TIMES’ 1993 ALL-VENTURA FOOTBALL TEAM : Newbury Park Makes Clean Sweep of Awards

It seems only natural that the Newbury Park High football team would pull off one final first in this record-breaking season.

For the first time, The Times’ Ventura County coach, back and lineman of the year all work from the same playbook. The selections were clear.

Powered by their high-scoring passing offense, the Panthers have raced to one of the best seasons in county history.

George Hurley--The Times’ coach of the year--has guided undefeated Newbury Park (13-0) into the Southern Section Division III championship game Saturday against Hawthorne. A win would give Newbury Park the all-time single-season county record for victories, eclipsing the record established by Camarillo in 1984.

Newbury Park (533 points) set a county record for points scored, breaking Camarillo’s total of 486 in ’84. In addition, the Panthers’ Marmonte League title gives them consecutive league championships for the first time in school history.

Hurley is in his fifth season at the helm after serving as an assistant to Ken Cook for 16 years. His record is 35-19-2.

“I guess (the coaching staff) has not screwed up things too bad,” Hurley said, jokingly. “I just feel lucky to be coaching this team at the right time.”

Few things were going well for Hurley and the Panthers in 1991. His team was mired in the middle of a season-opening six-game losing streak and everyone had an opinion on how to right things--and what was wrong with Hurley’s coaching.

The Panthers had a young team and Hurley was attempting to develop a passing offense with a neophyte sophomore quarterback. Newbury Park’s fans, however, cut him little slack.

Hurley’s mail criticized everything from his play selection to his choice in players--and those were the kind ones. Hurley also received many unsigned letters that were nothing more than vicious personal attacks.

“I’d like to say it didn’t bother me but it did,” Hurley said. “There were a couple of times I started thinking, ‘Hey, maybe I am screwing up.’

“But we were trying to build something, so we had to stay with it.”

Good move.

Senior Keith Smith--The Times’ back of the year--has come a long way from the days he was the Panthers’ trembling sophomore signal-caller. Smith is the all-time leading passer in the state and ranks second all-time nationally with 9,715 yards. He is third in state history with 85 touchdown passes and fourth all-time nationally with 652 completions.

He leads the state in passing this season, having completed 67% (254 of 379) for 3,988 yards and 38 touchdowns with only 12 interceptions. He also leads Newbury Park in rushing with 615 yards (a 6.9-yard average) and has rushed for 10 touchdowns.

Smith has been selected All-Marmonte League and all-county by The Times the past two seasons. This season, Smith also was picked the league’s co-player of the year.

“This is such an honor,” Smith said. “There are so many great backs in the county. . . . I never dreamed I would get The Times’ award.

“This is something I’m always going to remember.”

Opposing coaches also will remember Smith. Many believe he is the county’s all-time greatest athlete.

“He is the greatest high school quarterback I’ve ever seen,” Buena Coach Rick Scott said. “The things he does physically are just incredible, and he’s the greatest leader around.”

Thousand Oaks Coach Bob Richards offers similar praise.

“He has amazing athletic skills,” Richards said. “He is the greatest athlete to ever come out of the Marmonte League--if not the county.”

Smith’s best friend and teammate, Leodes Van Buren, is not far behind.

Van Buren, a senior receiver, has been selected The Times’ lineman of the year for the second consecutive season.

He is the all-time leading receiver in state history, and No. 2 all-time nationally with 264 receptions. Van Buren also tops the state list for receiving yards with 4,385. He needs only 92 yards to become first all-time nationally in that category.

This season, Van Buren leads the state in receiving with 96 catches for 1,597 yards and 19 touchdowns. He has been selected All-Marmonte League and all-county by The Times three consecutive seasons. Van Buren shared the league co-player of the year award with Smith.

“I thought somebody made a mistake last season because I’m a receiver,” Van Buren said. “But I was real honored when I found out I got the award because I play on the line.

“It’s great to get an honor like this.”

