1993 Prep Football All-Stars : San Pedro’s Stars Shine Brightest in an Up Year for Talent : Prep football: City Section 3-A Division finalist Pirates place four players on all-star first team. Hawthorne and Peninsula each place three.

As usual, the talent pool for selecting The Times’ South Bay All-Star football team was deep and diverse.

“There are quite a number of Division I players out there,” said Richard Estrada, who covers the South Bay area for Para-Dies Scouting. “The talent level in the South Bay definitely came up a little bit this year, as you can tell by the amount of teams that went far (in the playoffs).”

Mira Costa, San Pedro, Carson and Hawthorne will play in section championship games either Friday or Saturday. Eleven players from the four finalists were chosen to The Times’ first team.

Estrada said it was an especially strong year for offensive linemen and defensive backs, as well as the junior class. Five juniors were selected to the first team, four on defense.

Players named to the 23-player first team, along with their parents and coaches, will be guests of The Times at an awards breakfast at 9 a.m. Sunday at the Guest Quarters Hotel in Santa Monica. Winners of the South Bay back, lineman and coach of the year awards will be announced at the breakfast.

San Pedro tops the all-star squad with four selections. The Pirates (12-1), who play Fremont (11-2) in the City Section 3-A Division championship game at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Gardena High, are represented on the first team by wide receiver Bryan Castaneda, offensive tackle Phillip McIlvain, strong safety Willie Birl and kicker Mike DiMassa.

Hawthorne and Peninsula each placed three players on the team, and Carson, Mira Costa and West Torrance are each represented by two players.

Hawthorne (12-1), which will defend its Southern Section Division III title against Newbury Park (13-0) at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Moorpark College, placed offensive tackle David Camacho, defensive tackle Daniel Dorsey and free safety Omarr Morgan on the first team. The Cougars also had four players selected to the second team, giving them seven all-stars, the most of any team.

Peninsula, the Bay League runner-up to Hawthorne, is represented on the first team by offensive guard John Welbourn, tailback James Durroh and linebacker Tony Persichina.

Carson (9-4), which plays Pacific League rival Dorsey (10-3) in the City 4-A final at 1 p.m. Saturday at El Camino College, is represented by versatile junior Joseph Redmond, an all-purpose selection, and free safety Pa’a Pepe.

Mira Costa, the area’s Cinderella team, placed two players on the first team--offensive tackle Tate McCallister and defensive tackle Phil Fonua. The Mustangs (12-1), enjoying their best season ever, will play Rancho Alamitos (9-3-1) in the Division VII final at 7:30 p.m. Friday at El Camino College.

Pioneer League co-champion West Torrance is represented by offensive tackle Ryan Winkler and free safety Jim Yates.

Rounding out the offensive unit are wide receiver Carlos Bryant of Torrance, quarterback Rocky Jackson of Pioneer League co-champion North Torrance and running back Bob Cracknell of Redondo.

The remainder of the defensive unit is composed of tackle Matt Jasik of El Segundo and linebackers Milford Kinnard of Serra, Charlie Phillips of Banning and Aaron Williams of Leuzinger.

Here is a position-by-position look at The Times’ 1993 All-South Bay team:

WIDE RECEIVERS

Carlos Bryant (Torrance)--The Tartars’ fastest player, Bryant led the area in receiving during the regular season with 53 catches for 674 yards and seven touchdowns in 10 games. Also a dangerous return specialist, he averaged 23 yards on kickoff and punt returns. He was selected to the Pioneer League first team.

Bryan Castaneda (San Pedro)--Named Southern League offensive player of the year, Castaneda leads the area with 57 catches for 857 yards and six TDs. Including rushing, passing and kick returns, the 5-foot-6, 145-pound senior has gained 1,621 all-purpose yards, nearly half of the Pirates’ total. Also an outstanding defensive back, he has seven interceptions.

