March 28, 2024

OC Sports Zone: Community First

OC Sports Zone All-Irvine Football offensive team

The All-Irvine offensive team (from left), first row, overall MVP Jacob Nash, Woodbridge; Offensive MVP Marc Filia, Irvine; Kyle Hurry, Woodbridge; Jaden Piazza, Northwood; Thomas Keeling, University; Elyjah Rush, Woodbridge; Omar Abdullah, Beckman; and Eddie Castillo, University; second row, Bryce Tanikawa, Irvine; Seth Locke, Northwood; Travis Arena, Northwood; Luke Demaio, Northwood; Kaveh Wojtowich, Portola; Matt Ploof, Woodbridge; Jared Ayvazian, Woodbridge; and Kyle Wray, Woodbridge.

MVP: Marc Filia, Irvine (click here for the story)

To see the slide show, please click on the first photo

QB: Kyle Hurry, Woodbridge: Hurry had 151 completions for 1,868 yards and 17 touchdowns. “He was one of the best leaders we have ever had at WHS,” said Woodbridge Coach Rick Gibson. “His hard work and will to compete made him a huge success this year: his nine touchdowns and one interception in league was one of the main reasons we were undefeated in league.”

QB: Jaden Piazza, Northwood: Piazza had some big games for the Timberwolves and helped the team reach the second round of the CIF Division 12 playoffs. The junior completed 97 of 221 passes for 1,341 yards and 14 touchdowns. “He has really improved this season and is a great leader for us even as a junior,” said co-offensive coordinator Dan Selway. “The two things that stand out to me is that he has been at his best when his team needed him most, the big Irvine game and the second half of the playoff game have been his two best performances.”

QB: Thomas Keeling, University: Keeling, a senior, was the team MVP and threw for more than 1,000 yards, said former Uni Coach Scott Meyer. “Thomas got better and better for us each week of the season this year,” Meyer said. “In league play he used both his arm and his legs as he lead our offense. He is committed to Colby College and I believe he is going to continue to grow and do great things at Colby.”

RB: Elyjah Rush, Woodbridge: The senior rushed for 605 yards on 82 carries with six touchdowns and had 41 receptions for 493 yards and three touchdowns. “He was one of the most exciting players ever to wear the red and gold,” said Coach Rick Gibson. “He turned average plays into huge gainers. He sacrificed this year by moving to running back as his natural position is receiver. He played and contributed in all facets of the game. He will play on Saturdays if he chooses to do so.”

RB: Omar Abdullah, Beckman: Abdullah, a senior, rushed for 740 yards and eight touchdowns for the Patriots and also had 25 catches for 325 yards and four touchdowns. “Omar was a heart-and-soul guy for this team, as well as a big play maker,” said Coach Marcello Guiliano. “He was extremely versatile for a running back, powerful in short yardage, fast in the open field, a great screen guy, and also a passing threat down the field. He was a terrific offensive player.”

RB: Eddie Castillo, University: Castillo, a senior, led the league in rushing with 719 yards. “He was the University offensive player of the year,” said former Uni Coach Scott Meyer. “Eddie Castillo was a very physical downhill runner for us this year. He was the league rushing leader in the PCL and helped our team to some big nights running the ball. Eddie’s physicality helped give our offense an identity and set the tone for our team.”

WR Bryce Tanikawa, Irvine: Tanikawa had 41 catches for 510 yards and four touchdowns and broke two career receiving records at Irvine. “He is a valuable asset in all three phases of the game as a receiver, defensive back, kicker and punter,” said former Irvine Coach Erik Terry. “Bryce possesses great athleticism but it is his work ethic that really stands out. He is always seeking out opportunities to improve his skill set through extra training sessions.  Bryce broke two career receiving records that have stood for over 20 years. His work ethic extends to the classroom as well where he has established himself as a scholar-athlete and has created the opportunity to play football at the next level.”

WR: Seth Locke, Northwood: Locke did it all for the Timberwolves on offense. “He had 41 receptions, a team high for 608 yards, four touchdowns and threw for four touchdowns,” said former Northwood Coach Pete Mitchell. “He had a 75 percent throwing percentage and a 156 quarterback rating.”

WR: Travis Arena, Northwood: The sophomore was one of the top receivers on the Northwood team. “He had 37 receptions for 637 yards and a team high seven touchdowns,” said former Coach Pete Mitchell.

WR: Luke Demaio, Northwood: “Luke was a really good leader for us,” said co-offensive coordinator Dan Selway. “He had a great senior season.” Luke Demaio had 24 catches for 378 yards and five touchdowns for the Timberwolves.

WR: Kaveh Wojtowich, Portola: “He has size, speed/agility, hands and strength,” said Coach Peter Abe. “Kaveh was the total package athletically for the Bulldogs in 2018.  As the school’s first four-sport scholar-athlete, Kaveh sparked big plays as a starter on both sides of the ball at wide-out, defensive back, returner, and kicker/punter.  This first team all-league recipient lead our team in scoring, receiving, and all-purpose yardage.”

OL: Matt Ploof, Woodbridge: “He played left tackle offensively and also played on our defensive line and was a two-year starter,” said Coach Rick Gibson. “His work ethic and willingness to do whatever he could to help the team made him invaluable. Consistency and leadership are words I think of when describing Matt.”

OL: Jared Ayvazian, Woodbridge: “A left guard, Jared was a two-year starter who was extremely athletic for his position,” said Coach Rick Gibson. “We were able to run specific plays due to his athleticism. Leader and selfless best describe him.”

OL: Kyle Wray, Woodbridge: “A right guard and two-year starter trustworthy and consistent are what best describes Kyle’s play,” said Coach Rick GIbson. “He was a student of the game and was also very coachable.”

THE OC SPORTS ZONE ALL-IRVINE DEFENSIVE TEAM