THE TIMES’ 1992 ALL-COUNTY FOOTBALL TEAM : FIRST-TEAM CLOSE-UPS: DEFENSE : TRAVIS KIRSCHKE, <i> Lineman </i>

ESPERANZA / SENIOR Kirschke has been the county’s premier lineman the last two seasons and will go down in history as one of the best to play in the county. “He’ll go down as the greatest high school lineman I’ve ever coached against,” Katella’s Larry Anderson said.

BEAU RALPHS, Lineman NEWPORT HARBOR / SENIOR The Sea View League’s defensive player of the year, Ralphs started at end and anchored a Sailor defense that posted five shutouts and allowed only one running back (Scott Seal) to rush for more than 100 yards. He’s also a standout shotputter with a best of 53 feet 11 inches.

GARY WINSOR, Lineman MISSION VIEJO / SENIOR A three-year starter, Winsor had 39 tackles, 28 assists and five sacks and is considered an excellent hitter. “He’s as good as (last year’s first-team selection) Matt Keneley, only shorter,” Mission Viejo Coach Mike Rush said. Combines great feet with an ability to explode.

BRYAN WERNER, Lineman ESPERANZA / SENIOR Werner overcame five operations on his fractured left ankle. He was hit by a car while riding his bicycle four years ago but finally got his chance to play after being sidelined three years. His older brother, Matt, is a junior tackle at UCLA.

CHRIS DRAFT, Linebacker VALENCIA / JUNIOR Draft was the team’s leading tackler as a sophomore last season, when he helped lead Valencia to the Division VI championship. The Tigers are trying to repeat as champions against Duarte, and Draft’s duties now also include running back.

RYAN JONES, Linebacker IRVINE / SENIOR A three-year starter, Jones had 63 lead tackles and 48 assists as the leader of Irvine’s defense that posted five shutouts in 13 games. “He’s very deserving of this honor,” Irvine Coach Terry Henigan said. Jones is considering Fresno State, Oregon and New Mexico.

LEON VICKERS, Linebacker RANCHO ALAMITOS / SENIOR Vickers is the most valuable defensive player in the Garden Grove League with 104 tackles. He also averaged eight yards per carry as a fullback. “An awesome athlete,” Rancho Alamitos Coach Mark Miller said. He’s considering USC, Cal, Stanford, Oregon, Arizona State.

BRIAN WILLMER, Linebacker SUNNY HILLS / SENIOR Willmer is the most valuable player in the Freeway League. He will be playing in his second divisional championship when Sunny Hills meets Rancho Alamitos for the Division VI title. He doubled as a tight end. Considering UCLA, USC, Colorado and Notre Dame.

MARSHALL BROWN, Defensive Back RANCHO ALAMITOS / SENIOR Many consider Brown to be the best athlete in the county. “He’s the best secondary player and hitter in the county,” Rancho Alamitos Coach Mark Miller said. Brown doubled as the team’s quarterback and averaged 10 yards per carry running the veer offense.

A.J. GASS, Defensive Back SERVITE / SENIOR The Friars’ hit man had 80 tackles, 11 sacks, four forced fumbles and a blocked field goal. He was the Sunset League’s most valuable defensive player. “He has an unbelievable nose for the ball,” Coach Larry Toner said. He’s considering Fresno State and Northern Arizona.

RAY JACKSON, Defensive Back MATER DEI / SENIOR Jackson made a successful transition from basketball to football. He had 36 tackles, five interceptions and two fumble recoveries. “He’s at his best playing in man coverage,” Mater Dei Coach Bruce Rollinson said. He’s considering UCLA, Colorado and Washington State.

MICAH KNORR, Punter ORANGE / SENIOR Knorr averaged 39.5 yards per punt and was successful on five of eight field-goal attempts. He was unsuccessful on kicks of 65 and 57 yards, but 78% of his kickoffs went into the end zone. “We under-utilized his talent,” Orange Coach Buddy Bland said.

Second Team

Pos. Name School Ht. Wt. Yr. DL Brian Crooks Servite 6-2 235 Sr. DL Mike DeRevere Corona del Mar 6-1 230 Jr. DL Ben Smith Dana Hills 6-0 240 Sr. DL Josh Micklos Sunny Hills 6-3 220 Sr. LB Parker Gregg Mater Dei 6-1 235 Sr. LB Ryan Holmes El Modena 6-3 235 Sr. LB Adam Maldonado Rancho Alamitos 5-11 225 Jr. LB Andy Osborne El Dorado 6-2 215 Sr. LB Jeff Sanita Newport Harbor 5-10 185 Sr. DB Brian Barajas Mater Dei 5-11 175 Sr. DB Bobby Sunderland Sunny Hills 6-0 185 Sr. P Allen Vaughan San Clemente 5-11 175 Jr.