OFFENSIVE LINEMEN

David Camacho (Hawthorne)--The largest all-star at 6-foot-7 and 300 pounds, Camacho has been a two-year starter at tackle on the area’s most productive offense. His blocking has helped the Cougars rush for more than 3,000 yards this season. “I would compare this line with any line we’ve had,” Coach Dan Robbins said. Camacho was named to the Bay League first team.

Tate McCallister (Mira Costa)--A three-year varsity starter, McCallister has been a catalyst behind Mira Costa’s best season ever by opening holes for a successful running game. The guard was named to the Ocean League first team. “He’s got the size and talent to play Division I football,” Coach Don Morrow said. He plays tackle on defense.

Phillip McIlvain (San Pedro)--A two-time Southern League choice at tackle, McIlvain has used his power and speed to help San Pedro’s offense average more than 300 yards a game. “He’s the most knowledgeable blocker I’ve ever had,” Coach Mike Walsh said. “He’s good at reading defenses and he can play any tackle or guard spot.” McIlvain also starts on defense.

John Welbourn (Peninsula)--One of the area’s most sought-after prospects, Welbourn will visit Nebraska this weekend and has recruiting trips planned to UCLA, Colorado and USC. His blocking at guard helped Peninsula rush for 3,026 yards in 12 games, and earned him a place on the Bay League first team. He also excelled at defensive tackle.

Ryan Winkler (West Torrance)--”A very aggressive run blocker,” West Coach Kerry Crabb said of Winkler, the Warriors’ strong-side tackle. “He commands a tremendous amount of respect because of his strength.” A Pioneer League first-team choice, Winkler put his strength to good use by anchoring the offensive and defensive lines. He had 81 tackles and two sacks.

QUARTERBACK

Rocky Jackson (North Torrance)--Named Pioneer League offensive player of the year, Jackson helped the Saxons tie West for the league title. He completed 148 of 278 passes (53%) for an area-leading 2,001 yards and 14 TDs. He also was a threat as a runner, and contributed at defensive back, finishing with three interceptions and six pass deflections.

RUNNING BACKS

Bob Cracknell (Redondo)--Named most outstanding player in the Ocean League, Cracknell had an exceptional all-around season for a team that finished 4-7. He led the area in rushing with 1,709 yards in 219 carries, a 7.8-yard average, and scored 19 TDs. He also was impressive at defensive back, leading Redondo with five interceptions.

James Durroh (Peninsula)--Named Bay League offensive player of the year, Durroh rushed for 1,424 yards and 18 TDs for the run-oriented Panthers despite being benched early in several one-sided victories. He averaged 8.8 yards a carry, tops among area backs with more than 100 carries. He led the South Bay in rushing the past two seasons with 2,814 yards.

ALL-PURPOSE

Joseph Redmond (Carson)--Named offensive player of the year in the Pacific League, Redmond is the first Carson player to score by rushing, receiving and returning punts and kickoffs in one season. The junior, a starting wingback, leads the team with 26 catches for 536 yards and four TDs, and has averaged 29 yards on 22 kick returns. His four kick returns for TDs set a school record previously held by Wesley Walker, the former New York Jet receiver. Redmond has 1,316 all-purpose yards and 10 TDs. In addition, he plays defensive back and has 68 tackles and one interception.

KICKER

Mike DiMassa (San Pedro)--A two-time Southern League selection, DiMassa has six field goals in eight attempts, including three covering more than 40 yards. His 45-yard field goal was the difference in the Pirates’ 10-7 victory over Carson. He has averaged 58.8 yards on kickoffs and 35.4 yards on punts, with a long of 61 yards. He’s also a standout soccer player.

DEFENSIVE LINEMEN

Daniel Dorsey (Hawthorne)--”The best defensive lineman in the area,” Coach Dan Robbins said of Dorsey, a two-time Bay League selection. He leads the Cougars with 16 tackles for losses, including 11 sacks, and has caused six fumbles and recovered three. He teams with 6-1, 305-pound junior Alex Maimot to form an imposing tandem at defensive tackle.

