Hawthorne’s Moala Earns Division III Honor

Tevita Moala, whose play at linebacker and running back led Hawthorne High to its first Southern Section football title since 1954, has been named Division III player of the year by the Amateur Athletic Foundation/First Interstate Bank board of sports journalists.

Moala, a 5-foot-11, 185-pound senior, was also one of three South Bay players named to the elite All-Southern Section team that includes players from all divisions. Joining Moala on the 25-player squad are Hawthorne offensive tackle Mostafa Sobhi and Morningside quarterback-defensive back Stais Boseman, one of three repeat selections along with Esperanza defensive lineman Travis Kirschke and Los Alamitos wide receiver George Sagen.

Moala and Sobhi lead a list of six area players on the All-Division III team. Also honored were tailbacks Corey McCoy of Hawthorne and James Durroh of Peninsula, Peninsula linebacker Taso Papadakis and Hawthorne safety Ronnie Morrissette.

Joining Boseman on the All-Division VII team were Redondo defensive lineman Mike Frias, Mira Costa linebacker Craig Zimmerman and Morningside linebacker Shawn Shamsia-Deen. Leon Vickers, who played running back and defensive back for Rancho Alamitos, was named player of the year.

Serra tailback Kenny Fredieu, the area’s leading rusher with 1,559 yards in 170 carries, was the only South Bay player named to the All-Division VIII team. Quarterback Mike Moschetti of division champion La Mirada was named player of the year.

The All-Division IX team included nine area players. Quarterbacks Frank Ramirez of North Torrance and Ryan Marshall of West Torrance, wide receivers Dean Halvorson of North and Ryan Bustos of West, and South Torrance kicker Steve Finley were named to the offensive unit.

The All-Division IX defense included linemen Keith Traylor of North and Chad Sauter of South, South linebacker Doug Dossey and Torrance back Antoris Coleman. Running back Eliel Swinton of division champion Montclair Prep was named player of the year.