DIVISION 3 First Team Offense
WR – Jake Peterson, Bakersfield Christian (Bakersfield), 6-5, 205, Sr
After playing a year at quarterback as a junior, Peterson returned to wide receiver this year thanks to the presence of transfer Derek Carr. Peterson and Carr proved to be one of the most prolific duos in the country with Peterson catching 97 passes for 1,343 yards and 16 touchdowns. Named to the Bakersfield Californian’s all-area team, Peterson set section records for receptions. He had 21 total touchdowns for the season.
WR – Robert Woods, Serra (Gardena), 6-1, 180, Jr
A player to watch for next year, Woods was one of the most explosive receivers in the state as he caught 81 passes for 1,378 yards and 19 touchdowns. His best game was a 17-catch effort for 183 yards in a win over El Segundo. He also had 228 yards in a win over Templeton. Already has 126 career receptions for 2,198 yards and 26 touchdowns in his three years on the varsity.
WR – Randall Carroll, Cathedral (Los Angeles), 5-11, 195, Sr
One of the hottest recruits in the country for his speed, Carroll won the 100 and 200 meter dash championships at last year’s CIF state track meet and is favored to do so again this year. Caught 31 passes for 564 yards and four touchdowns and also ran the ball 73 times for 543 yards and two scores. Committed to play at USC.
TE – Chris Coyle, Oaks Christian (Westlake Village), 6-3, 230, Sr
Coyle earned a spot in the U.S. Army All-American game, which is being coach by Oaks Christian’s Bill Redell. Coyle caught 27 passes for 474 yards and six touchdowns and was the named the receiver of the year by the Ventura County coaches. Coyle has committed to play at Arizona State.
OL – Jacob Gowan, Cardinal Newman (Santa Rosa), 6-4, 275, Sr
Gowan was the top lineman on a talented group that gave quarterback Randy Wright plenty of time to operate during the season. Gowan was an All-Bay Area selection by the San Francisco Chronicle and helped the Cardinals reach the CIF Division 3 championship game. Has received interest from UC Davis, Sacramento State and UNLV.
OL – Stephen Peterson, St. Bonaventure (Ventura), 6-3, 217, Sr
Peterson helped open holes for 1,000-yard rusher Devon Blackledge and protected 2,000-yard passer Logan Meyer while earning All-Ventura County honors for the Seraphs. Top lineman for a team that went 14-1 and captured a CIF championship for the second straight season.
OL – Eric Kohler, Oaks Christian (Westlake Village), 6-5, 276, Jr
One of many talented juniors for the Lions, Kohler was an All-Ventura County selection and helped Oaks Christian to a 14-0 season. Should be one of the top linemen in Ventura County next season.
OL – Giovani Sani, Central Catholic (Modesto), 6-5, 250, Sr
Sani earned most outstanding offensive lineman honors in the Western Athletic Conference and also found a spot on the All-Sac-Joaquin Section first team.
OL – Ben Savaii, Taft, 6-1, 245, Sr
Savaii was named to the Bakersfield Californian’s all-area team for the second straight season. Played center and noseguard for the Wildcats.
MAXPREPS DIVISION 3 PLAYER OF THE YEAR
QB – Derek Carr, Bakersfield Christian (Bakersfield), 6-3, 195, Sr
Carr transferred to Bakersfield Christian after playing in Texas his junior year and led the Eagles to a Central Section Division 5 championship. Carr completed 280 of 413 passes for 4,067 yards and 46 touchdowns. According to Central Section historian Bob Barnett, Carr set section records for attempts in a season, completions in a season, completions in a game (37), and yards in a game (544). His 46 touchdowns and 4,067 yards each rank second in section history. Carr’s best effort came against Arvin when he completed 37 of 44 passes for 544 yards and four touchdowns. He also threw six TD passes against both Parlier and Fowler in the playoffs. Carr, the younger brother of NFL quarterback David Carr, will follow in his brother’s footsteps and play at Fresno State next season.
QB – Randy Wright, Cardinal Newman (Santa Rosa), 6-2, 195, Sr
Wright was the driving offensive force for the Cardinals, who won their first 13 games before falling to St. Bonaventure in the CIF Division 3 championship game. Wright led the Cardinals to the North Coast Section Division 2 championship by completing 182 of 261 passes for 2,702 yards and 30 touchdowns with just three interceptions. Wright also ran for 368 yards on 67 carries with eight touchdowns.
