By Kevin Askeland and Mitch Stephens
MaxPreps.com
The second annual MaxPreps California all-state teams have a new look this year thanks to the change in playoff format instituted by the California Interscholastic Federation in 2008.
With the CIF going to four divisions (along with an Open Division) for the state football playoffs, it only made sense for MaxPreps to expand its all-state selections to include four divisions with a first and second team at each level.
The four teams that participated in the Open and Division 1 state playoffs highlight this year’s Division 1 all-state team with Division 1 champion Centennial placing four players on the two teams and runner-up De La Salle landing two. Open Division champion Grant has four honored players as well, along with its coach, Mike Alberghini. Runner-up Long Beach Poly boasts four members as well.
Here’s a look at each of the 60 members of the MaxPreps California All-State Division 1 first and second teams.
Click Here for Division 2 All-State Teams
Click Here for Division 3 All-State Teams
Click Here for Division 4 All-State Teams
DIVISION 1 - First Team Offense
WR – Kevin Chandler, Mission Viejo, 6-0, 185, Sr
Big-play receiver for highly potent Mission Viejo passing attack, Chandler had 78 catches for 1,436 yards and 12 touchdowns, including a combined 19 catches for more than 450 yards and three TDs alone in wins over Dana Hills and Vista.
WR – Ricky Marvray, Centennial (Corona), 6-0, 185, Sr
The UCLA-bound standout was the state champions’ big-play receiver, hauling in 71 passes for 1,256 yards and 13 touchdowns. On top of his skill and speed, Marvray was leader for team that avenged its only 2007 loss by beating De La Salle (Concord) in the CIF State Division I Bowl game when Marvray had six catches for 121 yards.
WR – Roman Runner Freedom (Oakley), 6-0, 162, Sr
College recruiters aren’t knocking down Runner’s door because he lacks sprinter speed. But he more than makes up for it with precise routes, great hands and a competitive edge. He finished third in the state overall with 1,462 receiving yards after hauling in 82 passes and 19 touchdowns. Led Falcons to an impressive 11-2 mark.
TE – Morrell Presley, Carson, 6-3, 207, Sr
Great speed, great athlete, the UCLA-bound standout had 35 catches for 605 yards and five touchdowns. He had twice as many receptions as anyone on a Carson team that struggled offensively. Presley originally committed to USC, but changed his mind to become a Bruin.
OL – David Born, West (Bakersfield), 6-8, 330, Sr
The mammoth Bakersfield area offensive lineman has been talked to by many of the big schools: USC, Oregon, Notre Dame, Nebraska. But only Colorado State has offered. Two or three season in the weight room should create a monster.
OL – Kevin Danser, Bellarmine (San Jose), 6-5, 290, Sr
The West Catholic Athletic League’s Lineman of the Year is being recruited by everyone after he paved the way for a prolific offense that averaged almost 400 yards per game. Besides brawn and fantastic feet and speed, Danser has a nasty side that college recruiters love.
OL – Michael Phillip, Arroyo Valley (San Bernardino), 6-4, 300, Sr
The most highly-recruited lineman in the Inland Empire, the first-team All-Riverside Press Enterprise performer was selected to play in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. Other than USC, he’s got his choice of any Pacific-10 school.
OL – Josh Cabral, Tesoro (Rancho Santa Margarita), 6-3, 300, Sr
According to Orange County register, Cabral would have hands-down been lineman of the year if such a vote was cast. Led upstart team that averaged more than 400 yards per game in wide open spread attack. The Titans ran and threw equally well and much of that had to do with Cabral, who led a massive and dominating offensive line.
OL – Albert Parrish, Poly (Long Beach), 5-11, 255, Sr
Paved the way for one of the Southern Section’s most lethal one-two running punches in Melvin Richardson and another 1,000-yard rusher Daveon Barner. Helped Pave the way to an 18th Section crown.
QB – Joe Southwick, San Ramon Valley (Danville), 6-2, 190, Sr
The fleet, savvy and strong-armed standout was at his best when he faced the toughest teams, no better demonstrated than a first-round NCS playoff win over Monte Vista. Southwick was 21 of 30 for 459 yards and four touchdowns and he rushed for two more scores and intercepted a pass to seal a 43-36 victory. The Boise State-bound quarterback finished 239 of 402 for 3,781 yards and 36 touchdowns. He also rushed for 350 yards and eight scores.