Times’ 1993 All-Ventura Football Team

Back of the Year: Keith Smith, Newbury Park

Lineman of the Year: Leodes Van Buren, Newbury Park

Coach of the Year: George Hurley, Newbury Park Player: Rich Adams School: Newbury Park Year: Senior Position: K Height: 5-10 Weight: 180

Adams has made a huge all-around contribution to the Panthers’ season. In addition to handling kicking duties, Adams is a starting linebacker and slotback who also plays fullback in short-yardage situations. An All-Marmonte League linebacker, Adams is the Panthers’ second-leading tackler (138) and scorer (110 points).

*Player: Sean Burdick School: Ventura Year: Senior Position: OL Height: 6-2 Weight: 250

A backup entering last season, Burdick was forced into action when the Cougars’ starting center was injured on the first play of the team’s opener in ’92. He has been a fixture in Ventura’s lineup since. Burdick was the dominant offensive lineman and an all-league pick for the Channel League champions.

*Player: Rommel Butler School: Royal Year: Senior Position: DB Height: 6-1 Weight: 190

Butler is one of the best cornerbacks in county history. A starter since his sophomore season, Butler has 15 career interceptions. He has been selected All-Marmonte League and All-Ventura County the past two seasons, and was selected the county’s top defensive back last season by county coaches.

*Player: Mike Contreras School: Rio Mesa Year: Senior Position: DB Height: 5-10 Weight: 160

The Spartan free safety had an excellent season after recovering from a severe knee injury suffered during summer passing league. Despite missing Rio Mesa’s first two games because of the injury, Contreras led the team with five interceptions. Contreras has been selected All-Channel League the past two seasons.

*Player: Kevin Crook School: Westlake Year: Senior Position: QB Height: 6-3 Weight: 200

In his first season as starter, Crook led the Warriors to an 8-3-1 record after consecutive 3-7 campaigns. An All-Marmonte League selection, Crook completed 178 of 323 passes (55%). Moreover, Crook set school records with 2,707 yards passing and 23 touchdown passes. He threw 13 interceptions.

*Player: Mark Davis School: Newbury Park Year: Senior Position: OL Height: 6-3 Weight: 225

The Panthers have several high-profile players on offense, but none would have had as much success without the help of this standout tackle along the offensive line. Davis, an All-Marmonte League selection, was the team’s most consistent offensive lineman and a big part of the Panthers’ powerful offense (431 yards per game).

*Player: Sheldon Griffith School: Royal Year: Senior Position: LB Height: 6-3 Weight: 225

Many opponents devised their offensive game plans with the idea of avoiding Griffith. He is one of the most powerful and skilled pass rushers in the county. A three-year starter, Griffith led the Highlanders in sacks (11), solo tackles (65) and forced fumbles (three). He has been selected All-Marmonte League the past two seasons.

*Player: Kris Hebert School: Buena Year: Senior Position: DL Height: 6-1 Weight: 245

Hebert was the Bulldogs’ most active defensive lineman. He made his presence felt on every play, whether stuffing ballcarriers at the line or harassing quarterbacks. Hebert led Bulldog defensive linemen with 45 solo tackles, five sacks and one interception. He has been selected All-Channel League the past two seasons.

*Player: George Keiaho School: Buena Year: Senior Position: RB Height: 5-9 Weight: 200

The powerful Keiaho is Ventura County’s all-time leading rusher and the second-leading rusher in state history with 6,585 yards. He is fourth on the all-time state list for rushing touchdowns with 80. Keiaho rushed for a county-leading 2,248 yards and 28 touchdowns. As a junior, he had 1,760 yards and 22 touchdowns.

*Player: Mason Meadows School: Ventura Year: Senior Position: DL Height: 6-3 Weight: 200

Meadows, one of the fastest linemen in the county, dominated opponents. He used his superior quickness to create havoc behind the line of scrimmage. Meadows set a school record with 17 sacks and led Ventura’s defensive linemen with 105 tackles. Meadows also tackled 15 running backs for losses and caused six fumbles.

*Player: Billy Miller School: Westlake Year: Junior Position: WR Height: 6-3 Weight: 205

Miller is one of the top athletes in the county. He physically overpowers the best defensive backs and has the speed to make game-breaking plays--as he often did. Miller was selected the Marmonte League’s top offensive player after catching 82 passes for 1,451 yards and 13 touchdowns. Miller also plays cornerback.

