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Prep Wednesday : Los Angeles Times ALL-COUNTY FOOTBALL TEAM : El Toro Domination Shows : Undefeated Chargers Place Four Players on First Team

Times Staff Writer

El Toro High School, the top-ranked team in Orange County since the second week of the season, dominates the list of selections for The Times’ 28th all-county football team.

The Chargers placed quarterback Bret Johnson and wide receiver Scott Miller on the offensive team, and end Scott Spalding and linebacker Scott Ross on the defensive team.

El Toro (13-0) is the county’s only undefeated team and concludes the 1986 season Saturday night in the Southern Conference championship against Santa Ana in Orange Coast College’s LeBard Stadium.

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Santa Ana, the defending conference champion, placed offensive guard Jose Avalos and running back Robert Lee on the first team and center Sergio Rocha on the second team. All three are juniors.

Valencia, which qualified for its first championship game since the school opened in 1933, has three players on the teams. Defensive tackle Shawn Racobs is a first-team selection and running back Dorian Estes and defensive back Mike Edwards are second-team picks.

There are 26 high schools represented on the first and second teams. Spalding is the only repeat first-team selection; Westminster linebacker Ray Smith moved from the second team last year to first team this year. El Modena tailback Ross Bauer repeats as a second-team selection.

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The teams, usually dominated by seniors, have a younger look in 1986. Three juniors--Lee, Avalos and and Johnson--were first-team selections and four more juniors--Rocha, Edwards, Vince Galaz (Western) and Kevin Capps (La Habra)--were second-team picks.

The back, lineman and coach of the year will be announced at an awards ceremony honoring the 23 first-team selections at 9:30 a.m. Sunday at the Anaheim Hilton Hotel. Arizona State Coach John Cooper, who led the Sun Devils to their first Rose Bowl appearance, will be the guest speaker.

Here’s a closer look at the selections, beginning with the defense:

LINEMEN

Scott Spalding: A preseason All-American, he had 38 tackles, 25 assists, 16 sacks, 3 fumble recoveries and caused 2 fumbles despite missing a game with mononucleosis. “He lived up to his preseason billing with a great year,” said El Toro Coach Bob Johnson. “He’s everything you would want in a lineman . . . big, strong and fast. He’s got a great future ahead of him.”

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Randy Laycock: He was the Knights’ leading tackler with 72 and had 22 assists. The two-year starter also blocked three punts. Laycock is also an excellent student with a 3.8 grade-point average. “Randy is one of the best reacting defensive players we’ve ever had,” said Foothill Coach Ted Mullen. “He proved to be everything we had hoped and made a big sacrifice to the team by moving from nose guard to tackle.”

Shawn Racobs: The Orange League’s defensive player of the year was a three-year starter for the Tigers and played on three league championship teams. He started at defensive tackle for two seasons and then went both ways as a senior. “Shawn is a good team leader that all the players respect,” said Valencia Coach Mike Marrujo. “He practices hard and never misses a day in the weight room. He was a joy to coach.”

Danny Rovira: The leader of the county’s best defensive team, Rovira had 46 lead tackles, 51 assists, recovered 3 fumbles, blocked a field-goal attempt and scored a touchdown on a fumble recovery. “Danny is about the most unlikely looking lineman you’ll ever see,” said Loara Coach Herb Hill. “But he’s very quick and very strong. He likes playing the game, and he keeps everybody loose on the practice field with his sense of humor.”

LINEBACKERS

Brian Malavar: The Saxons recorded six shutouts with Malavar in the lineup. He had 38 lead tackles, 32 assists, a sack, a blocked punt and 2 interceptions. He also scored three touchdowns, returning two blocked punts and an interception. “Brian is equally accomplished at playing the run or the pass,” said Loara Coach Herb Hill. He’s also an outstanding wrestler. Malavar finished fourth at the Southern Section championships in the 168-pound division as a junior.

Scott Ross: He led the team with 61 lead tackles, 53 assists, 2 caused fumbles and had a fumble recovery. “Scott is that typical linebacker that you dream about coaching,” said El Toro Coach Bob Johnson. “He thrives on football. He’s an ornery player, and a hitter deluxe.” The three-year starter is being recruited by USC, UCLA, Arizona and Arizona State.

Ray Smith: A second-team selection as a sophomore, Smith was the team’s leading tackler with 67 and had 45 assists. He also caused two fumbles and intercepted two passes. “He was far and away our best defensive player,” said Westminster co-coach Jack Bowman. “He’s very physical and a great hitter.” Smith, only 16, also competes on the Lions’ basketball team and puts the shot for the track team.

