Three preseason All-Redwood Empire picks from Casa Grande of Petaluma are (l-r) OL Brandon Jackson, LB Casey Longaker and OL Peter Parrick. Photo: Harold Abend.
This is the ninth preseason all-section or all-area football team we have compiled and covers schools from the Redwood Empire region of the CIF North Coast Section stretching from the Golden Gate Bridge all the way to Crescent City. Marin Catholic of Kentfield leads the way with five first team selections. Casa Grande of Petaluma has four (five positions) and Analy of Sebastopol has four.
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MORE PRESEASON HONORS SQUADS: CIFSS/Inland Empire | Central Section | L.A. City Section | Central Coast Section | San Diego Section | Northern Section | |CIFSS/San Fernando Valley | CIFSS/South Bay & Long Beach
FIRST TEAM OFFENSE
WR Kerr Johnson Jr. (Analy, Sebastopol) 5-11, 160, Sr.
The Redwood Empire’s leading receiver last year and No. 3 receiver in the CIF North Coast Section is not tall or big but he is quick and has breakaway speed. The Sonoma County League Player of the Year had 1,202 yards receiving but it came on only 47 receptions (11 TDs) for an NCS tops of 25.57 yards per catch.
WR Joey Trono (Rancho Cotate, Rohnert Park) 5-8, 160, Sr.
The second team All-North Bay League selection last season is another small, quick receiver and with Chris Taylor Yamanoha will form one of the top receiving corps in the Redwood Empire. Last season, he had 31 receptions for 487 yards and seven touchdowns.
OL Clayton Demski (Marin Catholic, Kentfield) 6-4, 280, Jr.
The All-State Underclass Sophomore First Team Offense selection is one of the most heavily recruited juniors in the Redwood Empire. Besides being a standout guard, Demski can cross over where he plays defensive tackle and nose guard.
Eureka’s Jake Hanson has risen up the charts in the last eight months and has committed to Oregon. Photo: Mark Tennis.
OL Jake Hanson (Eureka) 6-5, 285, Sr.
Hanson grew an inch and picked up around 30-pounds of muscle from last season, and he also picked up a ton of offers before settling on Oregon where he plans on majoring in forestry. The top college prospect from the Redwood Empire is by far the best player to come from the Empire’s far northern reaches since fellow Eureka grad and NFL star Rey Maualaga. He looked very good at the NFTC and exhibited explosiveness and excellent technique.
OL Brendan Jackson (Casa Grande, Petaluma) 6-3, 280, Sr.
The only junior from seven selected to be named All North Bay League first team on the offensive line is getting a lot of looks at the mid-major college level.
OL Alex Kosinski (Redwood, Larkspur) 6-5, 280, Sr.
The Arizona-commit was aced out as Marin County Athletic League Lineman of the Year but was still the only junior on the first team. He has the height and body frame colleges crave and may be one of the best offensive line prospects ever from Marin County.
OL Peter Parrick (Casa Grande, Petaluma) 6-4, 300, Sr.
The three-year starter at right guard is bigger and stronger than last year and has developed his legs as well. The All North Bay League second team selection is being heavily recruited and with his size he has great potential for the next level.
QB Will Smith (Analy, Sebastopol) 6-2, 180, Sr.
Despite not starting the first three games and playing only a half in many of the Tigers’ Sonoma County League blowouts, the top returning quarterback in the Redwood Empire still passed for 1,725 yards and 23 TDs with only four interceptions for a 124 quarterback ranking.
RB Ja’Narrick James (Analy, Sebastopol) 5-6, 165, Sr.
Despite being sat in one eventual blowout and getting yanked at halftime in several of the Tigers’ Sonoma County League lopsided victories, the extremely elusive Sonoma County Athletic League Co-Back of the Year still managed 1,176 yards and 25 TDs last season.
RB Alex Netherda (Maria Carrillo, Santa Rosa) 6-1, 195, Sr.
He made first team All North Bay League at running back as a sophomore and followed that up with a first team selection last season. He also plays strong safety on defense.
RB Jahi Haynes (Santa Rosa) 5-9, 210, Sr.
A bruising runner who did not get a lot of carries last season, Haynes still managed 459 yards and four touchdowns on 87 carries last season and according to North Bay League coaches very well may have a breakout season.
PK Matt Abramo (Casa Grande, Petaluma) 6-3, 185, Sr.
Scouting service analysts rate the Washington State-commit as the top all-around senior kicker in the state and top 10 nationwide. He had touchbacks on 52 of 65 kickoffs, was 33-of-37 on PATs and 10-of-16 on field goals with a longest of 44 yards, and he had four FGs of 40 yards or longer. He didn’t punt last year but was booming them well over 50 yards in a practice witnessed by Cal-Hi Sports last week, and will add punting to his duties this season after backing up Jeff Andersen last season, who is now punting at Colorado.
FIRST TEAM DEFENSE
DL Dmitri Acken (Windsor) 6-1, 270 Sr.
