Saturday, Dec. 27, 2008

All-District Football First Team

QB TREVOR MEW

Central Valley senior

Three-year star passed for 2,957 yards and 29 TDs, completing 73 percent of his throws. Six games with three or more TDs; threw for 245 yards or more in nine games. His 138 quarterback rating is No. 2 in section.

RB NICKY BATTEATE

Oakdale senior

One of the District's best in the open field, rushed for 1,233 yards and 15 TDs for the VOL champions. Averaged 7.7 yards per carry and among the District's best catching passes out of the backfield

RB STEPHON MATHIS

Merced senior

Candidate for Player of the Year ran for 1,947 yards and 26 TDs, averaging 9.9 yards per carry. Had at least 115 yards in 11 of 12 games, including three 200-yard efforts. Seven touchdowns of 65 yards or more.

RB CHARLIE McDONALD

Escalon senior

District's top small-school back was master of the big play, rushing for 1,402 yards and averaging 12 yards per carry. Had 21 carries, 226 yards in win over Modesto Christian that clinched TVL championship.

WR RUBAL SANGHA

Los Banos senior

"Showman" was District's top receiver, catching 73 passes for 1,203 yards and scoring a section-high 21 TDs. Twice caught 12 passes in a game while taking Tigers to playoffs for first time in a decade.

WR DEANGELO WILLIAMS

Central Valley junior

No one was more athletic when going after a ball. The 6-foot-3-inch receiver had 55 catches for 1,128 yards, 20.5-yard average and 13 TDs. Had six catches for 227 yards in 31-28 loss to Sierra.

OL DAMON BRAGNER*

Los Banos, senior

Two-time all-District offensive lineman was an all-CCC first-teamer who opened large holes for running back Darron Brown while protecting quarterback Erik Martin. His forte was run-blocking.

OL MASON RUSSELL

Turlock, senior

The CCC lineman of the year was an all-CCC first-team player on both offensive and defensive line. The Bulldogs did much of their damage on the ground with running backs going behind him.

OL GIOVANNI SANI

Central Catholic, senior

The WAC's outstanding offensive lineman was the foundation of a line that replaced all five starters from the previous year. Was a first-team all-Sac-Joaquin Section offensive line selection.

OL RODNEY SMITH

Johansen, senior

Smith had such an impact on the Vikings' season that he was named the MMC's outstanding offensive player -- a rarity for a lineman. He helped anchor Deven Cannon's 2,000-yard season.

OL ANDREW WEBB

Johansen, senior

Teamed with Rodney Smith and company to form one of the area's most imposing offensive lines. Helped the MMC-champion Vikings average nearly 307 rushing yards per game.

K DONOVAN SMITH

Hilmar, senior

Booted 44 extra points and five field goals -- including a 41-yarder -- for the section Division V champion Yellowjackets. Also had 413 all-purpose yards and scored five touchdowns as a receiver.

DL NATHAN MAYFIELD

Merced, senior

6-foot-3, 215-pound defensive end showcased his speed to the tune of 62 tackles and six quarterback sacks. Had seven tackles, two sacks in section Div. I first-round playoff win over Tracy.

DL ANDY JENNINGS

Pitman, senior

The Central California Conference's outstanding defensive player played a key role in the interior line for the Pride. He took on double teams on almost every play and still made his share of tackles.

DL THOMAS MARTIN

Escalon, senior

The Trans-Valley League's outstanding defensive player had 68 tackles and 10 quarterback sacks for the league champion Cougars. Two sacks came in the TVL title game against MC.