MAXPREPS DIVISION 1 PLAYER OF THE YEAR
QB – Taylor Martinez, Centennial (Corona), 6-1, 185
The Riverside Press-Enterprise overall Player of the Year had little trouble learning Matt Logan’s offense as he led the Huskies to a State Division I championship. The Nebraska-bound speedster threw for just under 3,000 yards and 28 touchdowns and rushed for 750 and 12 more scores. He was exceptional in the state-title game win over De La Salle throwing for 243 yards and rushing for a score.
RB – Melvin Richardson, Poly (Long Beach), 5-10, 210, Sr
Though not huge numbers, 1,519 yards, 24 touchdowns, Richardson always seemed to find the end zone when the Jackrabbits needed him most. The best example with a game-winning 61-yard TD jaunt with 2:56 left in a 20-17 win over Tesoro in the Southern Section Pac-5 championships, Poly’s 18th crown, a section record.
RB – Devontae Butler, Grant (Sacramento), 5-11, 180, Jr
With a host of fantastic running backs, Grant coach Mike Alberghini finally decided on Butler about game 3. The talented junior responded in a big way and led the Pacers all the way the pinnacle, a CIF State Open Division Bowl Game victory over heavily favored Long Beach Poly. Butler had 104 yards and a key touchdown in that one and 1,954 yards and 37 TDs on 197 carries.
RB – Usua Amanam, Bellarmine (San Jose), 5-9, 175, Sr
The San Francisco Chronicle’s Metro Player of the Year did it all for the Bells (13-1), winners of the Central Coast Section Open Division. Amanam had 1,828 yards and 29 touchdowns on the ground, including scoring runs of 88 and 95 yards in the CCS championship game over Valley Christian. He scored seven other times by receiving or returns. He’s considered an equally adept cornerback and even a better student. He’s accepted a full ride to Stanford.
QB – James Boyd, Jordan (Los Angeles), 6-5, 225, Sr
By numbers alone, Boyd should be a first-team quarterback after leading the state with 4,266 yards passing and 44 touchdowns. But what makes the USC-bound standout more remarkable is that he’s recruited to the Trojans to play defensive end. From one side of the ball he had a remarkable 104 tackles and eight sacks.
K – Jake Van Ginkel, Upland, 6-0, 175, So
If he wasn’t regularly kicking the ball into the end zone – 52 of 84 times – he drilled 62 extra points and made nine field goals, with a long of 54 yards.
First Team Defense
DL – Dylan Wynn, De La Salle (Concord), 6-1, 205, So
Hard to imagine that De La Salle’s best defensive player is only a sophomore, but Winn was probably so by game two of the season and progressively was impossible to block. Recorded more than 100 tackles and was first-team All-Metro by the San Francisco Chronicle.
DL – William Sutton, Centennial (Corona), 6-1, 265, Sr
Sutton promised before the season Centennial would go undefeated and he did his part to back it up with 93 tackles and 11.5 sacks. The Arizona State-bound standout also blocked four punts and he deflected a pass that led to an interception and touchdown in the team’s state-title win over De La Salle. Voted Big VIII League’s Co-Defensive MVP.
DL – Jackson Powell, Newbury Park, 6-5, 235, Sr
Earned all-area honors from the Los Angeles Daily News for the second straight season and was also an All-Ventura County pick. Had 40 tackles and six sacks for Newbury Park, which went 7-4 on the season. He’ll play at Arizona next year.
DL – Iuta Tepa, Poly (Long Beach), 6-2, 215, Sr
Despite just playing one side of the ball, the active and productive defensive end recorded 102 tackles and 14 sacks. Considered an absolutely menace to opposing players, Tepa has committed to Hawaii.
LB – Vontaze Burfict, Centennial (Corona), 6-2, 235, Sr
The USC-bound standout drew comparisons to Denver Broncos’ All-Pro D.J. Williams for his dominating performance in the state Division I Bowl win over De La Salle. Burfict led the state champs with 146 tackles and had an interception that led to a touchdown to key the state title-game victory.