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DEFENSIVE BACKS

Danny Ontiveros: Saddleback led the county with 28 interceptions, and Ontiveros was the leader of the county’s best secondary with four. He also blocked two field goals and returned them for touchdowns. “Danny was a two-year starter, and we lost only three games with him in the lineup,” said Coach Jerry Witte. “He’s a valuable player on either side of the ball.” Ontiveros also caught 30 passes for 476 yards.

Mike Pawlawski: The co-player of the year in the Freeway League was a standout on both sides of the line. He intercepted seven passes, returning three for touchdowns, and recovered three fumbles. He passed for 1,496 yards and 14 touchdowns. “Mike has a nose for the football,” said Troy Coach John Turek. “He has good speed and great range. He’s a tremendous athlete.”

Chris Dickerson: Dickerson is the first Laguna Beach player honored on the first team since linebacker Bill Gompf was selected in 1977. Dickerson is a versatile athlete who was a two-time all-league selection. Dickerson intercepted two passes and recovered two fumbles at his free safety position. He also caught 21 passes for 403 yards despite missing two games with an injury.

Mike Hirou: Hirou was the Friars’ most consistent defensive player, intercepting five passes at his strong safety position. He was honored twice on the all-Angelus League team. “Mike is the most talented athlete I’ve coached since I came to Servite two years ago,” said Coach Leo Hand. “He’s an outstanding player.”

The offensive team:

WIDE RECEIVERS

Nick-John Haiduc: Haiduc caught 40 passes for 889 yards and 8 touchdowns, averaging 22.2 yards per reception. He established a school, single-game receiving record when he caught 15 passes against Edison as a junior. “Nick-John is the classic, big-play receiver,” said Servite Coach Leo Hand. “He had a lot to do with our success over the last two years. He has good quickness and adequate speed.”

Scott Miller: The county’s premier receiver caught 50 passes for 815 yards and 10 touchdowns. He averaged 16.3 yards per reception. Miller was a two-year starter who caught at least 50 passes each season. “Scott’s statistics say it all,” said El Toro Coach Bob Johnson. “He’s very dangerous once he catches the ball. He is the best wide receiver this school has ever had, and our first receiver who has been a major college prospect.”

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TIGHT END

Dave Patstone: Patstone was the Tillers’ leading receiver with 18 receptions for 280 yards and a touchdown, despite missing two games with an injury. But it was Patstone’s blocking that played an important role as Tustin won its first league title in 31 years.

“The tight end has always been one of the keys in my running game,” said Tustin Coach Marijon Ancich. “Dave was an outstanding blocker and also caught some big, third-down passes for us.” Patstone also competes on the Tillers’ basketball team.

LINEMEN

Doug Blanchard: Blanchard graded highest among the Chargers’ offensive linemen and is the team’s most recruited player. He has trips planned to Nebraska and Arizona State. “Doug is a big-time player,” said Edison Coach Dave White. “His value to the team was evident when he was out with an Achilles’ strain, and we lost to Santa Monica and Marina. He is a very good pass blocker and improved his drive blocking.”

David Lannon: Lannon is considered the school’s best lineman since Glen Titensor (Dallas Cowboys) wore a Matador uniform 11 years ago. Lannon is a three-year starter and was named to the all-Garden Grove League team twice. “David is a great drive blocker with good upper body strength,” said Bolsa Grande Coach Greg Shadid. “He’s very intelligent on the field. We line David and Chris Matney together and utilize a lot of different blocking schemes with them.”

Jim Difilippo: Difilippo follows his brother, Paul, who was an all-county linebacker three years ago for the Warriors. He is considered an excellent pass and drive blocker who is being recruited by UCLA, Oregon, Colorado and Arizona State. “Jim played both ways for us, but his future is on the offensive line,” said Troy Coach John Turek. “He has tremendous leg strength, good feet and he’s very quick.”

James Rae: Many consider Rae to be the best offensive lineman in the county. He is being recruited by UCLA, USC and Nebraska among major colleges. Rae was the Aztecs’ strong side tackle and when the Aztecs needed yardage, they generally ran in his direction. “We’ve had some outstanding lineman at Esperanza over the years, and James fits in the category of one of the best we’ve had,” said Coach Gary Meek. “He’s got the great size, good feet and excellent balance.”

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Jose Avalos: A two-way starter, Avalos was injured in the Saints’ second game and seriously considered quitting football. He returned to the lineup after missing one game and steadily improved each week. “Jose is an outstanding guard who pulls and traps as well as anyone I’ve coached,” said Santa Ana Coach Dick Hill. “He can block one-on-one with anyone.”

