CSUN’s Chavez Named AWC’s Top Defensive Player

Linebacker Angel Chavez of Cal State Northridge has been selected American West Conference defensive player of the year, the conference announced Tuesday.

Chavez, a 6-foot, 230-pound senior from Los Angeles, led the Matadors with 10 tackles for losses and finished his two-year career at Northridge with 15 sacks, second in school history.

Also selected to the first team were seniors Ivy Calvin, O.J. Ojomoh, Ralph Henderson, Albert Razo, Robert Trice and Brian Hay.

Calvin, a linebacker, led Northridge with 59 solo tackles and was third in the conference in kickoff returns with a 22.5 average.

Ojomoh, also a linebacker, made a team-high 101 tackles. Henderson, a cornerback, led the Matadors with five interceptions.

Razo was selected to the first team despite averaging one yard fewer per punt than Cal Poly San Luis Obispo’s Chris Afarian, a former Notre Dame High standout. Razo, who averaged 41.1 yards, completed three passes on fake punts and was impressive in his only emergency appearance as Northridge’s quarterback.

Trice was second among conference rushers with 1,362 yards and nine touchdowns in 235 carries. Hay was a two-year starter at offensive tackle.

Second-team selections are receiver Duc Ngo, offensive tackle Charlie Williams, defensive tackle Oscar Wilson, safety Gerald Ponder and kick returner David Romines.

San Luis Obispo receiver Joe Wade, a former Canyon High player, was a first-team selection.

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Hart High quarterback Mike Kocicka was named State Athlete of the Week by Cal-Hi Sports. Kocicka completed 12 of 19 passes for 243 yards and a school record-tying six touchdowns in Friday’s 61-25 victory over Pasadena in the first round of the playoffs.

Basketball

The annual El Camino Real High alumni doubleheader is scheduled for tonight at the school gymnasium. The girls’ game starts at 6 p.m., followed by the boys’ game at 7:30.