LB – Jacob Driver, La Costa Canyon, 6-2, 215, Sr
A two-time all-area pick by the San Diego Union Tribune, Driver was the area’s defensive MVP after spearheading La Costa Canyon’s defensive attack en route to a San Diego Section Division 1 championship. Will play at San Diego State next season.
LB – Robert Franco, San Pedro, 6-1, 215, Sr
Ties were a common thread for Franco this year as his San Pedro team tied Narbonne for the Los Angeles City Section title and he personally tied Josh Moten of Narbonne for MVP honors in the Marine League. Franco finished the season with 133 tackles and two interceptions for the Pirates.
LB – George Daily Lyles, Poly (Long Beach), 5-11, 222, Sr
He led what many believe was the best defense in the state with 158 tackles, 47 of the solo variety. Hard-working, tenacious and humble, Daily Lyles scored his only varsity touchdown in his final game, a loss in the CIF State Open Division finals to Grant (Sacramento), when he picked up a punt block and carried it home.
LB – Trevor Erno, Lakewood, 6-2, 226, Sr
Erno tied Daily Lyles for league defensive MVP honors in the Moore League. Erno had 128 tackles and 5.5 sacks on the season and led Lakewood to the Pac-5 Division semifinals before falling to Poly. Erno has committed to play at Arizona.
DB – Byron Moore, Narbonne (Harbor City), 6-1, 205, Sr
Besides catching 40 balls for 733 yards and eight touchdowns, the USC-bound Moore made his presence felt on defense for the 12-1-1 Gauchos. Teams rarely threw in Moore’s direction but he managed three interceptions. He was selected to the Army All-American Bowl.
DB – Jabari Carr, Oak Grove (San Jose), 6-2, 190, Sr
One of the top athletes in the South Bay for the past three seasons, Carr led Oak Grove to an undefeated regular season and an 11-1 record overall. The league’s most valuable player on offense, Carr was also hard-hitting on defense as a safety. He picked off four passes and had 50 tackles on the season.
DB – Preston King, Tesoro (Rancho Santa Margarita), 5-10, 175, Sr
Was Orange County Register’s Defensive Player of the Year leading one of the state’s most surprising turnarounds. Also an outstanding receiver (83 catches, 1,208 yards, 12 TDs) and dangerous returner, King had nine interceptions, returning three for touchdowns. Tesoro, which came within four minutes of reaching the state Open Division game, had 27 interceptions in 2008 compared to seven in 2007.
DB – Marlon Pollard, Cajon (San Bernardino), 6-1, 170, Sr
Pollard had seven interceptions leading his team to a San Andreas League title. Also a standout receiver, Pollard will show off his skills next season at Notre Dame.
P – Brent Keys, Simi Valley, 6-3, 195, Sr
The Los Angeles Daily News selected Keys as the punter on its All-Area team and the Ventura County Star followed suit. Keys averaged 45 yards per punt with 16 inside the 20 yard line.
MAXPREPS DIVISION 1 COACH OF THE YEAR
Mike Alberghini, Grant, Open Division Champions, 14-0
Now maybe they’ll listen. Grant coach Mike Alberghini has been telling anyone who will listen that his team plays some of the best football in the state. In 2006, the selection committee wasn’t listening and the 13-0 Pacers stayed home for the CIF bowl games. In 2008, Alberghini’s charges posted another 13-0 season and a Sac-Joaquin Section Division 2 championship. This time the CIF selection committee put Grant in the Open Division game, despite plenty of grumbling that the Pacers didn’t deserve the selection. Alberghini and the Pacers proved all naysayers wrong with a 25-20 win over Long Beach Poly, ranked No. 2 in the nation at the time, for the school’s first ever state championship.
Second Team Offense
WR – DeShawn Beck, Jordan (Los Angeles), 5-7, 175, Jr
The Bulldog junior earned All-Los Angeles City Section honors after catching 72 passes for 1,141 yards and 15 touchdowns in Jordan’s prolific passing attack. Best outing was a 12-catch performance against Mater Dei.
WR – De’Von Flournoy, Birmingham (Balboa Lake), 6-1, 185, Sr
Hobbled with injuries for part of the season, Flournoy still managed to earn all-area honors from the Los Angeles Daily News while catching 45 passes for 1,091 yards and nine touchdowns. He’ll play for Pete Carroll at USC next season.
