Three Western High football players sign to continue careers at Dakota State University

Western football coach Dan Davidson talks about his players who signed (from left) Omaha Suesue, Anthony Barbosa and Soane Motuliki. (Photo courtesy Victor Baltazar)

Three highly-successful Western High football players were honored Monday during a signing ceremony.

Coach Dan Davidson honored middle linebacker Soane Motuliki, tackle Omaha Suesue and quarterback Anthony Barbosa, who also signed to play for Dakota State University in Madison, S.D.

“Dakota State will be getting three Western High School football Prospects and I want to give a shout out to Coach Anvil Sinsabaugh for believing in our guys,” Davidson said Tuesday.

“As excited as I am of these guys on the field, I am even more proud of their character in how they carry themselves in their daily lives and being prepared for the college life ahead of them. That degree they will get from Dakota State will change not only their lives, but their entire families outlook.”

Davidson then talked about the players.

SOANE MOTULIKI: “Soane Motuliki is a four-year starter for us. He is the heart of the defense playing middle linebacker and our signal caller.  He has accumulated over 200 tackles throughout his career on defense. Soane also has flourished playing fullback for us and a major contributor in our pass protection scheme. Soane was the Orange League defensive player of the year with his quick fill of gaps and explosive big play ability.”

OMAHA SUESUE: “Omaha Suesue is a three year starter at tackle for us. He works our blindside tackle spot switching from left tackle the last two years to the right side this year with us having a left handed quarterback. How did he respond? He gave up only three pressures all year and zero sacks on his way to the Orange League lineman of the year. He also dominated the defensive line for us in controlling the run game. His transformation in his commitment to his game inspired others to follow his lead.”

ANTHONY BARBOSA: “Anthony Barbosa was the Orange League MVP this year with his dazzling plays with his arm and feet. He threw for 1,138 yards, 17 touchdowns and one pick on this shortened season as well as running for 250 plus yards and four scores. However, where Anthony will make his mark is on defense playing safety. It is not just ability to intercept the ball and take it 95 yards for a score which he did, its his fierce competitiveness that makes him an outstanding tackler in space and a game changer on the defensive side of the ball.”