Wagner, Brasher Named Players of Year : Mt. Carmel’s Christopher Recognized as Top High School Coach

Running back Darren Wagner of Lincoln High School was named The Times’ San Diego County back of the year Sunday in Anaheim.

Point Loma’s Bob Brasher won the lineman of the year award, and Mt. Carmel Coach Bill Christopher was named coach of the year.

Wagner led the county with 1,677 yards rushing and 22 touchdowns. His closest competitor was Larry Maxey of Morse, who had 1,271 yards. Wagner led Lincoln (9-3) to the San Diego Section 2-A semifinals, but the team lost to San Pasqual, 28-27.

Brasher was instrumental in Point Loma’s 3-A championship season. The 6-foot 6-inch 200-pound tight end caught 4 passes for 157 yards in Point Loma’s 14-13 regular-season win over Morse. In Saturday’s 16-14 win in the championship against Morse, Brasher caught 5 passes for 84 yards, including a 36-yard pass from quarterback Mike Bennett that set up a touchdown. He also had a sack from his outside linebacker position.

Christopher had not coached at Mt. Carmel since 1982. Christopher’s team won the Palomar League title with a 8-1 overall record and a 5-1 record in the league. Mt. Carmel had finished 3-7 in 1986. Mt. Carmel made it to the 3-A semifinals before losing to Point Loma, 13-7.