WR – Rubal Sangha, Los Banos, 6-0, 175, Sr
Among the state leaders in touchdown catches, Sangha earned all-district honors from the Modesto Bee after catching 73 passes for 1,203 yards and 21 scores. Caught 12 passes for 160 yards and four touchdowns against Tracy and had three TDs against Fresno and Pitman.
TE – Zach Ertz, Monte Vista (Danville), 6-6, 225, Sr
The Stanford-bound standout often looked like a man among boys in the rugged East Bay Athletic League, which features De La Salle, San Ramon Valley, Foothill and California – five of the top 50 teams in the state. Ertz, also a basketball standout, caught 57 balls and 13 touchdowns.
OL – Trevor Fox, Chaparral (Temecula Valley), 6-4, 295, Sr
The Oregon-bound standout paved the way for team that averaged more than 350 yards per game, almost evenly divided between pass and run. Despite his size, the right guard had enough speed to get out on sweeps.
OL – Lars Bramer, Buchanan (Clovis), 6-6, 250, Sr
Named the lineman of the year in the Tri-River Athletic Conference, Bramer will stay at home and play at Fresno State next season.
OL – Joel Bitonio, Wilson (Long Beach), 6-4, 270, Sr
Bitonio shared lineman of the year honors in the Moore League with Poly’s Albert Parish. An athletic player despite his size, Bitonio also plays basketball at the Long Beach school and averages double figures in rebounds and points.
OL – Rodney Smith, Johansen (Modesto), 6-0, 260, Sr
The leading blocker for 2,000-yard rusher Deven Cannon, Smith was named the Modesto Metro League’s most valuable offensive player. He also earned a spot on the Modesto Bee’s All-District Team.
OL – Alesana Laban, Grant (Sacramento), 6-2, 275, Sr
The key to Grant’s win over Long Beach Poly in the CIF Open Division championship game may have been the Pacer offensive line’s ability to matchup with the powerful ‘Rabbit defense. Laban was a big factor on the line all season long for the Pacers and earned All-Metro League lineman of the year honors. He also landed a spot on the Sacramento Bee’s All-Metro team.
QB – Robbie Picazo, Tesoro (Rancho Santa Margarita), 6-4, 190, Sr
The Orange County Register’s Offensive Player of the Year — a surprise pick considering Mater Dei’s Matt Barkley and Mission Viejo’s Allan Bridgeford are in the region — after completing 192 of 310 for 2,765 yards, 33 touchdowns and just six interceptions. A 4.5 student, Picazo led his team to a magical 13-1 season. He’ll likely end up at either Stanford or an Ivy League school.
QB –Greg Watson, Rancho Cucamonga, 6-0, 185, Jr
The Baseline League MVP led his team to a 13-0-1 record with a spectacular all-around year, throwing for 2,506 yards and 18 scores and rushing 129 times for 859 yards and 11 more scores. He led upstart Rancho Cucamonga to a Southern Section Central Division title.
RB – John Lister, Thousand Oaks, 6-2, 185, Sr
The all-time leading rusher at Thousand Oaks with 4,932 yards, Lister rushed for 2,328 yards and 28 total touchdowns as a senior. He earned league MVP honors from the Marmonte League and the Ventura County Coaches Association named him the offensive back of the year. He raced for 322 yards and five touchdowns in a playoff win over Thousand Oaks.
RB – Ricky Seale, Escondido, 5-10, 185, Jr
Although his record was broken one week later by Cathedral’s Tyler Gaffney, Seale set the San Diego Section record for rushing yards in a season with 2,679. He also scored 31 touchdowns and helped Escondido reach the San Diego Section Division 1 championship game. He earned a spot on the all-area team by the San Diego Union Tribune.
RB – DJ Morgan, Taft (Woodland Hills), 5-10, 175, Jr
Solid on both sides of the ball, Morgan was an all-area selection at defensive back by the Los Angeles Daily News and also made the all-city team at running back. He rushed for 1,841 yards and 26 touchdowns, including a season best 267 yards in a win over Lancaster.
