PREP FOOTBALL ALL-STARS 1989 : Serra and Carson Place Four Players Each on First Team

An appropriate theme for The Times South Bay All-Star High School Football Team would be “To the victors go the spoils.”

Serra, which captured its first CIF-Southern Section football title Saturday with a 34-31 win over Lompoc in the Division VII final, and Carson, heading into the L.A. City Section 4-A championship game Friday night, dominate the all-star squad.

Each placed four players on the 23-member first team, which will be honored Sunday at The Times High School Football Awards Brunch at the Anaheim Hilton. Stanford Coach Dennis Green is the guest speaker.

Winners of the South Bay Coach, Back and Lineman of the Year awards will be announced at the 9 a.m. brunch.

Serra, under first-year Coach Leo Hand, put the finishing touches on a 14-0 season with a hard-fought victory over unbeaten Lompoc at El Camino College. It marked only the second time in the 1980s that a South Bay football team ended the year with a perfect record. West Torrance was 14-0 in 1982.

Serra is represented on the all-star team by fullback Dennis Gerard, tackle Kenny Thomas, linebacker Steven Johnson and safety Clayton Lopez.

Carson (10-1) will try to win back-to-back L.A. City titles for the first time since 1972 at 7:30 p.m. Friday against Pacific League rival Dorsey (9-3) in the 4-A Division final at El Camino College. The Colts have won four City championships in the ‘80s, seven overall.

Carson players selected to the all-star first team are quarterback Armin Youngblood, wide receiver Michael Ross, linebacker Nkosi Littleton and cornerback Clayvand Thomas.

After Serra and Carson, five schools placed two players each on the all-star team: Ocean League champion West Torrance, Bay League co-champions Hawthorne and Palos Verdes, Leuzinger and Rolling Hills.

The Bay topped all leagues with eight selections, followed by the Pacific, Ocean and Camino Real with four each.

Rounding out the offense are wide receiver Eric Hansen of North Torrance, linemen Robert Ferkula of South Torrance, Kyle Holderman of Palos Verdes, Jim Justice of Leuzinger and Corey Miller of San Pedro, running backs Chris Alexander of Hawthorne and Robert Coulter of Rolling Hills and kicker Angel Andrade of Leuzinger.

The rest of the defensive unit is made up of linemen Jae Kim of West, Chris Maumalanga of Bishop Montgomery and Kenny Talanoa of El Segundo, linebackers Sione Mahe of Hawthorne and Jim Rudberg of Rolling Hills and defensive backs Mark Antrobius of Palos Verdes and Josh Moore of West.

A closer look at the all-stars:

WIDE RECEIVERS:

Eric Hansen (North Torrance)--The state’s leading receiver at the end of the regular season, Hansen caught a South Bay-record 84 passes for 1,224 yards and six touchdowns in 10 games. His single-season total ranks eighth on the all-time Southern Section list. Said Coach Don Bohannon: “He was our offense.”

Michael Ross (Carson)--Entering Friday’s L.A. City Section 4-A title game, Ross has 46 catches for 862 yards (19.2 average) and 15 touchdowns. He holds virtually every school receiving record, eclipsing past Carson stars such as Wesley Walker, Michael Wilson and Derek Hill, all members of NFL teams. Ross is known for his sure hands, leaping ability and knack for making catches in traffic.

OFFENSIVE LINEMEN:

Robert Ferkula (South Torrance)--Chosen the Ocean League Offensive Lineman of the Year, Ferkula helped pave the way for a productive running attack for the Ocean runners-up, who averaged nearly 200 yards rushing a game.

Kyle Holderman (Palos Verdes)--The top lineman and strongest player for the Bay League co-champions, Holderman was a standout two-way starter. “A tough, tough lineman,” Coach Bill Judy said. “He’s quick and constantly had to be double-teamed (on defense).”

Jim Justice (Leuzinger)--Rated the Olympians’ No. 1 player by Coach Steve Carnes, the aggressive Justice anchored a line that helped Leuzinger average 250 yards rushing a game and reach the quarterfinals of the Southern Section Division II playoffs.

Kenny Thomas (Serra)--The top lineman for the Southern Section Division VII champions, Thomas was a consistent performer at righttackle and helped Serra rush for more than 4,000 yards in 14 games.

