Times Honors Area’s Top Back, Lineman and Coach

Hawthorne High fullback-linebacker Tevita Moala, Carson linebacker James Pepe and San Pedro Coach Mike Walsh were the South Bay award winners Sunday at The Times All-Star football breakfast in Santa Monica.

Moala was named back of the year, Pepe lineman of the year and Walsh coach of the year.

Moala, a 5-foot-11, 185-pound senior, helped Hawthorne (12-2) to the Southern Section Division III championship, the school’s first section title since 1954. The hard-hitting linebacker broke his own school record with 165 tackles despite playing the last six games with a dislocated right shoulder.

As a running back, Moala rushed for 435 yards and five touchdowns in 38 carries. He finished the season with scoring runs of 65 and 71 yards in the Cougars’ 14-6 victory over Bell Gardens in the Division III title game.

Moala, who is expected to play safety in college, has given an unwritten commitment to Brigham Young University, his father’s alma mater.

Previously, Moala had been honored as the Bay League most valuable player and the Division III player of the year. He was also named to the all-state team by Cal-Hi Sports.

Pepe (6-3, 220) was the leader of a stingy Carson defense that gave up an average of 10 points and 114 yards a game. The senior’s play at linebacker and running back helped the Colts (9-4-1) to the Pacific League title and the City Section 4-A Division final, where they were beaten by Sylmar, 17-0.

Pepe led Carson with 140 tackles and ended his career as the fourth-leading tackler in school history. He also had two interceptions and two sacks. Pepe’s offensive contributions included 103 yards rushing, and eight catches for 189 yards. He scored five TDs.

An All-City selection, Pepe was named Pacific League co-player of the year.

Walsh, in his second season as coach, guided San Pedro (12-1-1) to the Southern League and City 3-A titles. The Pirates completed the best season in school history with a 24-7 victory over Taft in the 3-A final. Their only loss was to Carson.

San Pedro’s team was characterized by a punishing ground game, featuring All-City running back Ambrose Russo, and an aggressive defense led by safety Bryant Thomas and end Michael Spelich. The Pirates shut out five opponents and gave up only 28 points in four playoff games.

Walsh, a 1972 San Pedro graduate, has a two-year record of 20-6-1. In his first season as coach in 1991, the Pirates reached the 3-A semifinals.