May 2, 2024

OC Sports Zone: Community First

PHOTOS: OC SPORTS ZONE All-Irvine football defensive team

Northwood’s Xavier Cousar (No. 76) was the defensive MVP. (Photos: Fernando M. Donado, For OC Sports Zone)

MVP: Xavier Cousar, Northwood (Please click here for story and picture)

LB: Jerel Coleman, Beckman: “Jarel put together a heck of a season,” said Coach Marcello Giuliano. “He led the PCL in tackles at middle linebacker, was a key blocker at tight end, and was clutch on third-down receptions.  Jarel played with a ton of energy and joy for the game, and that presence on the field will be missed.”

LB: Max Tipple, Woodbridge: “Max was a three-year starter at LB/DL,” said Coach Rick Gibson. “He left the program with 136 tackles and 12 sacks. Max was also our Co-MVP offense this year with 89 rushes for 509 yards and an additional nine receptions for 109 yards. Max had seven TDS this year.”

Please click on the first photo to see the slide show

LB: Ezra Aguirre, Woodbridge:  “Ezra was a two-year starter his career tackles were 128 tackles with six sacks,” said Coach Rick Gibson. “He was our most consistent player over the last two years. His work ethic will be missed.”

LB: Max Tait, Northwood: “He was seventh in the PCL total tackles and 15th for sacks in the PCL,” said Coach Paige Nobles. “Max is a dominant linebacker for his size. Max was a huge reason why our defense was so successful.”

DL: Jose Herrera, Beckman: “Jose was a three-year starter for us at defensive line, led the line in sacks and turnovers, and got to finish his career with every defensive lineman’s dream: a pick-six in his last game,” said Coach Marcello Giuiliano. “He was also a force in special teams by leading our team in blocked kicks over the last two seasons, which is pretty unusual for a lineman. We will really miss his impact plays.”

DL: Brian Choobin, University: ” He was a second year varsity starter for the Trojans and led the team in tackles (108) and sacks (six),” said Coach Chris Hernandez. “He played every game, and was a leader on the team.  He played defensive tackle and nose guard.”

DL: Salah Balkis, University: “He was a second year starter for the Trojans and won our ‘King of Spring Award’ back in May,” said Coach Chris Hernandez. “He played with a high motor, and was all over the field.  In nine games he had 74 tackles and three sacks.”

DL: Jared Van Haeren, Portola: “Jared was a dynamic pass-rusher who demanded attention from opposing offenses,” said Coach Peter Abe. “He was a  two-year senior starter at defensive end, who led the team in sacks (five) and fumble recoveries (two).  He has size, strength, speed, and a relentless motor to get after the ball and our team’s first ever collegiate football commitment to Concordia University, St. Paul. We are excited and looking forward to watching his growth and development as he now prepares to play on Saturday mornings for the 2020 season and beyond.”

DB: Owen Lucas, Woodbridge: “Owen was our starting safety this year,” said Coach Rick Gibson. “He led this year’s team with 82 tackles. He is athletic and he leads by example. Owen will be a key component on next year’s team.”

DB: Jackson Baker, Northwood: “Jackson was 16th in total tackles in the PCL, 94th in Division 12, first in interceptions in the PCL, seventh in Division 12 and 63rd in the Southern Section,” said Coach Paige Nobles. “Jackson also holds a school record for most interceptions (two) in a game.”

DB: Ethan Duong, Northwood: “Ethan was  47th in the PCL for total tackles with multiple tackles for loss along with multiple hurries,” said Coach Paige Nobles.

DB: Kaveh Wojtowich, Portola: “He was a senior two-way starter who led the team in solo tackles (31) and interceptions (four),” said Coach Peter Abe.  “He’s another jack of all trades, as Kaveh never comes off the field for our team. He also leads our team in receptions and all-purpose yards (1,176 yards), accounting for 770 yards receiving and nine TDs (including one scoring interception return).  He is multi-faceted as a kicker/punter as well as a kick/punt returner who will be tough to replace when working to secure advantageous field position. He’s a three-sport scholar-athlete (4.16), student leadership, school club leadership, and consistent service to his community… A true role-model for younger generations for how to work for and produce excellence in all arenas of life.”

DB: Andre Quiroz, Portola: “He was a two-year varsity starter, junior defensive back and first team All-PCL (player) whom we relied on to cover team’s number one offensive deep threat,” said Coach Peter Abe. “He came up with clutch defensive stops and interceptions in league to give our team great field position, ultimately sealing the outright league championship in Week 10 on the last play of the game in the few 1-on-1 targets attempted his direction. A confident, consistent competitor… Andre is exciting to watch on game day, never backing down from a challenge.  Looking forward to seeing his game expand to the offensive side of the ball as he steps more into a leadership role as our first class of seniors passes down the Bulldog Legacy to our junior class.”

DB: Josh Carter, Beckman: “Josh was kind of our Swiss Army Knife this season,” said Coach Marcello Giuliano. “He was a coverage guy at safety, dropped into the box to defend the run, and blitzed to pressure QBs; on offense played tailback and wide receiver, and threw a TD pass to win us a game in the pre-season. He was also co-MVP and a captain, so his loss will be felt in a lot of different areas of the team.”

-Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone; timburt@ocsportszone.com