QUARTERBACK

Bret Johnson: He was the county’s highest rated quarterback, throwing 20 touchdown passes and only 2 interceptions. He completed 133 of 203 passes and was named the South Coast League’s offensive player of the year. “Bret throws the ball as well as a college quarterback,” said his coach and father, Bob Johnson. “He’s an unbelievable team leader and a winner who had a great year.”

RUNNING BACKS

Mike Miscione: The county’s leading rusher gained 1,665 yards in 241 carries for a 6.9 average. Miscione gained more than 900 yards in his final four games. He also scored 18 touchdowns. He gained 348 yards against rival El Dorado, the second-highest single-game rushing statistic ever in the county. “Mike is a fantastic kid,” said Esperanza Coach Gary Meek. “He’s the school’s ASB president, a dedicated, hard worker and a good student. He’s a tough runner to bring down.”

Robert Lee: After a slow start, Lee averaged 200 yards rushing per game in his final five games. He finished with 1,171 yards and 19 touchdowns, averaging 7.3 yards per carry. “Robert has been sensational since the middle of the season,” said Santa Ana Coach Dick Hill. “I’ve coached Randy Meadows (Downey) and Myron White (Santa Ana Valley), and Robert rates with the best of them. He’s a big, physical runner who is very tough to tackle one-on-one.”

KICKER

Sterling Coberly: A three-year starter, Coberly finished second behind Keith Vanderhoff (El Modena, 1981-83) on the county’s career field-goal list with 24. He kicked a 36-yard field goal with three seconds remaining to tie Saddleback for the Sea View League title as a sophomore. He kicked a personal-best 42-yarder to beat Saddleback last year. “Sterling was a confident kicker which came from being successful in pressure situations for three years,” said Newport Harbor Coach Jeff Brinkley. “He won some big games for us.”

FIRST TEAM

OFFENSE Wide Receivers Name School Ht. Wt. Year Nick-John Haiduc Servite 5-11 170 Senior Scott Miller El Toro 5-11 180 Senior Tight End Dave Patstone Tustin 6-5 216 Senior Linemen Doug Blanchard Edison 6-4 240 Senior David Lannon Bolsa Grande 6-3 260 Senior Jim Difilippo Troy 6-4 250 Senior James Rae Esperanza 6-5 251 Senior Jose Avalos Santa Ana 5-11 205 Junior Quarterback Bret Johnson El Toro 6-1 170 Junior Running Backs Mike Miscione Esperanza 6-1 184 Senior Robert Lee Santa Ana 6-0 210 Junior Kicker Sterling Coberly Newport Harbor 5-11 165 Senior DEFENSE Linemen Scott Spalding El Toro 6-5 250 Senior Randy Laycock Foothill 6-1 195 Senior Shawn Racobs Valencia 6-1 215 Senior Danny Rovira Loara 5-7 212 Senior Linebackers Brian Malavar Loara 5-9 175 Senior Scott Ross El Toro 6-3 215 Senior Ray Smith Westminster 6-0 236 Junior Backs Danny Ontiveros Saddleback 5-11 160 Senior Mike Pawlawski Troy 6-3 185 Senior Chris Dickerson Laguna Beach 6-1 205 Senior Mike Hirou Servite 6-0 215 Senior

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SECOND TEAM

OFFENSE Wide Receivers Name School Ht. Wt. Year Mark Craig Newport Harbor 6-6 205 Senior Brent Parker Capistrano Valley 6-0 185 Senior Tim Imperiali Sunny Hills 6-1 180 Senior Linemen Mike Gazzaniga Foothill 6-3 245 Senior Chris Romoser Saddleback 6-0 212 Senior Sergio Rocha Santa Ana 5-11 240 Junior Chris Rose Los Alamitos 6-0 236 Senior Vince Galaz Western 6-2 230 Junior Quarterback Derek Debbs La Quinta 6-1 180 Senior Running Backs Dorian Estes Valencia 5-9 170 Senior Ross Bauer El Modena 5-10 170 Senior Kicker Jay Hollis Dana Hills 6-0 170 Senior DEFENSE Linemen Bruce DuBois Edison 5-10 185 Senior Bob Dunn Marina 5-9 175 Senior Leo Holler La Quinta 6-3 210 Senior Dan Price Western 5-11 195 Senior Linebackers Kevin Capps La Habra 5-7 170 Junior David Townsend Woodbridge 6-0 185 Senior Chris Matney Bolsa Grande 5-11 195 Senior Backs Mike Henderson Edison 6-2 185 Senior Antwon Lark Saddleback 5-11 160 Senior Mike Edwards Valencia 6-1 189 Junior Robby Glover Orange 6-0 170 Senior

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