Phil Fonua (Mira Costa)--One of the area’s most physical players, the 6-2, 265-pound Fonua has been a disruptive force at tackle. He leads the Mustangs with 16 sacks and has 41 tackles, 10 assists and two caused fumbles. Also a starter at fullback or wingback, he has rushed for 403 yards and 15 TDs mostly in short-yardage situations, and has 16 catches for 258 yards and four TDs.

Matt Jasik (El Segundo)--Although his team was 1-4 in the Pioneer League, Jasik was named the league’s defensive co-player of the year because of his aggressive play at tackle. The junior led the Eagles with 69 tackles, eight sacks and six blocked kicks. He also excelled at offensive guard. “He’s a sprinter playing the line,” Coach Craig Cousins said.

LINEBACKERS

Milford Kinnard (Serra)--Named defensive player of the year in the Camino Real League, Kinnard helped the Cavaliers finish in a three-way tie for the league title with his dominant play at inside linebacker. He led Serra with 125 tackles, including 25 in one game.

Tony Persichina (Peninsula)--Named Bay League defensive player of the year, Persichina led the Panthers with 74 tackles. He also had two interceptions, including one returned for a TD. A tough, two-way starter, he was Peninsula’s second-leading rusher with 657 yards and four TDs playing fullback and tailback. “He was our emotional leader,” Coach Gary Kimbrell said.

Charlie Phillips (Banning)--The top-rated player for Banning, Phillips had a team-leading 90 tackles on a defense that gave up 148 yards a game and shut out 3-A Division finalist San Pedro and 4-A finalist Dorsey. In addition, he had one interception, six pass deflections and two forced fumbles.

Aaron Williams (Leuzinger)--One of the area’s top juniors, Williams rarely came off the field for the Olympians, playing offense, defense and on special teams. “He was our iron man,” Coach Fred Boehm said. Williams was the team’s leading tackler, averaging eight unassisted stops a game. He also excelled at tight end, finishing with 12 catches for 345 yards and four TDs.

DEFENSIVE BACKS

Willie Birl (San Pedro)--Named defensive player of the year in the Southern League, Birl has helped the Pirates reach two consecutive 3-A Division finals with his aggressive play at strong safety. He leads the team with 96 tackles, 68 unassisted, and has 12 pass deflections. He’s also the leading tackler on special teams, and returns kicks and plays backup tailback.

Omarr Morgan (Hawthorne)--Named Bay League most valuable player, Morgan has excelled on both sides of the ball. As starting free safety, he ranks second on the Cougars in tackles (142) and interceptions (six). Offensively, he has 709 all-purpose yards and 15 TDs as a running back, wide receiver and kick returner. With Morgan in the lineup, Hawthorne is 16-1 and 7-0 in the playoffs over two seasons.

Pa’a Pepe (Carson)--The leading player on the area’s top-rated defense, Pepe has gained a reputation for big plays and big hits as the Colts’ free safety. He leads the team with four interceptions and five pass deflections, and ranks third with 92 tackles. His older brother James, a former Carson linebacker, was The Times’ 1992 South Bay lineman of the year.

Jim Yates (West Torrance)--Named defensive co-player of the year in the Pioneer League, Yates was active from his free safety position, leading the Warriors with 110 tackles, including three sacks. He had two interceptions and two blocked kicks. In addition, he started at tight end and had nine catches for 168 yards. The junior is one of the area’s most versatile athletes, also excelling at baseball and soccer.