Corey Miller (San Pedro)--Considered one of San Pedro’s best blockers in recent years by Coach Henry Pacheco, Miller helped the Pirates capture the Southern League title with his steady play at center.

QUARTERBACK:

Armin Youngblood (Carson)--A gifted athlete, Youngblood made the transition from running back to quarterback this season and has set several of the school’s single-season passing records heading into Friday’s championship game. He has completed 117 of 229 attempts (51%) for 2,306 yards and 30 touchdowns to lead the Colts to their ninth consecutive appearance in an L.A. City final.

RUNNING BACKS:

Chris Alexander (Hawthorne)--Named the Bay League Co-Most Valuable Player, Alexander used his sprinter’s speed (he placed fifth in the state 100 meters last spring) to rush for 1,133 yards on 122 carries (a 9.3 average) and score 17 touchdowns, including a 99-yard kickoff return in the playoffs against San Marcos.

Robert Coulter (Rolling Hills)--The only junior on the first-team offense, Coulter led South Bay rushers during the regular season with 1,545 yards and 15 touchdowns in 10 games. Coulter transferred from Texas late in the summer and quickly became the catalyst of Rolling Hills’ offense with his trademark cut-back runs.

Dennis Gerard (Serra)--Chosen the Camino Real League Most Valuable Player, Gerard led the South Bay in rushing with 1,920 yards and 28 touchdowns in 275 carries. The hard-running fullback saved his best for last, gaining 239 yards and scoring two TDs in the Division VII championship game.

KICKER:

Angel Andrade (Leuzinger)--The area’s second-leading kick scorer with 50 points, Andrade converted nine of 13 field goals, including a long of 46 yards, and made 29 of 33 extra points. He also punted for the Olympians.

DEFENSIVE LINEMEN:

Jae Kim (West Torrance)--Named the Ocean League Defensive Lineman of the Year, Kim was one of the South Bay’s leading pass rushers. He had 11 sacks, including seven in the last four league games, and finished with 20 tackles for 135 yards in losses. Kim, who also played linebacker, finished tied for the team lead with 58 unassisted tackles.

Chris Maumalanga (Bishop Montgomery)--Although the Knights were 0-4 in the Angelus League, the 6-4, 320-pound Maumalanga was so impressive the league’s coaches named him Defensive Player of the Year. The two-way starter had nine sacks and 86 tackles.

Kenny Talanoa (El Segundo)--Named the Santa Fe League Lineman of the Year, Talanoa helped the Eagles to second place and the Southern Section Division VIII playoffs with his play at defensive end and tight end.

LINEBACKERS:

Nkosi Littleton (Carson)--An All-L.A. City selection last season as a defensive lineman, Littleton blossomed into a dominating middle linebacker this year. He leads Carson with 131 tackles (59 unassisted), four fumble recoveries and two forced fumbles. He was chosen the Pacific League Defensive Player of the Year.

Sione Mahe (Hawthorne)--Selected the Bay League Defensive Player of the Year, Mahe’s aggressive play helped the Cougars share the Bay title with Palos Verdes and reach the Division II playoffs. He paced Hawthorne with 161 tackles (42 unassisted).

Steven Johnson (Serra)--The defensive signal caller for Serra, Johnson led the Cavaliers in tackles and helped the team hold opponents to an average of less than 10 points a game. He is known for his speed and rugged play.

Jim Rudberg (Rolling Hills)--A versatile two-way performer, Rudberg set the school record for most tackles in a season with 121 and earned the Bay League Offensive Player of the Year award for his blocking at tight end.

DEFENSIVE BACKS:

Mark Antrobius (Palos Verdes)--The South Bay interception leader with 10, Antrobius rarely came off the field for the Sea Kings. He also played wide receiver and punted, averaging 37.6 yards a kick. He capped the season with two interceptions in a Division II playoff loss to Newbury Park.

Clayton Lopez (Serra)--Regarded as Serra’s top college prospect, Lopez had eight interceptions and ranked second on the team in tackles. He also played wide receiver and contributed several big plays during the Cavaliers’ drive to the Division VII title.

Josh Moore (West Torrance)--One of the area’s most versatile players, Moore led the Warriors in interceptions (eight), rushing (750 yards in 110 carries), touchdowns (17) and ranked second in receptions (19 for 155 yards) playing running back and cornerback. He was named Ocean League Player of the Year after leading West to a 7-0 record and the championship.