Ath – Kipeli Koniseti, Grant (Sacramento), 6-3, 215, Sr
The unequivocal leader of the Pacers, Koniseti led Grant on the game-winning drive in the final four minutes against Long Beach Poly in the state finals and threw the game-winning touchdown toss to Darvin McCauley from 15 yards out. Koniseti was an All-Metro choice by the Sacramento Bee and he finished the season with 1,602 yards passing and 19 touchdowns (93-170). On the ground, he added 808 yards and 10 touchdowns on 99 carries.
K – Vince D’Amato, El Toro (Lake Forest), 6-1, 190, Sr
El Toro had a rough season this year with a 2-8 record, but D’Amato was one of the bright spots. An all-county pick by the Orange County Register, D’Amato booted eight field goals and had 27 of his 31 kickoffs reach the end zone.
Second Team Defense
DL – Talia Crichton, Lakewood, 6-4, 245, Sr
Sharing lineman of the year honors in the Moore League with Poly’s Iuta Tepa, Crichton had 92 tackles and 18 sacks for Lakewood, along with two fumble recoveries.
DL – Sean Avila, Esperanza (Anaheim), 6-2, 245, Sr
The Sunset League co-Defensive Player of the Year had 59 tackles, 10 for loss and six sacks. Often double-teamed, Avila led a defense that allowed just 13.7 points and less than 200 yards per game.
DL – Sean Nill, Laguna Creek (Elk Grove), 6-0, 225, Sr
The Delta Valley Conference MVP, Nill earned All-Metro honors from the Sacramento Bee after racking up 147 tackles and six sacks while leading the Cardinals to a 9-4 record.
LB – Travis Brown, Clovis West, 6-2, 235, Sr
A three-year standout for the Eagles at linebacker, Brown averaged 10 tackles per game his senior season while earning league MVP honors in the Tri-River Athletic Conference. He helped Clovis West win the Central Section Division 1 championship. Brown will play at Fresno State next year.
LB – Jeremiah Toma, Grant, 6-0, 215, Sr
Toma earned Metro Conference defensive MVP honors while leading the Pacer defense with 165 tackles and 10 sacks on the season. An All-Metro choice by the Sacramento Bee, Toma also had for fumble recoveries and two intercepted passed.
LB – Steven Fanua, Milpitas, 6-1, 215, Sr
Bound for Cal, Fanua culminated a spectacular three-year career at Milpitas that saw him earn All-Mercury News honors three years in a row along with All-Bay Area honors this season. He had 124 tackles and three sacks this year and finished his career with 482 tackles.
LB – Eric Martin, Rancho Verde (Moreno Valley)
Named the Inland Valley League’s defensive MVP, Martin averaged close to 12 tackles a game in leading Rancho Verde to a 10-1 record. A member of the Riverside Press-Enterprise All-County first team, Martin will play at Arizona next season.
DB – Alex Mascarenas, Mission Viejo, 5-11, 180, Sr
The South Coast League co-Defensive MVP, the UCLA-bound Mascarenas was picked all-Orange County by The Register for the third consecutive year. He had four interceptions from his safety spot.
DB – Noah Perio, De La Salle, 6-0, 180, Sr
The best athlete for the nationally-ranked Spartans, Perio did it all from his safety spot. Not only a great center-fielder and general on the field, Perio came up and imposed his will on ball carriers.
DB – Avery Patterson, Pittsburg, 5-9, 175, Sr
Nobody dared throwing to Patterson’s side of the field. A state-finalist in the 300-meter hurdles, Patterson will sign a full-ride offer to Oregon. He led the Pirates to an 11-2 record.
DB – Chris Metcalf, Compton, 6-2, 190, Sr
Headed to USC next season, Metcalf rarely saw the ball thrown his way this year. He still managed to earn All-Moore League honors while making 52 tackles with two interceptions. He was also selected to play in the U.S. Army All-American game.
DB – Bernard Bolden, Merced, 5-10, 175, Sr
Few passes were completed on Bolden’s side of the field this year. Although he had only two interceptions, he was in on 97 tackles and shut down opposing receivers. Earned a spot on the Modesto Bee’s All-District team and has received offers from most West Coast schools.
P – Chase Lansford, El Dorado (Placentia), 6-1, 170, Sr
The reported state leader in punting this year with a 52-yard average, Lansford was also strong on kickoffs with 39 touchbacks on the season. Earned all-county honors from the Orange County Register.
