ALL-VALLEY TEAM : OFFENSIVE BACKS

First-year starter Davis Delmatoff took over a Hart passing attack that had racked up more than 4,000 yards under Ryan Connors in 1991, and Delmatoff more than held his own. He threw a state-high 36 touchdown passes and passed for 3,196 yards, the third-highest mark in the state. He completed 58.7% of his passes and threw only 11 interceptions in 327 passes.

Eliel Swinton had the most successful season of any area player in terms of reaching personal and team goals. The tailback helped lead undefeated Montclair Prep to the Southern Section Division IX title by scoring two touchdowns in a 35-7 rout of Bishop Diego in the final. Swinton finished with 2,384 yards, the highest total posted by a Valley running back. He gained 150 yards or more in every game.

He was, indisputably, the Chargers’ lightning bolt. Just how valuable was tailback Scott Mitchell to the Agoura rushing attack? Mitchell ran for 1,717 of Agoura’s 2,099 rushing yards, 82% of the team’s total ground attack. He also scored 19 touchdowns, the second-highest total in the competitive Marmonte League.

Taft went from 0-8-1 in 1991 to the City Section 3-A Division final this fall. Tailback Jerry Brown carried most of the load and deserves much of the credit. Brown, a sophomore, rushed for 1,731 yards and scored 16 touchdowns. Brown, one of several talented Taft underclassmen, was unanimously selected the City 3-A player of the year.

RECEIVER

How surprising. The region’s most pass-happy school again has produced an All-Valley receiver. In many alignments, wideout Jared Halverson of Hart was one of five potential receivers. But he was inarguably the big-play guy. Halverson made 43 receptions--10 for touchdowns--and averaged 17.0 yards a catch.

OFFENSIVE LINE

David Pratchard was the anchor of Canyon’s run-rooted offense, leading the way for tailback Ed Williams (1,429 yards). Pratchard, an All-Golden League selection, is one of two juniors on the All-Valley offensive line. Canyon Coach Harry Welch refers to Pratchard as “the next great Canyon lineman.” He isn’t bad right now.

Jason Rempel of Calabasas is building impressive credentials. Only a junior, Rempel is “the best lineman I’ve ever coached,” Calabasas Coach Larry Edwards said. Rempel is an ideal blend of strength and agility. The Frontier League lineman of the year can bench-press 300 pounds and squat 600. Said Edwards: “He’s a blue-chip player.”

An offensive lineman as a league MVP? That speaks volumes about the abilities of Lonny Neuhaus of Poly, who shared the East Valley League award with Tyrone Pierce of Sylmar. Neuhaus, an All-City 4-A selection, opened holes for a Parrot running attack that racked up 2,407 yards in 10 games.

They don’t come much bigger than Monroe’s Jabarha Henry, easily the tallest player on the All-Valley team. At his size (6-foot-7, 268 pounds), it is no surprise that Henry did not allow a sack. He is an All-City 3-A selection.

KICKER

What more could a coach ask for? Hart kicker Tim Cronk was almost perfect playing for the region’s most prolific offense. He made five of six field-goal attempts and converted 46 of 48 point-after kicks for the Indians. Fatigue alone could account for the misses. He also put 63% of his kickoffs into the end zone.

DEFENSIVE LINE

Sylmar’s Art Larrea was the man in the middle of the region’s best City Section defense. Sylmar allowed an average of 170 yards a game en route to the school’s first 4-A championship. Even though Sylmar lost, 31-10, to Bishop Amat in the CIF/Reebok Bowl game, the Spartans held Bishop Amat to only 52 rushing yards. Larrea is an All-City 4-A selection.

In the past, when Granada Hills employed a pass-based offense, free spirit Faio Emelio might not have been utilized nearly as well. As a fullback in this season’s run-oriented attack, he opened huge holes for backfield mates Tremain Foriest (779 yards) and Raheem Kyle (501). As a defensive end, he was practically immovable. Emelio also is an All-City 4-A selection.

Alemany struggled through a 1-8-1 season, but when Del Rey League coaches compared notes when handing out postseason accolades, Paul Sauter was on everyone’s list. Sauter was named to the all-league team on both offense and defense--quite an honor in a league that includes powers Bishop Amat and Loyola.