Clayvand Thomas (Carson)--The only junior on the all-star defense, Thomas leads the Colts with six interceptions, including three he returned for touchdowns. The cornerback also has three deflected passes, two sacks and a forced fumble.

PREP FOOTBALL ALL-STARS 1989 OFFENSE

Name: Eric Hansen Position: Wide Receiver School: North Torrance Height: 6-1 Weight: 165 Year: Senior Name: Michael Ross Position: Wide Receiver School: Carson Height: 6-2 Weight: 175 Year: Senior Name: Robert Ferkula Position: Lineman School: South Torrance Height: 6-3 Weight: 215 Year: Senior Name: Kyle Holderman Position: Lineman School: Palos Verdes Height: 5-11 Weight: 210 Year: Senior Name: Jim Justice Position: Lineman School: Leuzinger Height: 6-3 Weight: 260 Year: Senior Name: Kenny Thomas Position: Lineman School: Serra Height: 6-2 Weight: 265 Year: Senior Name: Corey Miller Position: Center School: San Pedro Height: 5-11 Weight: 190 Year: Senior Name: Armin Youngblood Position: Quarterback School: Carson Height: 6-0 Weight: 185 Year: Senior Name: Chris Alexander Position: Back School: Hawthorne Height: 5-9 Weight: 175 Year: Senior Name: Robert Coulter Position: back School: Rolling Hills Height: 5-11 Weight: 180 Year: Junior Name: Dennis Gerard Position: back School: Serra Height: 5-8 Weight: 190 Year: Senior

Name: Angel Andrade Position: Kicker School: Leuzinger Height: 5-7 Weight: 165 Year: Senior

DEFENSE

Name: Jae Kim Position: Lineman School: West Torrance Height: 5-10 Weight: 185 Year: Senior Name: Chris Mamulanga Position: Lineman School: Bishop Montgomery Height: 6-4 Weight: 320 Year: Senior Name: Kenny Talonoa Position: Lineman School: El Segundo Height: 6-5 Weight: 230 Year: Senior Name: Nkosi littleton Position: Linebacker School: Carson Height: 6-5 Weight: 220 Year: Senior Name: Slone Mahe Position: Linebacker School: Hawthorne Height: 6-3 Weight: 220 Year: Senior Name: Steven Johnson Position: Linebacker School: Serra Height: 6-1 Weight: 200 Year: Senior Name: Jim Dudberg Position: Linebacker School: Rolling Hills Height: 6-1 Weight: 212 Year: Senior Name: Mark Antrobius Position: Back School: Palos Verdes Height: 6-3 Weight: 195 Year: Senior Name: Clayton Lopez Position: Back School: Serra Height: 5-11 Weight: 178 Year: Senior Name: Josh Moore Position: Back School: West Torrance Height: 6-1 Weight: 185 Year: Senior Name: Clayvand Thomas Position: Back School: Carson Height: 6-0 Weight: 175 Year: Junior SECOND TEAM OFFENSE

Name School Position Height Weight Year Mike Cooper Miraleste WR 5-10 170 12 Manley Woods Gardena WR 6-1 170 12 David Bohner Palos Verdes TE 6-5 220 11 Robert Jackson Serra OL 6-0 240 12 David Kingston West Torrance OL 6-0 215 12 Alex Martinez Gardena OL 6-2 260 12 Jared Tulone Hawthorne OL 6-5 260 11 Raul Nieto Carson C 5-11 200 12 Blake Anderson Palos Verdes QB 6-1 175 12 Mike Clairmont Mira Costa RB 5-9 185 12 Tony DaCosta Torrance RB 6-2 215 12 Tom Dallen West Torrance K 5-10 185

DEFENSE

Name School Position Height Weight Year Steve Barker Mary Star DL 6-3 220 12 Marcus Long Carson DL 6-2 210 11 Louis Laffitte Serra DL 5-10 180 12 Manny Gonzalez Leuzinger LB 6-0 190 11 John Herrera Banning LB 6-1 210 12 Danny Katoa Morningside LB 5-10 190 11 Matt Vincent West Torrance LB 6-2 190 12 Kevin Fitzpatrick South Torrance DB 5-10 165 12 Kalvein Latu Hawthorne DB 6-1 185 12 Zac Odom Leuzinger DB 5-11 165 12 Fred Safford Serra DB 5-6 150 12