Vollnogle, Two Players Honored by The Times

Coach Gene Vollnogle and quarterback John Walsh of Carson High, and tight end-linebacker David Bohner of Palos Verdes were the South Bay award winners Sunday at The Times All-Star football breakfast at the Anaheim Hilton.

Walsh, who was also honored with the Glenn Davis Award as the best player in Southern California, was named South Bay Back of the Year.

The transfer from West Torrance passed for a state-record 4,206 yards and 48 touchdowns, leading Carson to the L.A. City 4-A title. The Colts defeated Banning, 37-16, Friday night in the championship game.

The 6-foot-4, 215-pound Walsh, expected to transfer back to West Torrance now that football season is over, greatly improved his standing as a college prospect in a season at Carson. He’s scheduled to make recruiting trips to Miami, Washington, Brigham Young and USC.

Vollnogle, named South Bay Coach of the Year, ended a 38-year career on a high note in Friday’s championship victory over Banning. Carson finished the season 12-1, leaving Vollnogle with a career varsity mark of 289-74-1 and 10 City titles. He is the winningest coach in state history.

Bohner, the lineman of the year, was a driving force behind Palos Verdes’ Cinderella season. The Sea Kings barely reached the playoffs, finishing in a three-way tie for third place in the Ocean League, but won three postseason games to reach the CIF-Southern Section Division VIII final.

The 6-4, 230-pound Bohner, the only first-team all-league pick on offense and defense, led Palos Verdes with his tough blocking and aggressive play at inside linebacker. He finished with more than 150 tackles.

South Bay’s Football Top 10

Final Selected by Times Sportswriters Rank, School, League, Record

1. Carson (Pacific) 12-1

2. Serra (Camino Real) 10-1

3. Banning (Pacific) 9-4

4. Hawthorne (Bay) 10-3

5. Morningside (Ocean) 10-3

6. Leuzinger (Bay) 8-4

7. Palos Verdes (Ocean) 8-6

8. Torrance (Pioneer) 8-4

9. West Torrance (Pioneer) 9-3

10. Mira Costa (Ocean) 6-5-1