*Player: Erik Olson School: Ventura Year: Junior Position: QB Height: 6-1 Weight: 180

Olson emerged as a standout All-Channel League quarterback after making second-team all-league last season as a free safety. Olson did an excellent job running the Cougars’ veer offense. He rushed for 790 yards and 16 touchdowns and passed for 790 yards and 11 touchdowns with five interceptions.

*Player: Albert Reddick School: Newbury Park Year: Senior Position: DB Height: 5-7 Weight: 170

A cornerback last season, Reddick made the transition to strong safety with smashing results. He is third on the team in tackles (101) and second in tackles for losses (10 1/2). Reddick also returned an interception 86 yards for a touchdown. On offense, he has rushed for 415 yards and eight touchdowns, averaging 9.0 yards a carry.

*Player: Brad Rubin School: Camarillo Year: Senior Position: OL Height: 6-2 Weight: 270

Although his best position is center, Rubin showed his versatility by playing every position along the offensive line. A Camarillo running back led the Marmonte League in rushing for the second consecutive season, and Rubin’s blocking was a big part of that success. Rubin, an all-league pick, is also adept at pass blocking.

*Player: Nathan Simmons School: Simi Valley Year: Senior Position: DB Height: 6-4 Weight: 190

Simmons had a major impact on both sides of the line of scrimmage. He was selected All-Marmonte League as a free safety after leading the team in interceptions (six) and pass deflections (seven). As a receiver, he caught seven passes for 236 yards and three touchdowns--two of which were game-winners.

*Player: Justin Simo School: Newbury Park Year: Senior Position: LB Height: 6-1 Weight: 200

Simo is the Panthers’ leader on defense. His play at middle linebacker is a big reason Newbury Park allows an average of only 12.3 points. He leads Newbury Park in tackles (145) and tackles for losses (19). Simo was selected the Marmonte League defensive player of the year and Ventura County’s top defensive back by county coaches.

*Player: Keith Smith School: Newbury Park Year: Senior Position: QB Height: 6-0 Weight: 180

The Times’ Ventura County back of the year is the best quarterback in state history--at least statistically. Smith is the all-time state passing leader with 9,715 yards. He also leads the state in passing this season, having completing 67% for 3,988 yards and 38 touchdown passes. Smith has rushed for 615 yards and 10 touchdowns.

*Player: Mike Talbot School: Westlake Year: Senior Position: LB Height: 6-1 Weight: 215

Talbot was the leader of a Warrior defense that was one of the region’s best, allowing an average of only 219 yards. Talbot, who called the Warriors’ defensive alignments, was selected All-Marmonte League while helping Westlake finish second in the league. Talbot had a team-high 103 tackles.

*Player: Mike Tetzlaff School: Westlake Year: Senior Position: DL Height: 6-3 Weight: 215

Tetzlaff caused headaches for several opposing coaches this season. Selected the Ventura County defensive lineman of the year by county coaches, Tetzlaff has the size and speed to disrupt the best-laid plans of an opposing offense. Tetzlaff had 97 tackles and two fumble recoveries and was an All-Marmonte League selection.

*Player: Jared Trefethen School: Newbury Park Year: Senior Position: DL Height: 5-11 Weight: 210

Trefethen is one of the most intense members of a Panther defense that is much improved from last season. An All-Marmonte League selection, he is fierce against the run and a strong pass rusher. Trefethen leads Newbury Park’s defensive linemen in tackles (81). He has 4 1/2 sacks and eight tackles for losses.

*Player: Jason Tucker School: Newbury Park Year: Senior Position: WR Height: 5-11 Weight: 180

The Panthers’ “other” receiver is a game-breaker in his own right. Tucker is enjoying an excellent season, having caught 66 passes for 1,176 yards (a 17.8-yard average) and 10 touchdowns. Tucker was selected All-Marmonte League as a receiver and is also one of the region’s top defensive backs.

*Player: Leodes Van Buren School: Newbury Park Year: Senior Position: WR Height: 6-1 Weight: 190

Selected The Times’ Ventura County lineman of the year for the second consecutive season, Van Buren leads the state with 96 receptions for 1,597 yards and 19 touchdowns. Van Buren is the state’s all-time receiving leader, and he comprises one half of arguably the greatest passing combination in the nation’s history.

