10 touchdowns; 70 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 5 interceptions.



DB – Brian Casteel, Charter Oak (Covina), 6-1 190, Sr.
Honors: Southern Section Division 4 Defensive Player of the Year; San Gabriel Valley Tribune Defensive Player of the Year.
Stats: 102 carries, 644 yards, 17 touchdowns; 51 catches, 766 yards, 8 touchdowns; 72 tackcles, 4 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 3 interceptions.

DB – EJ Ginnis, Edison (Huntington Beach), 5-11, 175, Sr.
Honors: All-Southern Section Division 3 team; Orange County Register All-County team;
Stats: 54 catches, 1,029 yards, 12 touchdowns, 114 tackles, 3 interceptions.

DB – BJ Busbee Jr., St. Anthony (Long Beach), 5-9, 175, Sr.
Honors: Southern Section Division 10 Defensive Player of the Year; Long Beach Press-Telegram Dream Team.
Stats: 53 catches, 1,055 yards, 8 touchdowns; 39 carries, 460 yards rushing, 9 touchdowns; 52 tackles, 2 interceptions, two interception return touchdowns, four punt return touchdowns, two kickoff return touchdowns.

P – Hunter White, Los Altos (Hacienda Heights), 5-10, 180, Sr.
Honors: All-Southern Section Division 6 Team; San Gabriel Valley Tribune All-Area Team.
Stats: 40.8 punting average, 23 inside 20, 57 touchbacks, 7 field goals, long of 44, 64 of 65 on extra points.