A pair of senior quarterbacks who led their respective teams to successful seasons were honored by the coaches of the West Sierra League.
Noah Tasi of Coalinga and Earl Riley of Dos Palos were picked as the Co-Most Valuable Players of the WSL. Tasi, a three-year starter at quarterback, led Coalinga to perhaps their most successful season in school history. The Horned Toads went undefeated in the regular season and won the Central Section Div. IV playoffs with a last-second 34-33 victory over defending champion Shafter.
In the first round of the State playoffs, they lost to Highland-Palmdale, 33-31.
Riley, at 6’2” and 185 lbs., used his strong arm and feet to lead Dos Palos to a 7-5 record and a second-place finish in the WSL. The Broncos lost in the opening round of the Div. IV playoffs to South-Bakersfield, 14-7. Riley finished the season with 18 touchdown passes and three more running the ball.
Senior quarterback Ryan Preciado of Mendota was selected as the Offensive MVP. Dos Palos outside linebacker Jesus Tapia shared the Defensive MVP honors with Jayden Pena of Coalinga.
Two-way lineman Bryan Ruiz was named the Overall Lineman of the Year, and the Defensive Lineman of the Year was Nicholas Cattuzo of Coalinga.
Junior Esteban Hernandez of Dos Palos was named the Offensive Lineman of the Year and teammate Jacquez Jones is the Utility Player of the Year.
Two sophomore wide receivers, Billy Scott of Dos Palos and Dominic Barrajas of Firebaugh were named as the Underclassmen of the Year along with Gracin Redding of Coalinga.
Coalinga High head coach Jose Plz is the WSL’s Coach of the Year.
First team selections include running back Andre Flores of Dos Palos and teammate Ace O’Banion, a fullback/tight end.
Hernandez leads the first team offensive linemen along with Anthony Mayo of Firebaugh.
Jones, a speedster with good hands, was one of the first team wide receivers with Dylan Teixiera of Coalinga and Julian Silva of Mendota.
The first team defensive linemen were led by Justin Hurd of Dos Palos, and Tapia and Firebaugh’s Jordyn Fuentes were picked as first team linebackers.
