THE TIMES ALL-COUNTY FOOTBALL TEAM : Johnson, LeBreton Lead Way

Quarterbacks Rob Johnson of El Toro High School and Tony Solliday of Capistrano Valley High School head the list of selections for The Times’ 32nd All-Orange County football team.

Johnson is also The Times’ county back of the year. Mission Viejo defensive end Beau LeBreton is lineman of the year.

During the regular season, Johnson passed for 2,207 yards and 25 touchdowns, completing 71% of his attempts. He was No. 1 in the county in all three categories.

Johnson is also the first player to earn all-county honors in consecutive years at different positions. Last year, he was a first-team selection at receiver with more than 1,000 yards in receptions.

Solliday compiled 1,961 passing yards and 22 touchdowns. Capistrano Valley finished third in the South Coast League, but Solliday rallied the Cougars into the playoffs and led them to the Southern Section Division II title.

Capistrano Valley defeated Paramount, 17-15, in the championship game as Solliday led the Cougars on a memorable 81-yard drive in the final two minutes to set up the winning field goal.

He passed for 6,591 yards during his three-year career, finishing third on the county list behind Capistrano Valley’s Todd Marinovich (9,182) and El Toro’s Bret Johnson (6,627).

Solliday’s favorite target, wide receiver Dave Poltl, is also a first-team selection. Poltl surpassed former Kennedy standout Rick Parma as the county’s career reception leader with 176 catches in three years.

The teams were chosen based on ballots returned from coaches at 60 county high schools. Twenty-six schools are represented on the first and second teams. There are no underclassmen.

Running back Marcellus Chrishon of Mission Viejo completes the Saddleback Valley connection in the backfield.

Chrishon began the season as a transfer from Temecula Valley and blossomed into the county’s top back. He rushed for 1,123 yards in 10 regular-season games, a six-yard average, and scored 17 touchdowns to lead Mission Viejo to the South Coast League title.

Mission Viejo (9-1), the county’s mythical champion for the second time in three years after finishing first in the final Orange County Sportswriters’ Assn. poll, placed three players on the first team and one on the second.

In addition to his 63 tackles and 32 assists, LeBreton had 13 sacks and five fumble recoveries. Joining him and Chrishon on the first team is offensive lineman Chris Sulages. Bill Denny, a three-year starter at defensive back, is a second-team choice.

Esperanza, which won the Division III title, also had four players selected. Tight end Reid Pullen, who caught the winning touchdown pass in a 38-35 victory over Hart in the division semifinals, is a first-team choice, along with linebacker Mike Burns. Esperanza defensive back Derek Reaves, who led the county with 11 interceptions, and offensive tackle Chad Richter are on the second team.

El Toro, the county’s top defensive team, placed defensive tackle Jeremy Hogue and linebacker Brian Haas on the first team. El Toro allowed an average of 8.7 points per game and held five opponents to six points or fewer.

Rob Johnson is the only first-team repeater. Villa Park defensive tackle Brian Pearsall, Fullerton linebacker D.C. Olsen and Poltl were second-team picks last year.

The back, lineman and coach of the year will be honored at an awards ceremony at 9 a.m. Sunday at the Anaheim Hilton and Towers along with award winners from 11 other zones. Bill Dwyre, The Times’ sports editor, will present the fourth Glenn Davis Trophy to the outstanding player in Southern California.

