Thursday, Jan. 13, 2005 | 10:11 a.m.
MAX GOATES
Foothill, Senior
Offensive line
Noteworthy: Part of a strong Falcons rushing attack ... Fierce blocker from snap to whistle ... Foothill had two of the valley's top 10 rushers in its undefeated regular season ... First-team All-Southern Nevada at tackle.
Said Falcons coach Ray Fenton: "I think he was a lead-by-example guy. He had a great work ethic, inside the weight room as well, not only at practice."
JAMIE MAEHLER
Truckee, Senior
Wide receiver
Noteworthy: A quick weapon for the 3A champions ... 2,969 career receiving yards is a NIAA record he's held since junior season ... Toward end of season, played more of a decoy while being covered by two or sometimes three defenders ... Had two touchdown catches in Truckee's 28-0 rout of Moapa Valley for the state championship ... Also averaged 47.7 yards per kick as a punter ... Recruited by Army, UNLV and Brigham Young among others.
Said Wolverines coach Bob Shaffer: "The biggest thing Jamie brought to the table this year besides his senior leadership was also his unselfishness. He's a good blocker and a good mentor for our other receivers."
ZACH MAY
Reed, Senior
Quarterback
Noteworthy: A strong field general who led Reed's balanced offense to the Northern Region title and the state semifinals ... Completed 119 of 208 passes for 1,610 yards ... 57 percent completions with just 5 interceptions ... Named 1st team All-Sierra League in the Northern Region ... Three-year varsity starter for the Raiders.
Said Raiders coach Ernie Howren: "You always hear the quarterback's got to be an extension of the coaching staff. Zach definitely did that."
ERIC JORDAN
Las Vegas, Junior
Running back
Noteworthy: Second consecutive selection to the All-State team ... Breakaway threat whenever he touched the ball ... Totalled 2,769 yards on 373 carries for 37 touchdowns ... Just seven fumbles on those 373 carries ... First-team All-Southern Nevada ... Ran for 297 yards and three touchdowns at snowy Reed in the state semifinals.
Said Wildcats coach Chris Faircloth: "Down the stretch we were very dependent on him. I don't think we ever intended to have him carry the ball that often, that's why I think we were fortunate one that he didn't get hurt from carrying it so many times."
JAMES EDWARDS
Spring Creek, Junior
Running back
Noteworthy: As a junior, broke Tonopah's Chance Kretschmer's five-year-old career rushing record, with 5,280 yards in three seasons ... 2,993 rushing yards on 379 carries this year was a state record ... Has never missed a game due to injury in his three years ... 61 career rushing touchdowns 13 behind Las Vegas' Antoine White (2000-2001) ... Helped Spring Creek to a 9-3 record and a 3A state semifinal berth.
Said Spartans coach Joel Jund: "We were seeing eight, nine, sometimes 10 guys in the box and he still did the damage."
DAVELL JACKSON
Eldorado, Junior
Wide receiver
Noteworthy: Big part of the Eldorado offense that kept the Sundevils in the Top 10 all season. ... First-team All-Southern Nevada ... Had nine touchdowns and 1,055 yards on 55 catches ... Numbers didn't trail off despite tough double-teams toward the end of the season ... An all-conference basketball player.
Said Sundevils coach Frank DeSantis: "He's just getting better every day and starting to enjoy football. He's got such a God-given ability, he can jump, he catches the ball pretty consistently if you get it in the air."
JAMES COOK
Cimarron-Memorial, Junior
Tight end
Noteworthy: A transfer from Edwards AFB in California, Cook proved to be a key target for Cimarron quarterback Andrew Hatch ... Had 20 receptions for 612 yards and eight touchdowns ... First-team All-Southern Nevada ... Also played WR, DB, LB ... Thinking about pursuing a walk-on role at San Diego State.
Said Spartans coach Ron Smeltzer: " We looked at him, figured he had nice size at 6-2, we felt like he could play at tight end and we were really hurting at tight end so we moved him there, and he did a hell of a job."
TYSON ESTES
Douglas, Senior
Offensive lineman
Noteworthy: Anchored the Tigers' offensive and defensive lines, and played extensively on both sides of the ball ... At 6-foot-2 and 225, helped Tigers to Northern Region semifinals ... Also plays basketball and baseball for the Tigers ... Brother of major league pitcher Shawn Estes.
Said Tigers coach Mike Rippee: "He knew he was going to have to go both ways, he was going to be the anchor in our lines. He was going to be the guy that brought them together and that's exactly what he did."
KYLE HARPIN
Palo Verde, Junior
Offensive lineman
Noteworthy: Played right guard, center, and left tackle for the Panthers ... Strength and mobility a key part of Palo Verde's double-wing offense ... At 5-foot-9 and 200 pounds, was able to provide key blocks for Palo Verde's rushing attack ... Had 47 total tackles for Palo Verde on defense ... Panthers averaged 324 rushing yards per game in their undefeated 2004 season.
Said Panthers coach Darwin Rost: "He's actually an ideal lineman in that offense because we don't ask our kids to be really big. They've just got to be strong and got to be quick."