*Player: Brian Williams School: Buena Year: Senior Position: OL Height: 6-5 Weight: 260

Williams was the leader of the county’s premier offensive line, which enabled Buena to lead the region with almost 4,000 yards rushing. Nicknamed “Tree” for obvious reasons, Williams, a guard, was selected the county’s top offensive lineman by county coaches. He has been selected All-Channel League the past two seasons.

*Coach: George Hurley School: Newbury Park Hurley says he is just lucky to be coaching the Panthers at the right time. Actually, the Panthers are lucky to have Hurley. The Times’ Ventura County coach of the year is leading Newbury Park (13-0) to one of the greatest seasons in county history. Hurley, who became head coach in 1989, has a record of 35-19-2.

Times’ All-Ventura County Football Team

FIRST-TEAM OFFENSE

Pos. Player School Ht. Wt. Yr. B Kevin Crook Westlake 6-3 200 Sr. B George Keiaho Buena 5-9 200 Sr. B Erik Olson Ventura 6-1 180 Jr. B Keith Smith Newbury Park 6-0 180 Sr. WR Billy Miller Westlake 6-3 205 Jr. WR Leodes Van Buren Newbury Park 6-1 190 Sr. WR Jason Tucker Newbury Park 5-11 180 Sr. L Sean Burdick Ventura 6-2 250 Sr. L Mark Davis Newbury Park 6-3 225 Sr. L Brad Rubin Camarillo 6-2 270 Sr. L Brian Williams Buena 6-5 260 Sr. K Rich Adams Newbury Park 5-10 180 Sr.

*

FIRST-TEAM DEFENSE

Pos. Player School Ht. Wt. Yr. DB Rommel Butler Royal 6-1 190 Sr. DB Mike Contreras Rio Mesa 5-10 160 Sr. DB Albert Reddick Newbury Park 5-7 170 Sr. DB Nathan Simmons Simi Valley 6-4 190 Sr. LB Sheldon Griffith Royal 6-3 225 Sr. LB Justin Simo Newbury Park 6-1 200 Sr. LB Mike Talbot Westlake 6-1 215 Sr. L Kris Hebert Buena 6-1 245 Sr. L Mason Meadows Ventura 6-3 200 Sr. L Mike Tetzlaff Westlake 6-3 215 Sr. L Jared Trefethen Newbury Park 5-11 210 Sr.

*

SECOND-TEAM OFFENSE

Pos. Player School Ht. Wt. Yr. B Johnny Chang Buena 5-10 180 Sr. B Junior Liufau Rio Mesa 6-1 200 Sr. B Robert Smith Camarillo 5-8 165 Sr. B Jeremie Watkins Simi Valley 6-1 180 Sr. B Bryan Wilkins Moorpark 6-0 180 Jr. TE Jason Bendinelli Buena 6-4 230 Sr. WR Ken Huggins Simi Valley 6-1 175 Sr. L Tafeaga Aina Channel Islands 6-4 270 Sr. L Todd Buchholz Oak Park 5-10 180 Sr. L Mike Hays Westlake 6-1 215 Sr. L Tony Weak Newbury Park 6-2 225 Sr. K Sean Leach Nordhoff 5-7 140 Sr.

*

SECOND-TEAM DEFENSE

Pos. Player School Ht. Wt. Yr. DB Greg Aguilar Thousand Oaks 6-0 165 Sr. DB Josh Hawkins Nordhoff 6-0 180 Jr. DB Dewayne Mathis Ventura 6-0 170 Sr. DB Mark Schwanauer Oak Park 5-11 180 Sr. LB Brett Phillips Buena 6-2 215 Sr. LB Robby Proffer Oak Park 5-11 185 Sr. LB Jesus Robles Royal 5-10 195 Sr. L John Bowers Newbury Park 6-2 195 Sr. L Bill Finnerty Moorpark 6-2 190 Sr. L Cecilio Flores Buena 6-2 205 Sr. L Eric Terrill Oxnard 6-3 240 Sr.