OFFENSIVE TEAM CLOSE-UPS REID PULLEN, TIGHT END ESPERANZA SENIOR Pullen caught 42 passes for 602 yards in 10 regular-season and four playoff games. He holds the school record for single-game (three) and career touchdown receptions (19). Pullen has a 3.86 grade-point average and is considering Dartmouth, Princeton, Harvard and Yale among his college choices. DAVE POLTL, WIDE RECEIVER CAPISTRANO VALLEY SENIOR Poltl caught 84 passes for 1,312 yards in 10 regular-season and four playoff games, the second-best pass catching season in county history. Former Los Alamitos standout Robbie Katzaroff caught 91 passes in 1984. Poltl’s quickness and his ability to catch the ball in traffic made him difficult to defend. TYLER CASHMAN, WIDE RECEIVER LOS ALAMITOS SENIOR Cashman became the first county player to make an oral commitment to a major college when he chose USC last month. He was the county’s leading receiver with 72 receptions for 980 yards and 10 touchdowns. Cashman’s best game came against Villa Park when he caught 14 passes for 145 yards, including 12 catches in the first half. BILL SOARES, LINEMAN EL MODENA SENIOR Soares’ uncle, Fred, was an all-county player at Villa Park and is now playing at Louisiana State. Bill didn’t play football until he enrolled at El Modena and was a second-team all-league choice as a junior. Soares’ strength is his ability to pull on counter plays and make open-field blocks. He was a first-team all-Century League choice as a senior. CHRIS SULAGES, LINEMAN MISSION VIEJO SENIOR Sulages, an offensive guard, was a first-team all-South Coast League selection. Sulages’ size and quickness helped create holes on the line for Mission Viejo running back Marcellus Chrishon to run through. Sulages was one of the captains for the Diablos. He is considered an outstanding drive blocker and trapper. LEONARD SIMS, LINEMAN RANCHO ALAMITOS SENIOR Sims’ blocking has helped Rancho Alamitos tailbacks Dana Riddle (1989) and Ulysses Trammell (1990) lead the county in rushing the past two seasons. A two-time all-Garden Grove League selection, Sims also was a standout at defensive end. His father, Leonard, was a standout running back-linebacker at Santiago High in the 1960s and earned a scholarship to USC. PAUL RICHARD, LINEMAN VALENCIA SENIOR Five years ago, Joe Garten was a first-team offensive lineman for Valencia, and he has since developed into a two-time All-American tackle at Colorado. Valencia Coach Mike Marrujo says Richard is more advanced at a similar stage in his career. Valencia’s line allowed only one sack all year. Colorado State, which will play in this month’s Freedom Bowl, is among Richard’s college choices. MARK MADDUX, CENTER LAGUNA HILLS SENIOR For two seasons, Maddux anchored an offensive line that paved the way for running back Marwan Saba to gain more than 2,000 yards in two years. Maddux was a second-team all-Pacific Coast League selection as a junior and earned first-team honors this season. Laguna Hills won its first league title in the school’s history this season. ROB JOHNSON, QUARTERBACK EL TORO SENIOR Johnson is generally regarded as the top athlete in the county. He made a smooth transition from wide receiver to quarterback and follows his older brother, Bret, as the county’s back of the year. Bret won the award twice in 1986-87 at El Toro. Rob is considering Notre Dame, Penn State, Miami, USC and Brigham Young. TONY SOLLILDAY, QUARTERBACK CAPISTRANO VALLEY SENIOR It was difficult choosing between Johnson and Solliday, marking the first time in 32 years that two quarterbacks were chosen as first-team selections. Solliday passed for 2,731 yards and 29 touchdowns in 14 games. Solliday is considering Princeton, Air Force, Navy, Arizona and Colorado State. MARCELLUS CHRISHON, RUNNING BACK MISSION VIEJO SENIOR Chrishon is the only running back selected to the first team. He gained 1,541 yards in 249 carries in 10 regular-season and three playoffs games, averaging 6.2 yards per carry. He gained 100 or more yards in eight games, including a season-high 201 yards in a memorable showdown with Mater Dei’s Derek Sparks. BRENT HANSON, KICKER EDISON SENIOR Hanson was a double threat as a kicker and punter. He had eight field goals and 26 extra-point conversions for 50 points. Hanson’s longest field goal was 47 yards and he also had kicks of 46 and 43 yards. He reached the end zone on 65% of his kickoffs. Hanson is being recruited by most of the Ivy League schools.

DEFENSIVE TEAM CLOSE-UPS BEAU LeBRETON, LINEMAN

MISSION VIEJO SENIOR

LeBreton played his best game against El Toro, sacking Rob Johnson four times and knocking down a pass. He holds the school’s single-season (14) and career (27) marks for sacks. LeBreton also blocked a punt and caused three fumbles.

JEREMY HOGUE, LINEMAN

EL TORO SENIOR

Hogue was El Toro’s only two-way lineman, doubling as an offensive tackle. He was injured midway through the season but recovered enough to help lead El Toro to the semifinals of the Division II playoffs. Hogue, who has a 4.1 grade-point average, is considering Notre Dame, USC, Colorado, Iowa and Washington.

BRIAN PEARSALL, LINEMAN

VILLA PARK SENIOR

Pearsall was the defensive player of the year in the Century League but could have been all-county as either a defensive end or offensive guard. He was a second-team selection as a junior and the Spartans’ co-captain.

RICK RICE, LINEMAN

MARINA SENIOR

Rice was the defensive player of the year in the Sunset League. He had 41 lead tackles, 17 assists, six sacks and 14 passes caused incomplete. He doubled as a running back in a nonleague game against Lompoc. Rice is a standout wrestler who should contend for the section and state heavyweight division titles.

BRIAN HAAS, LINEBACKER

EL TORO SENIOR

It’s no coincidence that Haas wore the same jersey number as former El Toro standout linebacker Scott Ross (USC). A vicious hitter, Haas led El Toro with 52 lead tackles and 29 assists. He was a three-year starter who was also a backup tight end and fullback during his career. Haas is considering Notre Dame, Texas A&M; and Colorado.

AARON GUTRIDGE, LINEBACKER

TUSTIN SENIOR

Gutridge led Tustin with 73 lead tackles and 52 assists, several of the tackles coming behind the line of scrimmage. He also had five sacks and two interceptions, returning one for a touchdown. Tustin qualified for its first Southern Section championship game in 42 years with Gutridge leading the defense.