LINEBACKERS

When coaches in the Golden League were asked to nominate players for postseason honors, Heath Renfro of league-champion Antelope Valley showed up on several ballots. And rightfully so. The two-way standout excelled at linebacker and running back, led the Antelopes in scoring (56 points) and was second in rushing (458 yards). He also caught 10 passes for 133 yards.

When Tyrone Pierce of Sylmar sacked Bishop Amat quarterback Mike Smith with a punishing tackle in the CIF/Reebok Bowl game, Spartan fans gasped. When it was shown on the Anaheim Stadium replay screen, they cheered. When they realize that Pierce’s career at Sylmar has come to an end, they might just cry. Pierce was named the East Valley League co-MVP and is an All-City 4-A selection.

Many times, the line between Pierce and teammate George Brazil blurred. They are of virtually identical size. Both played outside linebacker. They took turns burying quarterbacks on blitzes. Both will be aggressively pursued by college recruiters. Both will be sorely missed by Sylmar. Brazil also was named to the All-City 4-A team.

A two-way standout who also played on the offensive line, Brian Powers of Chaminade was selected Mission League lineman of the year. He led a high-powered offense that produced Justin Giovannettone (1,474 yards) and Franklin Saunders (930). Variety is his game: Powers was a Times All-Valley baseball selection last spring.

DEFENSIVE BACKS

Jibri Hodge of Saugus finished the season with a Foothill League-high four interceptions. But his value also was measured at receiver, where he caught 44 passes for 753 yards and five touchdowns. He is considered one of the elite players in the talent-rich Santa Clarita Valley and accounted for nearly one-third of the team’s passing yardage.

Bobby Cowan of Saugus is another two-way standout. Cowan ranked among regional and state passing leaders all season and thrived in Saugus’ wing T attack. Cowan, who was an All-Valley baseball selection as a pitcher last spring, passed for 2,201 yards and 26 touchdowns. With Cowan at the helm, Saugus averaged 367 yards a game.

Tyrone Crenshaw of Sylmar, of course, is better known as one of the region’s premier tailbacks. Nonetheless, he had his moments defensively and intercepted a pass in Sylmar’s 17-0 victory over Carson in the City 4-A final. Despite playing most of the season on a fractured ankle, he rushed for 1,875 yards to lead area City backs. He also was selected the City 4-A player of the year.

Colleges recruiters figure to be battling over Hart’s John McLaughlin next season. McLaughlin (6-4, 215) literally stands heads and shoulders above most defensive backs. Few other players from the area are blessed with the size of a linebacker and the speed of the quickest receiver. McLaughlin is not afraid to stick, either: He had 69 tackles from his cornerback position.

All-Valley Second Team

OFFENSE

Player School Pos Yr. Ht. Wt. Terrence Zenno Palmdale B Sr. 6-2 185 Ed Williams Canyon B Jr. 5-9 160 Leon Blunt San Fernando B Jr 5-9 170 Justin Giovannettone Chaminade B Sr. 5-10 175 Ray Gerena Crespi OL Sr. 6-2 230 Mike Reily Burroughs OL Jr. 6-3 265 Nathan Thompson Hart OL Sr. 6-6 260 Shannon Gallien San Fernando OL Sr. 6-0 240 John Buckley Reseda TE Sr. 6-3 200 Danny Batsalkin Chatsworth WR Sr. 5-11 165 Al Corney Palmdale WR Sr. 6-2 185 Bach Stabile Crespi K Sr. 5-10 160

Player: Comment Terrence Zenno: Quarterback had 2,700 total yards. Ed Williams: Rushed for 2,983 yards in 1991-92. Leon Blunt: Northwest Valley’s offensive MVP. Justin Giovannettone: Was named Mission League MVP. Ray Gerena: Paved the way for tailback Torie Lee. Mike Reily: All-Foothill League pick has big future. Nathan Thompson: Anchored region’s best offense. Shannon Gallien: Key to team’s option-oriented offense. John Buckley: Multiple threat has several skills. Danny Batsalkin: Region’s top City receiver (579 yards). Al Corney: Averaged 18.6 yards on 36 catches. Bach Stabile: Strong leg could mean a scholarship.

