Wildcats sweep top two All-State honors

Spencer Patterson

Thursday, Dec. 13, 2001 | 12:25 p.m.

From their 13-game winning streak to their perfect record against in-state competition to their state title victory over the defending champs, the 2001 high school football season belonged to the Las Vegas Wildcats.

So it should come as no surprise that as the Sun announces its annual All-State team, the top two individual awards go to a pair of Wildcats who helped their school claim its first state championship since 1959.

Las Vegas running back Antione White and linebacker Chad Pool have been named the Sun's 2001 State Offensive and Defensive Players of the Year, leading a parade of Wildcats honored on the 1A-4A All-State squad.

Along with White and Pool, defensive lineman Mustafa Barnes-Cruz was selected to the first team, tackle Daniel Crews, defensive lineman Rusty Hale and kicker Evan Ellsworthy earned spots on the second team, and guard Greg Gifford and receiver Corey Williams received honorable mention recognition.

State runner-up McQueen, the 4A Northern Region champion, placed a Nevada-best five players on the first team: quarterback Jeff Rowe, offensive tackle Matt Leary, tight end Mohu Otuafi, kicker Clint Stitser and defensive lineman Dustin Barnett.

Durango, the 4A Sunset Region champion, was close behind, with four first team selections: center Tony Bachhuber, defensive lineman Luke Doty, linebacker Allen McIntyre and punter Fred Coleman.

Northern power Elko also placed four players on the first team: offensive guards Jeff and Pete Cavender, return specialist Kyle Eklund and defensive back Jake Sampley.

Foothill, which joined Las Vegas, McQueen and Durango in the 4A state tournament, had a pair of first teamers: running back John Ford and offensive tackle Paul Lethbridge.