SALINAS VALLEY — With the football season officially done in South Monterey County, several awards have been handed out to local players.
King City Mustangs
With the season that the King City Mustangs had this year, it was a matter of how many awards they would bring home. Out of the four South Monterey County teams, King City’s Alexis DeDios is the only player to make both first-team offense and defense.
“I genuinely felt like I had something to prove, not just prove something to my peers, but most importantly I wanted to prove myself wrong,” DeDios said. “I want to say that I genuinely wouldn’t be where I am right now if it wasn’t for the support and encouragement of others.”
King City football award winners this year include: Brooks Hearne (Mustang Award), Sebastian Garcia (Francisco Sandoval Lineman of the Year), Alexis DeDios (Offensive Player of the Year), Jjey Martinez (MVP) and Ivan Lizardi (Defensive Player of the Year).
King City players on the Pacific Coast Athletic League (PCAL) Cypress Division All-League first team are: Sebastian Garcia, defensive lineman; Jjey Martinez, quarterback; Angel Arroyo, offensive lineman; Ivan Lizardi, linebacker; and Alexis DeDios, receiver and defensive back.
PCAL Cypress Division All-League second team members from King City are: Ivan Lizardi, running back; Sam Umbarger, defensive back; and Israel Chavez, defensive lineman.
Greenfield Bruins
When the season first started, the Bruins’ offensive line was being raved about. Out of the five offensive linemen, three of them received league honors.
No doubt the Bruins season could have been different if they got a couple more breaks, but going into next year, there is a reason to be excited. The Bruins will be returning with six All-League players next year.
Greenfield players making the PCAL Santa Lucia Division All-League first team are: Alonso Barcenas, running back; Andrew Siqueiros, offensive lineman; Jonathan Anaya, defensive lineman; Abraham Andrade, linebacker; and Anthony Morales, defensive back.
PCAL Santa Lucia Division All-League second team members from Greenfield are: Alex Perea, running back; Anthony Morales, wide receiver; Nathaniel Olivas, offensive lineman; Mauro Castillo, offensive lineman; Julian Untalon, defensive lineman; and Carlos Gonzales, linebacker.
Soledad Aztecs
Overall, the Soledad Aztecs’ season may not have been great, but beating their Gonzales rivals was not a bad way to end it. For Daniel Raso, setting a school record in interceptions might have sealed the Defensive Player of the Year honors for him.
“I was surprised when I first found out that I was named Defensive Player of the Year,” Raso said. “It was unexpected. I’m not saying I didn’t deserve it, because I feel like I definitely did. There were many talented defensive players in our league and I felt like it could’ve been anyone, but at the end of the day, I was selected. I’m extremely grateful for that.”
In addition to being named Defensive Player of the Year, Raso also made the All-League first team for the PCAL Mission Division as defensive back.
PCAL Mission Division All-League second team members from Soledad are: Donn Greer, defensive tackle; Isaac Virgen, defensive tackle; Issaiah Cruz, wide receiver; and Dominic Chávez, utility.
Gonzales Spartans
The Gonzales Spartans may not have had the season they wanted, but they had some major talent this year. One of the biggest snubs to not make first-team offense was Spartans wide receiver Gabriel Mendez.
Mendez, who finished sixth in the county for receiving yards with 629, was hurt down the stretch because Gonzales’ starting quarterback got hurt.
The Spartans didn’t have any player make the first team this year, but they did have three players get league honors this year.
Gonzales players making the PCAL Mission Division All-League second team are: Juan Zarate, offensive lineman; Gabe Mendez, defensive back; and Nate Dixon, utility.