The only junior selected All-North Bay first team defensive line is the top returning d-lineman from the Redwood Empire.
DL Chris Fletcher (Novato) 6-3, 225, Sr.
He can play at tackle or end and was the only junior named to the All Marin County Athletic League first team defense.
Rancho Cotate’s Oscar Nava will be one to watch this fall on both sides of the line. Photo: Hudl.com.
DL Duncan Hatch (Cardinal Newman, Santa Rosa) 6-1, 230, Sr.
The top defensive lineman for the Cardinals has a quick first step and an excellent motor. He will be the leader of a slightly undersized defensive line.
DL Oscar Nava (Rancho Cotate, Rohnert Park) 6-3, 320, Sr.
The biggest player in the Redwood Empire also could have made it for offensive line but fit better on defense. Nava was an All North Bay League honorable mention pick from last season who already has committed to Sacramento State.
LB Casey Longaker (Casa Grande, Petaluma) 6-2, 230, Sr.
The Gauchos’ team leader is the only linebacker in the Redwood Empire with a D1 offer. Despite his size, he’s deceptively quick, reads well and can close. He is also an excellent blocking fullback. Sacramento State and Air Force have offered and his 3.7 GPA has attracted Ivy League interest.
LB Ian Roberts (Novato) 6-1,190, Sr.
The All-Marin County Athletic League second team defender as a junior is one of the highest rated linebackers by college scouts in the Redwood Empire.
LB Riley Sell (Marin Catholic, Kentfield) 6-1, 200, Sr.
The All-Marin County Athletic League honorable mention linebacker had 111 tackles last season.
LB Jacob Sloma (Healdsburg) 6-1, 190, Sr.
The Sonoma County League Co-Defensive Player of the Year had 107 solo tackles (127 total), eight sacks, seven fumble recoveries, six forced fumbles and a blocked punt.
DB Jared Lazor (Marin Catholic, Kentfield) 6-1, 185, Sr.
A versatile player who was an All-Marin County Athletic League second team linebacker last season is actually mostly a strong safety where he lands on this team. Last year playing a combo of both, he had 67 tackles and four interceptions to go with five picks as a sophomore.
DB Tommy Streb (Cardinal Newman, Santa Rosa) 6-1, 180, Sr.
The All-North Bay League second team selection will lead the Cardinals’ pass defense this season.
DB Justin Tauaefa (Piner, Santa Rosa) 6-1, 180, Sr.
An All-Sonoma County League first team selection, Tauaefa also will be one of the team’s top receivers this season.
P Matt Abramo (Casa Grande, Petaluma) 6-3, 185, Sr.
One of the best place-kickers in the nation also is the top punter in the region.
FIRST TEAM MULTI-PURPOSE
LB/WR T.J. Atcheson (Analy, Sebastopol) 5-10, 170, Sr.
He was an All-Sonoma County League first team selection at linebacker last season who often lines up as a strong safety. He had 72 tackles, 5.5 sacks, four forced fumbles and one recovered fumble last season. Atcheson may also see a little more time at wide receiver this season.
LB/RB William Boyd Jr. (Justin-Siena, Napa) 5-11, 211, Sr.
An all Marin County Athletic League second team linebacker, Boyd will be seeing more time at fullback where last year he was an excellent blocker.
TE/DE/LB Jared Brazis (Maria Carrillo, Santa Rosa) 6-2, 210, Sr.
He was an All-Sonoma County League first team selection as a tight end but with only two first team spots at wide receiver he makes multi-purpose because of his versatility.
Darius Peterson is taking over as the new quarterback at Marin Catholic. Photo: Harold Abend.
QB/RB Darius Peterson (Marin Catholic, Kentfield) 5-11, 180, Jr.
Generally regarded as one of the top two all-around athletes in the Redwood Empire, Peterson takes over the reins at quarterback this season after rushing for 920 yards (over 10 yards per carry) and 15 TDs and catching 17 balls for 245 yards and three more scores as a running/slot back last season. The All-Marin County Athletic League honorable mention pick as a sophomore has the explosiveness and 4.56 time in the 40 that will make him hard to handle.
DE/TE Jackson Snyder (Marin Catholic, Kentfield) 6-5, 265, Sr.
Interest is starting to heat up for the 2013 Marin County Athletic League honorable mention selection who already has several offers including Fresno State and San Jose State, with Ivy League interest as well. He primarily plays right tackle bus because of his explosiveness off the snap and speed for his size, many colleges looking at him project him on defense.
WR/DB Chris Taylor-Yamanoha (Rancho Cotate, Rohnert Park) 6-1, 180, Jr.
A first team All-State Sophomore last season, Taylor-Yamanoha was first team All North Bay League as both a wide receiver and defensive back, so it seems natural to have him as an All Redwood Empire Preseason First Team selection for multi-purpose. Redwood Empire coaches agree he is one of the top two best all-around athletes in the area. Last season, he had 532 yards receiving on 29 receptions with nine going for scores. On defense, he had four interceptions and 2.5 tackles per game.
