The News Tribune's 2011 All-Area football team

MA’NE MANAEA

Player of the Year: Lakes

Receiver/defensive back/returner/punter, 5-11, 185, senior

The SPSL 3A MVP, Manaea made plays all over the field. Offensively, he caught 34 passes for 555 yards and seven TDs, and rushed for 192 yards and two touchdowns on eight carries. He intercepted four passes on defense, and had a team-high 16 tackles against No. 1 Bellevue in the Class 3A state quarterfinals. He has orally committed to Colorado.

JOE SPROUSE

Coach of the Year: White River

In his second year at White River, Sprouse orchestrated a worst-to-first turnaround for the Hornets. After finishing last in the SPSL 2A in 2010, White River claimed a share of the league title in 2011. An all-state linebacker for the Hornets in 2000, Sprouse says he’s living his childhood dream coaching at White River.

OFFENSE

Bethel

Quarterback, 6-0, 170, senior

A two-time All-Area selection, Hordyk guided a team that set the SPSL single-season scoring record, piling up 451 points in nine games. Hordyk completed 56 percent of his passes for 1,934 yards, with 17 TDs and 7 interceptions, and ran for 1,089 yards and 13 TDs, leading the SPSL in total offense for the second straight season. He played defense in one game and picked off two passes. Hordyk has been offered scholarships by New Mexico Highlands University, Air Force and Army.

DANNY WELSTAD

Peninsula

Running back, 6-4, 210, senior

Welstad enjoyed a fantastic season in his first year as the Seahawks’ starting tailback. He rushed for school-record totals of 2,199 yards and 31 touchdowns in 10 games, earning SPSL 3A Offensive MVP honors. Welstad emerged as a star in Week 1, when he ran for 297 yards and six touchdowns against rival Gig Harbor High. Relatively unknown entering the fall, Welstad’s efforts have been noticed, and a few Division-I programs have shown interest.

D.J. MAY

Federal Way

Running back, 5-11, 190, senior

Despite missing two games because of injury, May managed to earn SPSL South co-Offensive Back of the Year honors. He ran for 1,347 yards and 18 touchdowns, helping the Eagles to the SPSL South title, an undefeated regular season and a trip to the state playoffs. May also returned two interceptions for touchdowns as a defensive back. The University of Idaho has offered a scholarship, but May has not given a oral commitment to any school.

EMMANUEL THOMPKINS

Lincoln

Running back, 6-1, 215, senior

Thompkins exploded on the Narrows League 3A scene in 2011, earning the league’s overall MVP honors. A big, speedy tailback, Thompkins rushed for 1,551 yards and 18 TDs in nine games, helping the Abes reach the postseason. Not only can Thompkins pound away at defenses, but he also can break free in the open field – he returned a kickoff 98 yards for a touchdown against Capital.

MICHAEL RECTOR

Bellarmine Prep

Receiver, 6-2, 185, senior

The Narrows League 4A MVP, Rector has a knack for making the difficult catch appear easy. He totaled 43 receptions for 916 yards and 13 touchdowns. Also a defensive back, he intercepted three passes and returned one 98 yards for a touchdown against Gig Harbor. Rector, a two-time All-Area selection, orally committed to Washington in June, but Stanford has not stopped recruiting him.

DAVID FONTENETTE

Bethel

Receiver, 6-2, 220, senior

Fontenette did a little bit of everything for the Braves. Primarily a receiver, he also lined up at tailback, H-back and even tight end. He hauled in 38 receptions for 659 yards and 8 TDs and ran for 351 yards and 5 TDs in eight games. A first-team all-SPSL South selection at receiver, Fontenette has scholarship offers from Oregon State and New Mexico Highlands University.