1993 Prep Football All-Stars

OFFENSE Player: Carlos Bryant Position: Wide Receiver School: Torrance Height: 5-10 Weight: 165 Year: Senior *Player: Bryan Castaneda Position: Wide Receiver School: San Pedro Height: 5-6 Weight: 145 Year: Senior *Player: David Camacho Position: Lineman School: Hawthorne Height: 6-7 Weight: 300 Year: Senior *Player: Tate McCallister Position: Lineman School: Mira Costa Height: 6-4 Weight: 265 Year: Senior *Player: Phillip McIIvain Position: Lineman School: San Pedro Height: 6-3 Weight: 250 Year: Senior *Player: John Welbourn Position: Lineman School: Peninsula Height: 6-6 Weight: 275 Year: Senior *Player: Ryan Winkler Position: Lineman School: West Torrance Height: 6-3 Weight: 270 Year: Senior *Player: Rocky Jackson Position: Quarterback School: North Torrance Height: 6-0 Weight: 175 Year: Senior *Player: James Durroh Position: Running Back School: Peninsula Height: 5-8 Weight: 190 Year: Senior *Player: Bob Cracknell Position: Running Back School: Redondo Height: 6-0 Weight: 185 Year: Senior *Player: Joseph Redmond Position: All-Purpose School: Carson Height: 6-0 Weight: 185 Year: Junior

*Player: Mike DiMassa Position: Kicker School: San Pedro Height: 5-10 Weight: 160 Year: Senior *

Defense

Player: Daniel Dorsey Position: Lineman School: Hawthorne Height: 6-1 Weight: 285 Year: Senior *Player: Phil Fonua Position: Lineman School: Mira Costa Height: 6-2 Weight: 265 Year: Junior *Player: Matt Jasik Position: Lineman School: El Segundo Height: 6-0 Weight: 190 Year: Junior *Player: Milford Kinnard Position: Linebacker School: Serra Height: 6-3 Weight: 230 Year: Senior *Player: Tony Persichina Position: Linebacker School: Peninsula Height: 5-10 Weight: 180 Year: Senior *Player: Charlie Phillips Position: Linebacker School: Banning Height: 6-0 Weight: 200 Year: Senior *Player: Aaron Williams Position: Linebacker School: Leuzinger Height: 6-4 Weight: 230 Year: Junior *Player: Willie Birl Position: Back School: San Pedro Height: 5-11 Weight: 185 Year: Senior *Player: Omarr Morgan Position: Back School: Hawthorne Height: 5-9 Weight: 165 Year: Senior *Player: Pa’a Pepe Position: Back School: Carson Height: 6-1 Weight: 195 Year: Senior *Player: Jim Yates Position: Back School: West Torrance Height: 6-2 Weight: 200 Year: Junior

*

South Bay Second Team

OFFENSE

Player School Yr. Ht. Wt. Pos Ryan Chung South Torrance Sr. 5-11 175 WR Ryan Delapina North Torrance Sr. 5-9 170 WR Greg Cukrov San Pedro Sr. 6-3 255 L Mike Fransz El Segundo Sr. 6-2 225 L Andrew Lalau Banning Jr. 6-0 260 L Matt Redman Peninsula Sr. 6-7 290 L Rene Sandoval Hawthorne Sr. 6-1 265 L Ramon Rogers Carson Jr. 6-0 170 QB Eric Chaney Hawthorne Sr. 5-8 185 RB Kapono Tumale South Torrance Sr. 5-11 180 RB Lacy Watkins North Torrance Sr. 5-11 185 AP Jaime Torres Banning Sr. 5-11 185 K

*

DEFENSE

Player School Yr. Ht. Wt. Pos Michael Carey Carson Sr. 6-2 215 L Miguel Prieto Mira Costa Sr. 5-11 230 L John Toavalu Banning Jr. 6-0 265 L Chris Asuega San Pedro Sr. 5-9 190 LB Fa’avae Fa’avae Carson Jr. 5-10 180 LB Keith Harter Peninsula Sr. 6-4 220 LB Ka’vika Purcell Hawthorne Jr. 6-2 220 LB Otto Daniel Serra Sr. 5-10 185 DB Kelvin Hunter Hawthorne Jr. 5-9 165 DB Jason Simmons Leuzinger Sr. 5-11 175 DB Eric Whitfield Banning Jr. 6-2 190 DB