Andrew Schouw (left) and Iverson Fuiava will represent Segerstrom in Saturday’s all-star game. (Photo Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone)
Two Segerstrom High football players who made big contributions on both sides of the ball get to showcase their talents on defense Saturday night for the South in the 61st annual Orange County North-South Classic at Orange Coast College.
Iverson Fuiava and Andrew Schouw both played wide receiver and defensive back for the Jaguars, who finished 10-2 last season.
In Saturday’s 7 p.m game, the plan is utilize the two players in the defensive secondary. But since it’s an all-star game, anything can happen.
“Both were selected for their defensive play over the season,” said Segerstrom Coach Joseph Tagaloa. “I think that both are well deserving because of their natural athletic abilities combined with their desire to compete. I am extremely proud of their selection and am looking forward to seeing them represent Segerstrom High School.”
Both players have sold about 30 tickets each to family and friends, who will be there to cheer them on.
“It’s been good and practices have been fun,” said the 6-0, 209-pound Fuiava who had 18 catches for 324 yards and seven touchdowns this past season. “Coaches have been real strict about it.
“It means a lot the fact that I got picked out of Santa Ana school district. Not that many kids got picked and it’s a pretty good opportunity. It’s been pretty good meeting players from different schools and hearing what they have to say.”
Fuiava isn’t sure what lies ahead for him next year, but he would like to wrap up his high school career with a victory. He said he is proud of leaving with school records for most touchdowns in a season and receiving yards.
“Very important (to win) but at the same time it’s to have fun and do our thing and play as hard as we can,” he said. “I’ll most likely be on defense and playing some offense.”
The 5-11, 194-pound Schouw said he is also excited about playing in the game.
“Every single practice we’ve had for the last two weeks has been high intensity,” he said. “We always go and give it as much as we can because this is technically our last high school game that all of us get to play so we’re all out there having fun with what we’re doing and giving everything we got.”
Schouw, like Fuiava, expects to play mostly on defense, which is just fine with him.
“I’m playing strong safety and outside linebacker,” he said. “So I’ll be getting a lot of playing time at those positions. I haven’t really gotten any reps (on offense) so I’m just thinking of the defensive side and special teams.”
Schouw, who had 17 catches for 368 yards and five touchdowns and 223 yards rushing and four TDs last season, was with the Segerstrom program for four years, three as a starter.
He has some special memories of his career with the Jaguars.
“Probably leading the county with the most interceptions, which is seven and breaking the most punt returns in a season and a couple other records,” he said.
The key to the South being successful Saturday will be “communication,” Schouw said.
“We have to make sure we don’t fall apart when we make mistakes,” he said.
As for future plans…..
“Hopefully go to a four year or two year (college) and get an education and try to pursue my dreams and try to play football as well,” he said.
-Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone; timburt@ocsportszone.com
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