RB – Cameron Loeffler, Exeter, 6-1, 195, Sr
Called the greatest player in school history by his coach Ben White, Loeffler ran for 2,691 yards and scored 43 touchdowns on 324 carries. He was named the Central Sequoia League’s most valuable player and completed his career with 6,149 yards and 94 touchdowns.
RB – Malcolm Jones, Oaks Christian (Westlake Village), 6-0, 217, Jr
Although hampered by injuries midway through the season, Jones still managed to rush for 1,504 yards on just 149 carries with 26 touchdowns while helping to lead the Lions to the Northwest Division championship and a 14-0 record. Jones also caught 20 passes for 340 yards and six touchdowns and was named the Los Angeles Daily News offensive player of the year. Jones enters his senior season with 3,803 rushing yards on 412 carries with 68 total touchdowns.
RB – Devon Blackledge, St. Bonaventure (Ventura), 5-9, 165, Jr
Blackledge emerged as the Seraph’s top ballcarrier, rushing for 1,278 yards on 141 carries with 18 touchdowns while rarely carrying the ball in the second half. Earned All-Ventura County honors.
Ath – Nick Montana, Oaks Christian (Westlake Village), 6-2, 185, Jr
The much-heralded transfer from De La Salle proved to be good as advertised. The youngest son of NFL Hall of Famer Joe Montana, completed 133 of 241 passes for 2,404 yards and 33 touchdowns in leading the Lions to a 14-0 record and a Northwest Division championship. Montana was selected as the Los Angeles Daily News Newcomer of the Year.
K – Zach Oliver, Ontario Christian (Ontario), 6-0, 150, Sr
Oliver booted 11 field goals and had 52 kicking points on the season for Ontario Christian. Earned all-county second team honors from the Inland Daily Bulletin.
First Team Defense
DL – Austin Morehead, Sutter, 6-0, 200, Jr
One of the state leaders in tackles, Morehead led a Sutter squad that made a run for a Division 3 state bowl berth with an 11-1 record. Morehead was the Butte View League defensive MVP and also earned first team All-Northern Section honors while racking up 184 tackles and 11 sacks.
DL – Sione Tuihalamaka, Serra (Gardena), 6-3, 275, Sr
The Serra lineman was a force on both sides of the line, whether it was opening holes for RB Carl Winston or pulling down opposing quarterbacks. A repeat all-state pick by MaxPreps, Tuihalamaka had 83 tackles and 13 sacks on the year. Has not made a college choice yet but is considering offers from Arizona, among others.
DL – Cassius Marsh, Oaks Christian (Westlake Village), 6-4, 272, Jr
Earned all-Ventura County honors for his steady play on one of the top defensive units in the state. Marsh had 55 tackles and six sacks on the season for the Lions, who posted a 14-0 record and won the Northwest Division of the Southern Section. Oaks Christian allowed just 104 points on the season with four shutouts.
DL – Travis Johnson, King’s Academy (Sunnyvale), 6-3, 225, Sr
Johnson followed up a stellar junior season with an outstanding senior year that included 101 tackles and 17 sacks. Johnson also saw time in the offensive backfield and rushed for 593 yards on 61 carries with 12 touchdowns. Had 21 sacks as a junior and was an All-Bay Area choice for the season year in a row.
DL – Ryan Boschma, Bakersfield Christian (Bakersfield), 6-5, 210, Sr
Boschma continued to be among the state leaders in sacks for the second year in a row, registering 19 during the Eagles 12-1 campaign that included a Central Section Division 5 championship. Boschma also had 64 tackles earned all-county honors for the second straight season.
LB – Brant Botil, Corcoran, 5-11, 200, Sr
Corcoran’s two-way star capped a stellar three-year varsity career by leading the Panthers to a 12-1 record, an East Sequoia League championship and a runner-up finish in the Central Section Division 5 playoffs. Botil rushed for 2,276 yards on 232 carries and scored 41 touchdowns on offense. He was equally as dominating on defense with 130 tackles and three sacks. He finished his career with 5,846 yards rushing on 630 carries with 88 touchdowns. He had 376 tackles on defense.
