In leading his team to a 15-0 season and a victory in the State Small School Bowl title game, Burse passed for 1,771 yards and was the district’s top rusher with 1,826 yards. He had a hand in 57 touchdowns — and he also made 90 tackles, had seven sacks, intercepted five passes and had a 35-yard average on punts. He saved his best for last, though, tearing up the competition in the playoffs. He ran for 917 yards and 12 touchdowns, averaging 10 yards per carry, and passed for 681 yards and 10 scores in five postseason games.

The VOL’s MVP and one of the best open-field runners the district has seen this decade, Daniels had schol records of 1,833 yards rushing and 33 TDs. Has the two most prolific single-game rushing performances in school history — 278 yards in Week 6, then 296 yards in a 40-39, second-round playoff victory over Benicia. Also caught 13 passes for 183 yards and a TD while leading the T-wolves to their first-ever league championship.

Though he projects out as a college Division 1 tight end, the 6-5, 2150-pound Nelson made quite a defensive tackle for the state champion Crusaders, as well. His long arms created thick obstacles for quarterbacks trying to throw, and he was able to latch on to runners. He had a hand in 64 tackles, while collecting eight sacks. Mobility was his greatest asset, as it allowed him to disrupt the backfield. Also caught 32 passes for 687 yards and 11 TDs.

Led Raiders to the section Division 4 semifinals, passing for 2,516 yards and 33 TDs — while tossing just three interceptions in 267 attempts. Completed 58 percent of his passes and had season-high 329 yards in season-ending loss to Modesto Christian.

An all-district linebacker as a junior, House is a powerful fullback who turns the wing-T into a big-play offense. Repeat all-district pick ran for 1,461 yards and 27 TDs, including four scores in an upset of Vanden in the Division 3 quarterfinals.

The 'Cats bruising runner rushed for a school record 1,746 yards and scored 18 TDs, including a career-high 32 carries for 203 yards and four TDs in a 36-20 upset of No.1 Lincoln in the Division 4 quarterfinals. He averaged 7.3 yards a carry.

Part of a powerful group of all-district runners, the 225-pounder piled up 1,629 yards and scored 14 TDs on just 114 carries -- 14.3 yards a carry. He had games of 254 and 256 yards, and had four TDs in an upset of Merced that sent Pitman to the playoffs.

Set regular-season record with 105 catches, going for 1,565 yards and 20 TDs — no receiver in the district has ever had a season this successful. Had never put on pads before, but had a quick burst that allowed him to pull away from defensive back.

If not for teammate Javon Kelly, Keller would have enjoyed the best season for a district receiver. Wasn’t too far behind his teammate, with 103 catches for 1,471 yards 8 TDs — in nine games. Caught 21 balls for 265 yards in Week 10, one of six games with 10-plus catches.

He had size (6-2, 235 pounds) and mobility, making him a strong blocker whether he was opening holes for a trio of backs — House, Devin Brooks and Blake Raham — or protecting QB Robert Stout. The first-year starter was the VOL’s top offensive linemen.

The only all-district offensive linemen under 6-1, the 5-9, 235-pound Nelson was the best of a talented group of CCC blockers. His ability to manhandle opposing linemen took on greater importance as injuries decimated the Tigers at the skill positions.

One of the VOL’s top linemen since he joined the varsity as a sophomore, the 230-pounder moved out of his customary center position to strengthen the line. Sonora rushed for 299 yards a game, averaging 6.8 yards a carry, and Gray was often out front.

Provided the muscle for the Panthers’ record-setting and their two 1,000-yard rushers, James Ingram and Arquel Rogers. The 6-4, 235-pounder was the MMC’s top offensive linemen, was a big reason that the Panthers averaged 6.6 yards a carry and ran for 36 TDs.

The Stanislaus District’s most dominant center, the 270-pound Galas used his size and strength to power opposing linemen down the field. The brother of former all-district linemen, Dominic Galas, his season ended with a leg injury in Week 12.

