Moorpark’s Briggs Named All-American

Moorpark College linebacker Tom Briggs has been named a J. C. Grid-Wire first-team All-American. One of three linebackers selected, Briggs, a 6-foot-6, 230-pound sophomore from Liverpool, N. Y., led Moorpark with 19 1/2 sacks and had an additional 16 1/2 tackles behind the line of scrimmage.

Moorpark defensive coordinator Gil Mendoza said that Briggs’ sack total was a school record.

“We feel we had a lot of other good ballplayers too, but he was the one who stood out and shined,” Mendoza said. “He’s our big-play ballplayer.”

Moorpark running back Freddie Bradley was selected to the second team. Bradley (6-1, 205), a Hueneme High graduate, was the leading scorer in the state and rushed for 1,266 yards.

According to Grid-Wire publisher Hank Ives, running back selections were made from a remarkably strong group, and Bradley was one of only two freshmen among the six running backs on the first and second teams.

Valley’s Alejandro Campos (6-2 1/2, 303), a sophomore offensive lineman from Chatsworth High, was an honorable-mention pick.

Surprisingly, neither Valley defensive back Sam Edwards, who led Western State Conference players in interceptions with eight, nor Moorpark kicker Sean Cheevers, the state leader in kick scoring, were named to an All-American list.