CALEB SMITH

Kentridge

Tight end, 6-6, 245, senior

Primarily a tight end – Smith hauled in 37 catches for 570 yards and three TDs – Kentridge utilized the burly and athletic Smith in a variety of ways. He lined up in the backfield in the Wildcat formation and also in the slot, getting the ball on fly sweeps, and rushed for 425 yards and eight TDs on 35 carries. He was voted the SPSL North’s All-Purpose Player of the Year and first-team tight end. Smith has given an oral commitment to play at Oregon State.

ZACH BANNER

Lakes

Offensive line, 6-9, 335, senior

Perhaps the most recognizable player in the state, Banner’s frame has college coaches coast-to-coast desiring his services. A dominant performer on the field, he’s also a vocal leader. Still growing into his body, Banner’s best playing days are probably ahead of him. He has taken official visits to Michigan, Notre Dame and Oklahoma, and will visit Washington and USC before making a decision.

CORY ENGLISH

Auburn

Offensive line, 6-4, 285, senior

A three-year starter at Auburn, English anchored its line in 2011 at center – the most important position on the line in the Trojans’ run-based offense. SPSL North coaches voted English co-Offensive Lineman of the Year. He has scholarship offers from Oregon State, Washington, Washington State and Idaho. English will play in the Offense-Defense Bowl December at Cowboys Stadium in Texas.

JOSHUA GARNETT

Puyallup

Offensive line, 6-5, 295, senior

SPSL South coaches voted Garnett the league’s Offensive Lineman of the Year. One of the most coveted recruits in the country, he plans to take officials visits to Michigan, Notre Dame, Oklahoma and Miami. The two-time All-Area pick is also being heavily recruited by Washington and Stanford. Garnett is taking a rigorous course load that includes AP chemistry, and he plans to major in bio-chemistry. He will play in the Under Armour All-America Game in Florida in January.

SCOTT ROSE

White River

Offensive line, 6-4, 298, senior

Not your typical lineman, Rose also does yoga and is a longboarder – imagine him surfing on hilly streets. After struggling through an injury-plagued junior season, Rose earned first-team all-SPSL 2A honors and helped White River claim a share of the league title. Rose has received interest from a few schools but has not made a decision on where he’ll play next fall.

WALKER WILLIAMS

Tacoma Baptist

Offensive line, 6-7, 315, senior

Williams plays for the small-school Class 2B Crusaders, but he’s one of the state’s biggest players, literally. Tacoma Baptist’s massive two-way starter has given a oral commitment to play at the University of Wisconsin. Also a defensive lineman, Williams returned an interception 24 yards in the TB’s 50-0 win against Willapa Valley in the first round of the Class 2B state playoffs.

K.W. WILLIAMS

Jefferson

All-purpose, 6-2, 200, senior

Williams helped resurrect the Raiders’ football program this season. The SPSL North’s Offensive Back of the Year eclipsed 1,000 yards rushing and passing, leading Jefferson to the postseason for the first time in school history and to the team’s first win over perennial league power Kentwood. The QB is a leader off the field, too – he serves as Jefferson’s senior class president.

DAVID STOECKER

Tahoma

Kicker, 6-0, 170, senior

Stoecker set SPSL North records for most field goals made (10) and kicking points scored (71) in 2011. Stoecker’s 71 points rank second on the SPSL’s all-time list for single-season kicking points scored, making him a first-team all-SPSL North selection at kicker. An accurate kicker, Stoecker also has a big leg, getting six touchbacks in the game against Auburn this season.

DEFENSE

USO OLIVE

Federal Way

Defensive line, 6-1, 305, senior

SPSL South coaches voted Olive the league’s Defensive Lineman of the Year, and for good reason. A noseguard, Olive was frequently double-teamed and sometimes triple-teamed by opposing offensive lines. With a bench-press max of 495 pounds, Olive is one of the strongest players in the state. He has given an oral commitment to Portland State University. Olive is also a first-team all-league pick at offensive line.