LB – Jeff Badger, Cardinal Newman (Santa Rosa), 6-0, 210, Sr
Whenever the Cardinals needed a big play, Badger seemed to come up with one. The senior rushed for 1,486 yards on 146 carries, including 240 yards against Heritage and 235 against Campolindo in the playoffs. He was also a demon on defense, registering 76 tackles, including 10 solo stops in the playoffs against Clayton Valley, and two interceptions.
LB – Dylan Davis, St. Bonaventure (Ventura), 6-0, 226, Jr
Davis, along with Patrick Hall, led a Seraph defense that gave up just 11 points a game in winning a second straight state championship. Davis racked up over 130 tackles on the season and earned All-Ventura County first team honors.
LB – Carl Jameson, Hilmar, 6-2, 185, Sr
Jameson was the league defensive MVP in the Western Athletic Conference and he helped end Central Catholic’s stranglehold over the Sac-Joaquin Section Division 5 playoffs by leading the Yellowjackets to a 17-6 win in the championship game. Jameson was named to the Modesto Bee All-District Team after accumulating 149 tackles and 8.5 sacks on the season.
DB – Nico Dumont, Marin Catholic (Kentfield), 6-0, 210, Sr
Dumont earned All-Marin County offensive player of the year honors but he was also a dominant player on defense at safety. Earned All-Bay Area second team honors on defense by the San Francisco Chronicle.
DB – Patrick Hall, St. Bonaventure (Ventura), 6-1, 185, Sr
Regarded as one of the top defensive players in the country, Hall did not disappoint during his senior season as he led the Seraphs to a second straight CIF Division 3 state championship and a 14-1 record. Hall was effective on offense, rushing for 784 yards and 11 touchdowns. Averaged seven tackles per game and was selected to play in the U.S. Army All-American game. Will play at USC next year.
DB – Dietrich Riley, St. Francis (La Canada), 6-2, 175, Jr
Riley has received interest from several major colleges after a strong senior season that saw him earn all-area honors from the Los Angeles Daily News and the Pasadena Star News. Had 39 tackles on defense, but also rushed for 1,034 yards on offense.
DB – Devin Brown, Piedmont, 5-10, 165, Sr
Whenever Piedmont needed a turnover on defense, Brown was inevitably the player to get it. The senior led the state in interceptions with 13 and earned all-area honors from the San Francisco Chronicle and the Contra Costa Times.
P – Kyle Tobler, Winters, 6-1, 180, Sr
Tobler did just about everything for Winters, including punting. An all-Northern Section first team pick, Tobler was one of the leading punters in the state with a 43.4 average that included 16 kicks inside the 20 and long punts of 75, 66 and 64 yards. He also made just one field goal, but it was a beauty. His 58-yarder against Las Plumas was a Northern Section record and was the longest field goal in the state this year.
MAXPREPS DIVISION 3 COACH OF THE YEAR
Scott Turner, Sutter, Northern Section Division 2 Champions, 11-1
Turner told everyone at the beginning of the season that the 2008 campaign would be his last on the Sutter sideline. He went out and challenged his team with trips to Texas and Oregon and a home game against powerful Central Catholic in order to strengthen his team’s schedule and possible fight for a berth in the CIF Division 3 bowl game. Only a field goal in the final seconds by Central Catholic kept Turner from finishing the year undefeated, but his Huskies went out in style, winning the Northern Section championship over West Valley with Turner’s son Dane scoring the winning touchdown in the final seconds.
Second Team Offense
WR – Jeff Divine, Colfax, 5-11, 180, Sr
Divine was one of the leading receivers in the Sacramento area with 1,208 yards on 63 catches with 14 touchdowns. He was named to the Sacramento Bee’s All-Metro second team.
WR – Brett Chernetsky, Palma (Salinas), 6-0, 205, Sr
Chernetsky was named the athlete of the year in the Tri-County Athletic League. He sparked the Chieftan offense by catching 49 passes for 885 yards and 13 passes during the season, leading Palma in scoring. Named to the all-county team, Chernetsky helped lead the Chieftans to a share of the TCAL championship.