STEVE OSCAR
McQueen, Senior
Offensive lineman
Noteworthy: At 6-foot-2 and 254, Oscar was still fast, timed at a 4.71 40-yard dash but able to manage 600 pounds in a full squat ... Played the end of the season with a broken big toe ... A three-time Northern Nevada weightlifting champion but also a part-time kicker ... First-team All-Northern Nevada at defensive tackle.
Said Lancers coach Ken Dalton: "He did a great job, he trapped, countered, he pulled on weak-side bootlegs for us. He ran so well, he's just a very dominant player."
A.J. RODRIGUEZ
Las Vegas, Senior
Offensive lineman
Noteworthy: A key part of Eric Jordan's huge rushing numbers ... At 6-foot-4 and 300 pounds, the dominant anchor of the Wildcats' strong offensive line ... Preliminarily decided on New Mexico but may opt for UNLV ... Will be Las Vegas High's third Division I offensive lineman in three years.
Said Wildcats coach Chris Faircloth: "He was one of those kids that kept pushing and kept pushing and pretty soon he was pushing those people right down the field."
ZACH DAVIS
Moapa Valley, Senior
Kicker
Noteworthy: Played tailback, wingback, wide receiver, kick returner and defensive back for the 3A runner-up Pirates ... Kicked 9-for-15 field goals this season, and had four over 50 yards in 11th grade ... Totaled 158 points last season and had 385 in his career... Recruited by UNLV, Boise State and Weber State.
Said Pirates coach Brent Lewis: "Anytime you can kick the ball in the end zone every time you kick it gives you an advantage."
MARC EVANS
Palo Verde, Senior
Kick returner
Noteworthy: Came back from a sprained ankle last season to have a stellar season for Palo Verde ... Led the state champion Panthers with 2,019 total yards, 1,416 of those rushing ... Had 397 return yards, two for touchdowns ... First-team All-Southern Nevada running back ... Averaged 44.1 yards per return ... Likely headed to Boise State.
Said Panthers coach Darwin Rost: "We were two players away from being average, and he was one of those two players."
XAVIER CLEVELAND
Las Vegas, Junior
Defensive line
Noteworthy: A versatile defender able to play all over the field ... Very quick despite his 6-foot-1, 250-pound frame ... Will likely play at tight end next year.
Said Wildcats coach Chris Faircloth: "It got to a thing where people would run away from him so we could actually slant our linemen away from him, it made it easier for us to play defense."
PERRY EPPENGER
Cheyenne, Senior
Defensive line
Noteworthy: A giant on the D-line, at 6-foot-3 and 317 pounds ... Also played offense ... Opponents would often be forced to double-team him ... First-team All-Southern Nevada at DL ... Plans to attend UNLV.
Said Desert Shield coach Charles Anthony: "He didn't have any competition. Everyone we went against he just destroyed."
BRYCE GARCIA
Cimarron-Memorial, Senior
Defensive line
Noteworthy: At 6-foot-4 and 270 pounds, played on Cimarron's offensive and defensive lines ... One of the few players who was able to match up against Eppinger ... Very aggressive but rarely got trapped.
Said Spartans coach Ron Smeltzer: "I told one of the college coaches, he could get to 300 pounds without a doubt. He's got a frame, big, wide shoulders."
MITCH SOLANO
McQueen, Senior
Defensive line
Noteworthy: A 6-foot-4, 235 pound weakside tackle and punter ... A two-sport athlete who started for the Lancers' basketball team ... Defensive player of the year in the Northern Region ... Missed the final three games because of hip flexor.
Said Lancers coach Ken Dalton: "He had a great year, and he was quite an inspiration to us for most of the year. He was absolutely dominant."
MARCUS COTTON
Valley, Senior
Linebacker
Noteworthy: A true leader for the Vikings, Cotton anchored a surprisingly strong Valley team that advanced to the Sunrise championship ... Led the Vikings in tackles (111) and sacks (4) and second in interceptions (3) ... First-team All-Southern Nevada ... Is considering Dixie State.
Said Vikings coach Jim Massey: "His leadership stepped up, and after his leadership stepped up, his play stepped up."
SAM KING
Palo Verde, Senior
Linebacker
Noteworthy: After transferring from Green Valley, became a key part on both sides of the ball for the undefeated Panthers ... Had 102 total tackles, including 14 sacks and 15 tackles for loss ... Also had 803 rushing yards for the Panthers.
Said Panthers coach Darwin Rost: "Charlie Jarvis' defense is one of those defenses where if you study the packet, really believe in it, you can really shine in that defense, especially at that position."
JOSH MAUGA
Churchill County, Senior
Linebacker
Noteworthy: His 97 tackles led the Greenwave ... Also had 913 rushing yards, tops for Churchill County football last year ... High Desert League Player of the Year ... Attracted attention from UNLV before the Mike Sanford era began.
Said Greenwave coach Ray Holliday: "The biggest thing is that he's still in Fallon. He could have gone to Reno and played for McQueen or anybody he wanted."