ZAHEER WEBB

Lakes

Defensive line, 6-3, 320, senior

Often overshadowed by talented teammates, Webb doesn’t go overlooked by opposing offensive coordinators. A massive, nearly immovable object in the middle of the Lancers’ defensive front, Webb played one of his best games of the season in the quarterfinal loss to top-ranked Bellevue, recording six tackles. Along with teammate Ma’ne Manaea, Webb has given an oral commitment to play at the University of Colorado.

JOEL RAGAZZO

Bethel

Defensive line, 6-4, 220, senior

Ragazzo was a one-man wrecking crew along the line of scrimmage. He led the SPSL for the second consecutive season in sacks with 10.5 and also totaled 19.5 tackles for loss and six blocked kicks. Ragazzo excels in the classroom, too, with a 3.99 grade-point average. He has full-ride offers from Georgia State, Savannah State, Merrimack and Army.

CARLOS MOIZA

Olympia

Defensive line, 6-0, 215, senior

A two-time all-Narrows League 4A first-team selection, Moiza helped anchor a defense that held opponents to a league-low 12.5 points a game. The three-year starter at defensive end recorded 60 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, seven sacks, three deflected passes and two fumble recoveries for the Bears. When Olympia needed to pressure a quarterback, Moiza was the guy.

JOSHUA SHREFFLER

Cascade Christian

Linebacker, 6-3, 190, senior

Shreffler has been a major contributor for the Cougars over the past two seasons. He was voted Nisqually League MVP in 2011 and was the league’s Defensive MVP in 2010, when Cascade Christian won the Class 1A state title. He’s helped a youthful Cougars squad return to the state semifinals for the fifth straight season. Shreffler, who is half-Tongan, has received recruiting interest from a few schools and wants to play football in college.

JORDAN PULU

Federal Way

Linebacker, 6-1, 235, senior

Pulu’s season was cut short when he injured his ankle in the state play-in game against Snohomish. He had a spectacular year to that point, leading Federal Way in tackles for the second straight season and guiding a defense that held teams to two touchdowns or fewer seven times. The SPSL South’s Linebacker of the Year, Pulu has given an oral commitment to play at Washington State.

CALEB SAULO

Kentlake

Linebacker, 6-2, 215, senior

A difference-maker on both sides of the ball, Saulo excelled on defense, earning first-team all-SPSL North honors. He totaled 49.5 tackles, helping the Falcons roll through the regular season undefeated and claiming their first league title since 2003. Saulo has committed to play at Oregon State University.

JOE LOVEJOY

Bellarmine Prep

Linebacker, 5-11, 195, senior

The heart of the Lions’ stingy defense – they held five teams to one or no touchdowns – Lovejoy played bigger than his size. A first-team all-Narrows League 4A selection, he turned in his best effort of the year in the biggest game of the regular season. He had 15 total tackles and rushed for a season-high 134 yards on 31 carries in a 15-14 win over Olympia, securing the league title for the Lions. Lovejoy plans to attend college on a ROTC scholarship.

CEDRIC DOZIER

Lakes

Defensive back, 5-11, 175, senior

One of the best all-around athletes in the state, Dozier was part of a Lakes defense that held seven teams to one touchdown or less and allowed an average of 10.9 points per game. Dozier has been selected to play in the prestigious U.S. Army All-American Bowl and has given an oral commitment to California. His future might be on offense – he split time between quarterback and receiver, throwing for 238 yards, rushing for 291 and catching 28 passes for 479 yards.

JACOB SWILLEY

Yelm

Defensive back, 5-10, 180, junior

Always one of the strongest players on the field – Swilley can bench-press 300 pounds and squat 425 pounds – he’s also one of the most versatile. Swilley earned first-team all-Narrows League 3A honors at running back and defensive back. He totaled 65 tackles, eight pass deflections and two interceptions in addition to rushing for more than 1,000 yards. An excellent cornerback, Swilley isn’t afraid to get dirty – he played middle linebacker in goal-line formations.

