OFFENSIVE TEAM

Jared Bazar / Hart

- 6-0, 180, Sr.

- Receiver

- The two-time All-Southern Section selection was the top receiver in Hart’s high-octane, run-and-shoot offense. He had a team-high 66 receptions for 1,308 yards and 14 touchdowns for the two-time Division III champions.

*

James Norris / Kennedy

- 5-6, 145, Jr.

- Receiver

- Norris was the breakaway threat in Kennedy’s spread offense, scoring 24 touchdowns and four two-point conversions. He had a school-record 80 catches for 1,186 yards and was a dangerous kick returner.

*

Scott Arnold / Canyon

- 6-5, 290, Sr.

- Line

- The All-Foothill League selection was a standout blocker in a double-wing offense for the Cowboys, who averaged a league-best 240 yards rushing per game and advanced to the Division III quarterfinals.

*

Ken Bowman / St. Francis

- 6-2, 225, Sr.

- Line

- Whether clearing the way for tailback Matthew Milton or providing time for quarterback John Sciarra, Bowman emerged as a top blocker. He used his quickness and technique to support one of the region’s most dangerous offenses.

*

Joe Kusumi / Hart

- 6-1, 255, Sr.

- Line

- Among the region’s best centers and one of only two returning starters on the Indians’ offensive line, Kusumi provided crisp, reliable snaps and solid blocking for an offense that averaged 405.5 yards per game.

*

Steve Nevarez / San Fernando

- 6-4, 285, Sr.

- Line

- A repeat All-Valley choice, Nevarez was the City’s most dominant blocker the last two seasons. He became a two-way player this season and excelled at defensive end, helping San Fernando to a 9-2 record.

*

Casey Clausen/ Alemany

- 6-4, 215, Sr.

- Quarterback

- Despite facing the toughest schedule in the region, Clausen led the Indians to the Division I quarterfinals, passing for 2,690 yards and 29 touchdowns. He has committed to Tennessee.

*

Kyle Matter / Hart

- 6-3, 185, Jr.

- Quarterback

- Matter handled his rookie varsity season like a veteran, becoming Hart’s 11th quarterback in 15 consecutive seasons to earn All-Southern Section honors. He completed 67% of his passes for 3,774 yards and 48 touchdowns.

*

Jermaine Marshall / Kilpatrick

- 6-0, 215, Sr.

- Running back

- Marshall set the state season rushing record with 3,586 yards and scored 57 touchdowns, two shy of the state mark, in leading the Mustangs to the Division XII final. He was the Alpha League offensive player of the year.

*

Jose Duarte / highland

- 5-8, 150, Jr.

- Kicker

- Also a soccer standout, Duarte maintained the Bulldogs’ tradition of quality kickers by making 14 of 18 field-goal attempts, including a school-record 54-yarder.

DEFENSIVE TEAM

Kaelen Jakes / Valencia

- 6-4, 250, Jr.

- Line

- Opponents who attempted to run between the tackles found Jakes a tough obstacle at nose guard. He was the Vikings’ second-leading tackler and also played frequently at offensive guard for the Division III runners-up.

*

Travis Johnson / Notre dame

- 6-5, 270, Sr.

- Line

- The region’s most-feared defensive lineman recorded 14 sacks and blocked four kicks. In three years, Johnson had 44 sacks while earning a reputation as one of the best players in the nation.

*

Ray Cassaday / Valencia

- 6-2, 220, Sr.

- Linebacker

- Bound for UCLA, Cassaday led the Vikings in tackles, had three inteceptions and was the centerpiece of a defense that allowed 256 yards a game. He averaged 5.4 yards a carry at fullback.

*

Alec Moss / Notre Dame

- 6-2, 200, Sr.

- Linebacker

- Playing furiously on every down, Moss finished with 12 sacks and two fumble recoveries for one of the region’s toughest defenses. He was known for coming through with big plays in key moments.

*

Paul Soto / Highland

- 6-2, 240, Sr.

- Linebacker

- The Golden League defensive player of the year, Soto seemed to make or contribute to nearly every tackle for the Bulldogs in leading them to their first outright league championship.

*

Robert Watts / Paraclete

- 6-4, 210, Sr.

- Linebacker

- Nicknamed the Raptor, Watts dominated Division XII offenses from sideline to sideline and helped the Spirits become the first team from the area since 1986 to win three consecutive section championships.

*

David Contreras / Sylmar

- 5-7, 190, Sr.

- Back

- A versatile leader, Contreras was a feared hitter. He returned two interceptions 89 yards, rushed for 1,515 yards and scored 145 points with 18 touchdowns, four field goals and two- and one-point conversions.

*

Derek Goodman / Alemany

- 5-9, 150, Sr.

- Back

- The fearless Goodman guarded the best receivers man-to-man and shut down most of them, finishing with three interceptions. He also was a big-play receiver with 68 catches for 1,221 yards and 14 touchdowns.

*

David Parker / Saugus

- 6-1, 185, Sr.

- Back

- Saugus’ best cornerback was a top-rated quarterback who had a hand in 50 touchdowns. He passed for 3,203 yards and 42 touchdowns, rushed for eight scores and led the Division III Centurions to their first playoff semifinal.

*

Rodney Woods / Littlerock

- 5-10, 175, Sr.

- Back

- A two-way threat, Woods rushed for 1,510 yards and 16 touchdowns and anchored the Lobos’ secondary. The Golden League back of the year as a junior has five recruiting visits scheduled, including Nebraska.

COACHING STAFF OF THE YEAR

Hart Head Coach: Mike Herrington

Assistants: Rick Herrington, Dean Herrington, Dan Houghton, Mike Halcovich, John Ahart.