Had the greatest game by a district kicker, booting field goals of 40, 45 and 50 yards to upset then-No.1 Oakdale 44-42. His 40-yarder came with 1:25 to play and won the game. Caught 52 passes for 715 yards and nine TDs, and four interceptions.

Another in a long line of impressive defensive linemen from Merced, the 6-2, 245-pounder had 62 solo tackles — with 19 assisted — and nine sacks. Posted high games of 14 and 12 tackles, and the hard-hitting tackle also forced three fumbles.

Wasn’t a more feared linemen in the MMC, as he used his weight (280 pounds) and surprising quickness to shoot gaps and disrupt offenses. He was agile enough to play fullback, as well, but Hosea was at his best when chasing QBs and drilling runners.

Was able to close holes quickly with his 6-2, 231-pound frame, but also was agile enough to get away from blockers and hunt down running backs. Average four tackles a game, in a defensive scheme where linemen sacrifice their stats, as well as five sacks.

One of the keys to the Falcons’ surprising season, capped by a trip to the section D2 quarterfinals. A dual threat, he had 67 sacks and a remarkable 14 sacks — and ran for 450 yards and seven TDs, averaging 6.4 yards a carry. Had a 12-tackle game.

The CCC’s most talented linebacker, Iglesias led a defense that posted back-to-back shutouts of Pitman and Atwater — both playoff teams. Averaged 12.2 tackles, including 18 in a win over Buhach Colony, another playoff team. Also had three sacks, four picks.

Brought a reputation into the season as a hard-hitting inside linebacker, and did nothing to dispel that notion. Packed 215 pounds into his 5-10 frame, and his forte was meeting runners with a “crunch” just as they came across the line of scrimmage.

Neck-and-neck with Gilstrap as the district’s top linebacker, Largent led a defense that didn’t allow a point in its five regular-season home games. Had 110 tackles, and had three interceptions and two fumble recoveries. Caught 13 balls for 229 yards as TE.

One of four juniors, the 5-11, 220-pounder developed into the WAC’s top linebacker. Led Tigers into the Division 3 playoffs, where they fell in overtime on the road to Benicia. Laurel will be one of several key underclassmen returning next fall for Patterson.

One of four juniors, he finished with 81 tackles, four interceptions and three fumble recoveries. A hard-hitting safety who was also among the region’s best in pass coverage, Flamion also caught 34 balls for 588 yards and scored 11 TDs.

One of two Tigers defenders on the first team, finished with 49 solo tackles and five interceptions while leading LB to its first CCC championship — and it’s last. The Tigers join the WAC next fall. Used his quickness to block two punts, as well.

One of numerous QBs who performed double duty in the secondary, he had 65 tackles, two sacks and five interceptions — including two picks in a playoff loss to Rocklin, the state Division 2 runnerup. He also 2,259 offensive yards and a hand in 24 TDs.

Slowed early in the season by a broken hand, Roya was a terror in the postseason with 807 yards offense and 14 TDs. Had 148 yards rushing and caught two TDs in state championship game. Scored 25 TDs — 10 were least 40 yards — and was in on 46 tackles.

The last of the juniors, he passed for 2,893 yards and 37 TDs to lead Summerville to arguably the most impressive season in school history. Had three games with at least five TD passes, averaged 39 yards on his punts and also played nickel coverage.

One of the district’s top runners with 1,484 yards and 16 TDs, including games of 246 and 253 yards in the last two weeks of the regular season to clinch the MMC title. Averaged 28 carries a game during the last five weeks and had an interception.

Mike Parsons had a goal in mind when he arrived at Modesto Christian -- to beat perennial powerhouse rival Central Catholic. He wasn't aiming high enough. By winning the Small Schools Bowl game -- the Crusaders' 15th victory -- MC became the first team in the Stanislaus District to win a state title on the field.

Click on the headline for a full list of the first team, second team and honorable mention football players who make up our 2009 All-District Football Team.

Richard T. Estrada discusses how The Bee's 2009 All-District Football Team was chosen. What are the new wrinkles this year? What were the tough calls? And just how are these selections made? Click on the headline to watch the video.