MATT REID

North Thurston

Defensive back, 5-10, 150, senior

The Evergreen Conference’s Defensive MVP totaled 73 tackles and three interceptions from his strong safety position. The three-year starter helped the fourth-ranked Rams give No. 1 Lynden its toughest game of the season before falling, 29-26, in the first round of the Class 2A state playoffs. Reid, who has a 4.0 grade-point average, has played his last football game, saying he wants to play basketball in college.

BEAU GLOVER

Gig Harbor

Defensive back, 5-9, 165, senior

Glover is a two-time all-Narrows League 4A selection in the secondary and has 16 career interceptions with the Tides. Against South Kitsap, Glover secured a victory for Gig Harbor when he returned an interception 43 yards for a touchdown in the final minute of the game. Also a point guard on the basketball team, Glover has received recruiting interest from Washington State, Idaho, Eastern Washington and Idaho State.

AUSTIN PERNELL

Kentlake

Returner, 5-11, 185, senior

One of the most dynamic players in the state, Pernell can change the complexion of a game in an instant. SPSL North coaches voted him the league’s Defensive Back of the Year and also made him a first-team pick at receiver. He averaged 35.4 yards per kick return, including a 97-yard return for a touchdown. Pernell will play baseball at Washington State, with an eye toward possibly joining the football team as a junior or senior.

KOREY DURKEE

Gig Harbor

Punter, 6-4, 205, senior

Durkee averaged 45.9 yards a punt, showing why Washington has offered him a scholarship to punt and possibly placekick. He’s a two-time All-Area selection with a long hang-time on his punts, only six of his punts were returned – the longest of which was 6 yards. He also converted 11 of 13 field goals, including a long of 52 yards. He has kicked six field goals longer than 45 yards in the past two seasons. He was also The News Tribune’s soccer player of the year last spring.

HONORABLE MENTION Quarterback: Ben Broeker, sr., North Thurston; Chris Brown, jr., Bonney Lake; Sefo Liufau, jr., Bellarmine Prep. Running back: Ramsey Davis, jr., Washington; E.J. Deveaux, jr., Curtis; Isaiah Flynn, jr., Bellarmine Prep; Iopu Ignacio, sr., Franklin Pierce; Victor Korchemniy, sr., Auburn Mountainview; Levonte Littlejohn, sr., Lakes; Kai Van Sickle, jr., Capital. Receiver: Victor Gamboa, jr., Washington; Skyler White, sr., Auburn Mountainview; Zach Zaragoza, jr., Bonney Lake. Offensive line: Alex Afuavi, sr., Franklin Pierce; Tim Ah-Hee, sr., Lincoln; Josh Hanson, sr., Tumwater; Albert Havili, jr., Federal Way; Austin Kanouse, jr., South Kitsap; Kile Minnis, sr., Kentlake. Tight end: Zach Wimberly, sr., Tumwater. Defensive line: Jaimie Bryant, jr., Tumwater; Zach Fuller, sr., Bellarmine Prep; Beau Iverson, jr., Charles Wright Academy; Kyle Lanoue, sr., Central Kitsap. Linebacker: Charles Hall Jr., sr., Lakes; Tanner Lucas, sr., Kentlake; Steven Malepeai, sr., Capital; Micayel McKechnie, jr., Graham-Kapowsin; Riley Prentice, sr., Tumwater; Visa Thach, sr., Kentwood; Bentley Tran, sr., Olympia; Jacob Tuivaiave, sr., Washington. Defensive back: Calvin Chandler, jr., Bellarmine Prep; Mitch Gueller, sr., W.F. West; Zed Higgs, sr., Olympia; John Thompson, jr., Bethel. Special teams: Rondie Pate, sr., Mount Tahoma, returner; Ryan Smolko, jr., Bethel, kicker; Jason Smith, sr., Tahoma, returner; Bo Witting, sr., Lakes, kicker.