WR – Cody Pastorino, Willows, 5-10, 155, Sr
Whenever the Honkers needed a big play, Pastorino usually provided one. A league MVP in both football and basketball, Pastorino led the Northern Section in receiving yardage, with 1,042, and touchdowns, with 14. He caught 41 passes and also intercepted six, including three in one game. Named to the All-Northern Section first team.
WR – Andrew Melendrez, Carmel, 5-8, 150, Sr
A favorite target of QB Ken Johnston, Melendrez earned all-county recognition after catching 56 passes for 1,035 yards and 16 touchdowns. He finishes his career with 94 catches for 1,665 yards and 23 scores.
OL – John Oppenheimer, Sacred Heart Prep (San Francisco), 6-0, 230, Jr
Oppenheimer was named the league’s most valuable offensive lineman and helped the Gators reached the Central Coast Section Small Schools championship game.
OL – Jacob Budwig, Fowler, 6-0, 280, Jr
Budwig helped Fowler reach the Central Section Division 5 semifinals with his ability on the offensive and defensive lines. He earned most valuable lineman honors in the West Sequioa League.
OL – Al Doiron, West Valley (Cottonwood), 6-4, 290, Sr
Doiron earned All-Northern Section first team honors for the Eagles, who reached the Northern Section championship game before falling to Sutter. Doiron has received interest from a number of colleges along the West Coast.
OL – Jim Kunkel, Central Valley (Shasta Lake), 6-2, 295, Sr
Kunkel was one of the Northern Section’s top heavyweight wrestlers as a junior and showed that athletic ability while earning All-Northern Section first team honors on the line for the Falcons this year.
OL – Taylor Reeder, Palma (Salinas), 6-3, 250, Sr
Reeder protected quarterback David Fales and earned All-Monterey County honors from the Monterey Herald and the Salinas Californian.
QB – Ken Johnston, Carmel, 6-1, 180, Sr
Johnston became the all-time leading passer in Monterey County with 7,957 yards in three seasons for the Padres. Johnston completed 176 of 280 passes for 2,667 yards and 35 touchdowns his senior season while leading Carmel to its first Mission Trail Athletic League title in 25 years. Named the Monterey County player of the year, Johnston completes his career with 549 completions, 927 attempts and 93 touchdowns. Johnston has not chosen where he will play next year.
QB – David Fales, Palma (Salinas), 6-3, 205, Sr
Despite not played quarterback until his junior year, Fales has proven himself a quick study. The senior comleted 136 of 202 passes for 2,190 yards and 20 touchdowns while leading Palma to a share of the Tri-County Athletic League championship. He was the league co-Most Valuable Offensive Player and was named to the all-county team. Fales has committed to play at Nevada.
RB – Brandon Buteyn, Paraclete (Lancaster), 5-11, 157, Sr
Buteyn led the Spirits to a Mid-Valley Division championship, winning their final 11 games including a 21-10 win over Rosemead in the finals. Buteyn finished the season with 2,102 yards on 237 carries with 19 touchdowns. He also caught 17 passes for 194 yards and two scores.
RB – Montreal Harris, Twentynine Palms, 6-2, 200, Sr
One of the best basketball players in the state, Harris was hobbled by an injury toward the end of the season but still helped Twentynine Palms reach the East Valley championship game. Harris ran 129 times for 892 yards and seven touchdowns and also caught 35 passes for 486 yards and six touchdowns. On defense, Harris had 52 tackles and five interceptions, including one he returned 99 yards for a touchdown against Fillmore. He finished the year with 20 touchdowns.
RB – Carl Winston, Serra (Gardena), 5-9, 205, Sr
Winston helped the Cavaliers post a 13-1 overall record and a runner-up finish to Oaks Christian in the Northwest Division of the Southern Section. He gained 1,630 yards on 217 carries with 26 total touchdowns. Winston completes his three-year varsity career with 4,820 yards on 618 carries with 61 touchdowns.
Ath – Keith Price, St. John Bosco (Bellflower), 6-2, 190, Sr
St. John Bosco held its own in the rugged Trinity League, winning the first six games of the season before eventually finishing 7-3. Price was a big reason for the Braves’ success as he completed 143 of 200 passes for 2,260 yards and 24 touchdowns. He also ran 119 times for 579 yards and 10 scores. Earned all-league and All-Pac-5 honors.