SECOND TEAM OFFENSE/DEFENSE & MULTI-PURPOSE
(48 players)
C/DL Conner Acevedo (Ukiah) 5-11, 215, Sr.
DB/WR/LB/DB Billy Alten (Marin Catholic, Kentfield) 5-10, 175, Sr.
LB/TE/P/K Naufahu Anitoni (Justin-Siena, Napa) 6-0, 210, Sr.
RB/DB Nate Barkus (Novato) 5-10, 175, Sr.
OL/DL/K/P Noe Baron (Sonoma Valley, Sonoma) 6-1,235, Sr.
LB/TE Mitchell Bruning (Windsor) 6-0, 190, Jr.
RB/LB Isiah Carter (Piner, Santa Rosa) 5-11, 210, Sr.
LB/RB Connor Cox (Arcata) 6-3, 201, Sr.
TE/RB/LB Tanner Cristando (Healdsburg) 6-2,220, Jr.
DB/WR/RB Xavier Freeman (Analy, Sebastopol) 5-11, 175, Sr.
DE Gino Ghilotti (Marin Catholic, Kentfield) 6-5, 215, Sr.
DL Austin Hargraves (Ukiah) 6-5, 245, Sr.
OL Lucas Hassett (San Marin, Novato) 6-5, 300, Sr.
WR Kirby Dederian (Terra Linda, San Rafael) 6-2, 200, Sr.
QB Easton English (Terra Linda, San Rafael) 6-2, 190, Sr.
LB Patrick Evans (Cardinal Newman, Santa Rosa) 5-11, 2015, Sr.
QB RJ Flores (Montgomery, Santa Rosa) 6-4, 188, Sr.
RB/DB Marcus Finney (Eureka) 5-9, 165, Sr.
RB/LB Carlos Franco (Rancho Cotate, Rohnert Park) 5-10, 185, Sr.
LB/TE Alex Gustafson (Sonoma Valley, Sonoma) 6-0, 215, Sr.
P/TE/LB Sean Healy (St. Vincent de Paul, Petaluma) 5-11, 210, Sr.
TE/LB Stone Herrera (Novato) 5-11, 180, Sr.
OL/DL Caden Johnson (Ukiah) 6-4, 275, Jr.
OL/DL Russell Kadle (Fortuna) 6-4, 285, Sr.
LB/RB Isaac Kangas (Analy, Sebastopol) 5-11, 2015, Jr.
LB/RB Yusef Kawasami (Petaluma) 5-11, 220, Sr.
RB/DB Beau Keeve (Terra Linda, San Rafael) 5-11, 190, Sr.
DE/TE/RB Ryan Kelley (Marin Catholic, Kentfield) 6-3, 230, Sr.
WR/DB James Kenny (Justin-Siena, Napa) 6-0, 170, Jr.
C/DE Julian Lopez (Casa Grande, Petaluma) 6-1, 240, Sr.
RB Craig Lucey (Cardinal Newman, Santa Rosa) 6-0, 185, Sr.
DB/WR Johnny MacLean (Marin Catholic, Kentfield) 6-2, 200, Sr.
TE/DE Devante Manning (Santa Rosa) 6-3, 225, Sr.
WR/DB Kasey Mansen (Cardinal Newman, Santa Rosa) 6-0, 185, Sr.
WR/DB Tristan Mertens (Sonoma Valley, Sonoma) 5-9, 165, Sr.
QB Gunner Mefferd (Rancho Cotate, Rohnert Park) 6-3, 195, Jr.
OL/DL Jonathon Nelson (Healdsburg) 6-1, 280, Sr.
DL/OL Reed Palmer (Cardinal Newman, Santa Rosa) 6-1, 250, Jr.
OL/LB Greg Poterake (Casa Grande, Petaluma) 6-3, 275, Sr.
OL/DL Ryan Pozivenec (Redwood, Larkspur) 6-3, 275, Sr.
LB/FB Ian Roberts (Novato) 5-11, 195, Sr.
DL/OL Jamon Roberts (Cardinal Newman, Santa Rosa) 6-3, 215, Jr.
WR/DB/QB Jalen Roman (Windsor) 6-0, 170, Sr.
LB Michael Ross (Rancho Cotate, Rohnert Park) 5-11, 200
RB Zack Stolz (Cardinal Newman, Santa Rosa) 5-11, 180, Sr.
OL Daniel Vargas (Ukiah) 6-1, 270, Sr.
DB Ke’Shawn Walker (Montgomery, Santa Rosa) 5-8, 155, Sr.
QB Aidan Willard (Justin-Siena, Napa) 6-0,170, So.
Harold Abend is the associate editor of CalHiSports.com and the vice president of the California Prep Sportswriters Association. He can be reached at marketingharoldabend@gmail.com. Don’t forget to follow him on Twitter: @HaroldAbend