DEFENSE

Player School Pos Yr. Ht. Wt. Ryan Hourigan Hart DL Sr. 6-3 230 Tai Takapu North Hollywood DL Sr. 6-1 260 Matt Speranza Saugus DL Jr. 6-2 245 Miguel Romo Van Nuys DL Jr. 6-1 230 Vincent Carthron Kennedy LB Jr. 6-0 240 Robert Webb Chatsworth LB Sr. 6-2 220 Anthony Murray Sylmar LB Sr. 6-2 215 Joey Orlando Notre Dame DB Jr. 5-9 160 Ibn Bilal Sylmar DB Sr. 6-0 185 Nestor Davila Chatsworth DB Sr. 5-10 165 DaShon Polk Taft DB So. 6-3 185

Player: Comment Ryan Hourigan: Helped Hart post three shutouts. Tai Takapu: All-City 3-A selection sparked defense. Matt Speranza: Will play huge defensive role in 1993. Miguel Romo: Helped Wolves make City 4-A semis. Vincent Carthron: Team’s punishing defensive standout. Robert Webb: Emotional leader, All-City 3-A pick. Anthony Murray: Saved best game for City 4-A final. Joey Orlando: Had 47 receptions, 6 interceptions. Ibn Bilal: Hard hitter rushed for 1,214 yards. Nestor Davila: Rushed for 1,625 yards and 20 TDs. DaShon Polk: One of region’s best young players.

All-Ventura County First Team

OFFENSE

Player School Pos Yr. Ht. Wt. Fahali Campbell Camarillo RB Sr. 5-10 175 Eric Bennett Simi Valley QB Sr. 6-3 185 Keith Smith Newbury Park QB Jr. 6-0 175 George Keiaho Buena RB Jr. 5-8 200 Jason Toohey Newbury Park WR Sr. 5-10 175 Leodes Van Buren Newbury Park WR Jr. 6-1 180 Bryan Kalbfus Simi Valley WR Sr. 5-8 150 Blake Johnson Ventura OL Sr. 6-5 310 Eric Benson Thousand Oaks OL Sr. 6-3 265 Stuart Ae Royal OL Sr. 6-3 245 Raymond Gacasan St. Bonaventure OL Sr. 6-4 260 Lee Ciuffitelli Camarillo K Sr. 5-11 175

Player: Comment Fahali Campbell: Back of the year gained 2,000 yards. Eric Bennett: Third in state with 34 TD passes. Keith Smith: Set county mark of 3,318 yards passing. George Keiaho: Has run for 4,337 yards in 3 seasons. Jason Toohey: Tied for state lead with 80 receptions. Leodes Van Buren: Lineman of year; 79 catches, 14 TDs. Bryan Kalbfus: Led team with 914 yards receiving. Blake Johnson: Extremely agile despite impressive size. Eric Benson: Marmonte League’s top lineman. Stuart Ae: Standout in both pass and run blocking. Raymond Gacasan: Powerful blocker dominated league. Lee Ciuffitelli: His right leg was a potent weapon.

DEFENSE

Player School Pos Yr. Ht. Wt. Ryan Cuthbert Nordhoff DL Sr. 6-2 200 John Freedman Camarillo DL Sr. 6-3 205 Jason Sandel Camarillo DL Sr. 6-1 210 Manfred Wagner Thousand Oaks LB Sr. 6-0 225 Tim Bruce Simi Valley LB Sr. 5-10 190 Colby Keener Camarillo LB Sr. 5-10 190 Derek Newcomb Royal DB Sr. 6-2 195 Rommel Butler Royal DB Jr. 6-0 180 Larry Bumpus Oxnard DB Sr. 6-0 180 Devon Passno Ventura DB Sr. 5-11 195 Derek Swafford Ventura DB Sr. 5-11 175

Player: Comment Ryan Cuthbert: Terrorized quarterbacks with 16 sacks. John Freedman: Makes plays all over the field. Jason Sandel: Often found in opponents’ backfields. Manfred Wagner: Two-way player led team in tackles. Tim Bruce: Teams tried to work away from him. Colby Keener: An explosive hitter with good speed. Derek Newcomb: Intimidated foes with hitting ability. Rommel Butler: County’s top all-around DB. Larry Bumpus: Versatile athlete led team in rushing. Devon Passno: Was a force on offense and defense. Derek Swafford: Outstanding on both sides of the ball. Coach of the year: Cliff Farrar (Nordhoff)