K – Kyle Steffes, Paraclete (Lancaster), 6-4, 170, Jr
Steffes proved to be a steady kicker for the Spirits, booting 46 extra points and sending eight field goals through the uprights including four in one game against Los Angeles Baptist. He finished the season with 33 touchbacks and also averaged 35 yards on punts.
Second Team Defense
DL – Justin Clayton, Justin-Siena (Napa), 6-3, 245, Sr
Clayton was the Napa County MVP on defense and he also earned All-Bay Area second team honors after helping the Braves win a North Coast Section Division 4 championship. Will play at Washington State next season.
DL – Todd Davis, Paraclete (Lancaster), 6-2, 234, Jr
Davis was a sack machine for the Spirits as he led the Paraclete defense with 14 sacks. He also had 161 tackles while helping Paraclete win the Mid-Valley Division championship in the Southern Section.
DL – John Sua, St. Joseph’s (Santa Maria), 6-1, 278, Sr
Sua was named the most valuable player in the Los Padres League and was an all-area pick by the Santa Maria Times. He had 60 tackles on the season to go with 8.5 sacks.
DL – Austin Giuliano, Hilmar, 6-0, 175, Sr
Giuliano was the defensive lineman of the year in the Western Athletic Conference and was an all-district pick by the Modesto Bee. He had 88 tackles on the season with 14.5 sacks for the the Sac-Joaquin Section Division 5 champs.
LB – Daniel Gutierrez, Chowchilla, 5-8, 195, Sr
Gutierrez picked up league defensive MVP honors for the Redskins after leading the team with 91 tackles en route to a 12-1 record and a Central Section Division 4 championship.
LB – Andrew Fanucchi, Garces (Bakersfield), 6-0, 195, Sr
An all-area choice by the Bakersfield Californian, Fanucchi was a standout on the Rams defense with 129 tackles in 11 games. He also had five sacks and picked off a pass.
LB – Zac Stout, Oaks Christian (Westlake Village), 6-2, 221, Jr
Another in a long line of junior standouts for the Lions, Stout led the Oaks Christian defense with 112 tackles on the season and was named to the all-Ventura County team. He also had two sacks and two interceptions.
LB – Travis Awe, Scotts Valley, 6-1, 210, So
Although just a sophomore, Awe led Scotts Valley in tackles with 96 and was named the lineman of the year in the Santa Cruz Coast League while leading the Falcons to a 10-2 overall record.
LB – Kyle Swanson, Paraclete (Lancaster), 6-0, 200, Sr
One of the leading tacklers in the state, Swanson led the Paraclete defense with 180 stops while also adding five sacks and three fumble recoveries. Helped the Spirits win the Mid-Valley Division championship.
DB – Malcolm Webb, Wheatland, 5-10, 195, Sr
After Webb grabbed 10 interceptions last year, defenses stayed away from the speedy Pirate. However Webb, who also played quarterback at Wheatland, still registered 59 tackles and had one interceptions while earning all-Northern Section honors for the second straight season.
DB – James Orth, Central Catholic (Modesto), 6-3, 195, Sr
Orth was solid on both sides of the ball for the Raiders. He caught 48 passes for 805 yards and nine touchdowns while also registering 53 tackles and five interceptions on defense. Orth was named to the all-district team by the Modesto Bee.
DB – Mike Jensen, Bishop’s (La Jolla), 6-0, 182, Sr
Jensen earned league defensive MVP honors while gathering 134 tackles, three sacks on one interceptions for the Knights.
DB – Fred Gaines, Chowchilla, 5-10, 170, Sr
The most valuable player in the North Sequoia League, Gaines was the Redskins’ leading rusher on offense, but he also picked off nine passes as a defensive back on defense.
P – Adrian Montecinos, St. Paul (Santa Fe Springs), 5-7, 155, Sr
A three-sport athlete for St. Paul, Montecinos plays baseball and soccer and is one of the state’s top kickers. He was named to the all-area team as a punter by the Whittier Daily News.