RYAN REYNOLDS
Bishop Gorman, Senior
Linebacker
Noteworthy: A powerful linebacker and the cream of the local recruiting crop ... Had 96 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, and four sacks ... Defensive player of the year in the Southern Region and returning Sun All-State linebacker ... Stats were similar to his 2003 numbers despite taking 75 less defensive plays ... Being heavily recruited by Oklahoma, Notre Dame, UCLA and Wisconsin.
Said Gaels coach David White: "He got back from a visit to Wisconsin late last night, and today at the gym he's making up for the two days he missed. He's always on the go."
JARRELL HARRISON
Palo Verde, Senior
Defensive Back
Noteworthy: The Panthers' athletic leader, Harrison was first team All-Southern Nevada at defensive back and second team at quarterback ... Offensively, anchored the double-wing with 683 rushing yards and 33-for-56 passing for 763 yards and just one interception ... Defensively, had 44 tackles and one interception in the Panthers' tough defense ... Offensive player of the year in Southern Nevada ... Recruited by UNLV and Oregon State.
Said Panthers coach Darwin Rost: "His leadership ability, people think it's all about the stats but what he brings to the table, it's like being a coach on the field."
EVON BUHECKER
Cheyenne, Senior
Defensive Back
Noteworthy: A leader for the Desert Shield defense, a big part of the Cheyenne team that didn't lose until the final week of the season ... Second-team All-Southern Nevada ... Key stops helped propel Cheyenne in win at then-No. 5 Las Vegas ... Also pitched a no-hitter for Cheyenne baseball last year ... Southern Utah and UNR are interested.
Said Desert Shield coach Charles Anthony: "He can play pretty much anywhere on the field, as a punt returner, a kickoff returner, he's the total package. He's one of those guys that if you looked at any of our game film, he didn't come off the field."
ISAAC PORTER
Hug, Senior
Defensive Back
Noteworthy: A versatile senior for the Hawks, Porter had 63 tackles and ran for 2,065 yards on 184 carries for the Sierra League leaders ... A four-year starter for Hug ... Northern Region player of the year ... Also the Hawks' punter ... Helped to open up the field for Hug's passing attack.
Said Hawks coach Rollins Stallsworth: "Everyone up here knew it, they knew he was going to get the ball, the fact that every time we punted he was our punter, then he went right to the defensive huddle."
BEN JAEKLE
Bonanza, Senior
Punter
Noteworthy: A strong kicker for Bonanza in his first year at varsity ... Had a 54-yard field goal against Rancho and another FG against Shadow Ridge earned Bonanza its first ever home playoff win ... First-team All-Southern Nevada ... Brother Brett was Sun All-State kicker last year.
Said Bengals coach Jay Weinman: "We knew coming in we had quite a weapon there. We didn't know if he could punt as well as (Brett) did, that was kind of a bonus for us."
Darwin Rost: Palo Verde head football coach
Noteworthy: After six years at Palo Verde, led the Panthers to an undefeated season culminating in the 4A state title ... Has orchestrated the double-wing offense for three years, culminating in this year's class of seniors ... Panthers averaged 38 points per game and gave up just 10.8 ... Panthers are 35-5 in past three seasons.
QB -- Paul Tierney, Truckee
RB -- Ryan Lammle, Reed
RB -- Torrie Coleman, Cheyenne
WR -- Rayshaun Greer, Mojave
WR -- Troy Cummings, Shadow Ridge
TE -- Cameron Bayne, Carlin
OL -- Cameron Busby, Las Vegas
OL -- Bryan Thornton, Palo Verde
OL -- Joe Suder, Bishop Manogue
OL -- Malakai Niko, Hug
OL -- Shawn Barrack, Foothill
K -- Conor Foley, Bishop Gorman
DEFENSE
DL -- Xavier Stover, Foothill
DL -- Danny Wadhams, Bishop Gorman
DL -- Derek Kosub, Hug
DL -- Bryce Turner, Silverado
LB -- Arthur Mayville, Foothill
LB -- Garrett Chapel, Sierra Vista
LB -- Ben Tirado, McQueen
LB -- David Hammond, Bishop Gorman
DB -- Charlie Barnone, Reed
DB -- Nick Manguso, Bishop Manogue
DB -- Jeff Long, Sierra Vista
P -- Bryan Williams, Spanish Springs
QB -- Brandon Godfrey, Eldorado
RB -- D'Angelo Jones, Foothill
RB -- Arthur Mayville, Foothill
WR -- Christian Vidal, Las Vegas
WR -- Blaze Griffin, Lund
TE -- Jarrell Hawkins, Valley
DEFENSE
DL -- Eric Martinell, Green Valley
DL -- Kyle Fleming, Reed
DL -- Antonio Hartwell, Foothill
LB -- Zeke Bowen, Hug
LB -- Steve Shark, Eldorado
LB -- Keenan Coop, Douglas
DB -- Brett Johnson, Green Valley
DB -- DeAngelo Wilkinson, Bishop Gorman
P -- Danny Osorio, Foothill
archive
