FIRST-TEAM PROFILES

L.A. Times Archives

Dec. 15, 1998 12 AM PT

Ryan Hanson

LOS ALAMITOS

SR.

In leading Los Alamitos to its first outright Sunset League title since 1994, Hanson topped county quarterbacks in passing yardage and touchdowns. His three interceptions were the fewest in school history. “The most efficient quarterback I’ve coached,” John Barnes said.

Keenan Howry

LOS ALAMITOS

SR.

A repeat selection who was second in receptions (73) and led in receiving yardage (1,317). Also scored 21 touchdowns. Considering Oregon, Oregon State, Washington State and Colorado. “One of the best playmakers I’ve been around,” Coach John Barnes said.

Aaron Carter

FOUNTAIN VALLEY

SR.

The near equal of Howry, Carter blazed past defenders to make 55 catches for 1,169 yards and 14 touchdowns. Considering Washington, Nevada and Colorado. “I don’t think people realized how fast he was until he ran by them,” Coach George Berg said.

Andrew Niumata

LOS AMIGOS

SR.

The Garden Grove League’s most valuable offensive player recovered from last year’s knee injury to lead the county in rushing and scoring. Considering Colorado, Arizona and Sacramento State. “He pulled us up to a different level,” Coach Roger Takahashi said.

Dee Meza

ORANGE LUTHERAN

SR.

According to one opposing coach, Meza “could play for any team in the county and do well.” A cutback artist who could change directions on a dime, Meza rushed for 1,588 yards and scored 32 touchdowns. His 11.2-yards-per-carry average was the highest in the county.

Bo Ashabraner

ESPERANZA

SR.

His football days are over--Ashabraner will attend Long Beach State on a baseball scholarship--but the Aztecs’ biggest (6-7, 240) receiver went out in style with 41 catches for 707 yards and 13 touchdowns. His height and speed made him difficult to defend.

Shawn Dickie

IRVINE

SR.

Irvine shared the Sea View title largely because it controlled the line of scrimmage. Dickie (6-4, 300), a versatile left tackle, switched positions to accommodate the Vaqueros’ needs. They averaged 5.5 yards per rushing attempt in an extremely balanced offensive attack.

Joe Gonzalez

SANTIAGO

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A left tackle, Gonzalez (6-3, 290) paved the way for James Thomas (1,773 yards rushing) and didn’t allow a sack on Brian Pilkington. “Joe made a pact with Brian that he was going to take care of him,” Santiago Coach Ben Haley said. “He kept up his end of the bargain.”

George Mares Jr.

ESPERANZA

SR.

A three-year starter, the powerfully built Mares (6-2, 295) was known for making wide paths for the Aztec runners; 70% of Esperanza’s running plays went to his side. Graded out at 90% or higher in blocking proficiency in every Esperanza game.

David Mancha Jr.

WESTERN

SR.

Western had three running backs who combined to rush for more than 3,000 yards and a lot of that came over guard, where Mancha shined. He often was the lead blocker on trap plays, and was credited with 35 “pancake” blocks where he knocked the defender off his feet.

Lenny Vandermade

MATER DEI

SR.

A two-time selection who can take his place among the best linemen Mater Dei has produced. Did not miss a game or allow a sack despite playing on a badly sprained ankle half the year. “We’ve made a videotape of his play for instruction,” Coach Bruce Rollinson said.

Nate Fikse

ESPERANZA

SR.

Fikse booted 8 of 11 field goals, including a school record 56-yarder. His three misses were from 59, 57 and 55 yards. And 95% of his kickoffs were into or out of the end zone. “He has the strongest leg I’ve ever seen and is consistently accurate,” Coach Gary Meek said.

(BEGIN TEXT OF INFOBOX / INFOGRAPHIC)

THE SECOND TEAM

* Scott Lukash

QB, Mater Dei

6-0, 185, Sr.

* Trevell Jackson

RB, Western

6-0, 225, Sr.

* Jarrod Schuster

RB, Esperanza

5-8, 155, Sr.

* Kelvin Millhouse