Back, Coach of South Gate Get Top Awards

Ivan Wilson, South Gate High School’s main attraction on offense, is The Times’ Southeast prep Back of the Year. Wilson rushed for 1,290 yards and scored 19 touchdowns while leading the Rams to the semifinals of the Los Angeles City 3-A playoffs.

Lineman of the Year is Whittier’s Puna Peko, a 6-foot-2, 270-pound senior who also was named the Whitmont League’s most valuable defensive player.

Southeast Coach of the Year is Gary Cordray of South Gate. The Rams, who won the L.A. City 3-A championship last year, advanced to the semifinals this year before losing to Franklin, 28-6.

The three top award winners were honored Sunday at the 31st annual Times all-star football awards brunch at the Anaheim Hilton.

In the South Coast area, Jack Manu of Paramount is Back of the Year, Don Sasa of Long Beach Poly is Lineman of the Year and Steve Silberman of Gahr is Coach of the Year.