D.C. OLSEN, LINEBACKER

FULLERTON SENIOR

Olsen, the county’s leading home run hitter last spring, also showed he packs a wallop on the football field. Olsen led Fullerton with 78 lead tackles and 48 assists. He was a second-team selection last year. Olsen is considering Louisiana State, Colorado State and Brigham Young.

MIKE BURNS, LINEBACKER

ESPERANZA SENIOR

As a sophomore, Burns was a scout-team player, helping to simulate opposing offenses, but developed into one of the county’s top linebackers through a rigorous weight program. He finished fifth in the Southern Section’s 3-A division track meet with a shotput of 55 feet 9 1/2 inches. Burns is considering San Diego State, Washington State, Colorado, Colorado State and Washington.

MIKE CUNNINGHAM, DEFENSIVE BACK

EDISON SENIOR

The most valuable player of the Sunset League, Cunningham could have earned all-county honors as either a wide receiver or free safety. Defensively, he intercepted five passes. On offense, he caught 49 passes for 815 yards and seven touchdowns, averaging 16.6 yards per reception. Cunningham caught 10 passes against Rubidoux in a Division I playoff loss.

JEREMY BRION, DEFENSIVE BACK

CAPISTRANO VALLEY SENIOR

A three-year starter, Brion intercepted eight passes, including one in the Division II championship game against Paramount. He also played tailback and gained 777 yards in 137 yards, scoring 11 touchdowns. Brion is considering Colorado and California.

MIKE SULLIVAN, DEFENSIVE BACK

SUNNY HILLS SENIOR

Sullivan helped lead Sunny Hills to consecutive Freeway League titles as a two-way starter after transferring from Servite for his sophomore season. Sullivan gained 1,105 yards in 149 carries as a tailback. He was the top player on the Rams’ all-county academic team with a 4.23 GPA.

FIRST-TEAM OFFENSE

Pos. Name School Ht. Wt. Yr. TE Reid Pullen Esperanza 6-2 210 Sr. WR Dave Poltl Capistrano Valley 5-10 170 Sr. WR Tyler Cashman Los Alamitos 6-4 200 Sr. OL Bill Soares El Modena 6-2 250 Sr. OL Chris Sulages Mission Viejo 6-2 260 Sr. OL Leonard Sims Rancho Alamitos 6-1 240 Sr. OL Paul Richard Valencia 6-3 235 Sr. C Mark Maddux Laguna Hills 6-1 245 Sr. QB Rob Johnson El Toro 6-4 210 Sr. QB Tony Solliday Capistrano Valley 6-0 180 Sr. RB Marcellus Chrishon Mission Viejo 5-9 150 Sr. K Brent Hanson Edison 5-9 160 Sr.

SECOND-TEAM OFFENSE

Pos. Name School Ht. Wt. Yr. TE George Greenwalt Newport Harbor 6-2 185 Sr. WR Steve Friedrich Troy 5-11 170 Sr. WR Rick Ellis Mater Dei 5-9 150 Sr. OL Al Sermeno Trabuco Hills 6-2 255 Sr. OL Dean Wakeham Irvine 6-6 240 Sr. OL James Christensen Servite 6-3 305 Sr. OL Chad Richter Esperanza 6-2 240 Sr. C Jesse Gomez Santa Ana 6-0 230 Sr. QB Josh Gingrich Edison 6-0 185 Sr. RB Ulysses Trammell Rancho Alamitos 5-8 140 Sr. RB Ron Goods Tustin 5-9 185 Sr. K Armando Orizaba Katella 5-5 140 Sr.

FIRST-TEAM DEFENSE

Pos. Name School Ht. Wt. Yr. DL Beau LeBreton Mission Viejo 6-1 190 Sr. DL Jeremy Hogue El Toro 6-4 250 Sr. DL Brian Pearsall Villa Park 6-3 230 Sr. DL Rick Rice Marina 6-3 255 Sr. LB Brian Haas El Toro 6-2 217 Sr. LB Aaron Gutridge Tustin 6-0 195 Sr. LB D.C. Olsen Fullerton 6-1 220 Sr. LB Mike Burns Esperanza 6-3 225 Sr. DB Mike Cunningham Edison 6-0 170 Sr. DB Jeremy Brion Capistrano Valley 6-1 200 Sr. DB Mike Sullivan Sunny Hills 5-11 185 Sr.

SECOND-TEAM DEFENSE

Pos. Name School Ht. Wt. Yr. DL Matt Krajec El Toro 6-3 240 Sr. DL Brian Hendricks Corona del Mar 6-1 215 Sr. DL Efriam Miranda Tustin 6-0 225 Sr. LB Mike Silvey Mater Dei 6-0 180 Sr. LB Craig Reynolds La Quinta 5-11 170 Sr. LB Greg Webb Irvine 6-2 205 Sr. LB Visko Ancich Tustin 5-9 182 Sr. DB Mike Ryan Brea-Olinda 6-2 180 Sr. DB Derek Reaves Esperanza 6-1 175 Sr. DB Walter Dawkins La Quinta 6-0 165 Sr. DB Bill Denny Mission Viejo 6-1 195 Sr.