Saratoga News
Sports
Defensive star Fiaavae will be on the run for Prospect
By Kevin Sparrer
It will fall to Fiaavae Fiaavae to lead his team to glory this fall. At least, that's what the coaching staff at Prospect High School is hoping.
Fiaavae, a returning all-league defensive lineman for the Panthers, moved into the offensive backfield in the off-season, and with a 40-yard dash time that's broken the 5-second mark, the 6-foot-2, 195-pound senior looks to be the leader head coach Al Diaz was hoping to find when he moved over from the Lynbrook staff to take over the Prospect program this season.
"Fiaavae is fast and very aggressive," said Diaz. "He's the strongest player on the team."
Fiaavae is also expected to play a few downs as a tight end and, on the other side of the ball, will be stopping the other team as a linebacker. He's one of four all-league returners for the Panthers this fall. Fiaavae was named a first team all-league defensive lineman and was joined on that defensive list by teammate Randy Wilde (5-foot-7, 160), a first team strong safety. Senior center Chris Walter (6-foot, 185) was the all-league first team center a year ago, and Paul Michael Davis (6-foot-2, 215) was a second team linebacker.
Davis will return to his linebacker post this year and will also be running the ball as the fullback for the Panthers.
"Davis has all the physical attributes. He's a strong leader, was second team all-league on the defense last year and will be starting at both fullback and linebacker," said Diaz. "He's a little raw, but has all the ability to grow at the next level."
Wilde is also coming back as a running back and outside linebacker for his senior year.
"He's very smart and the hardest worker on the team," added the coach. "He'll be playing both sides of the ball."
Another key player returning for his senior year is Nate Taye (6-foot-2, 180), a wide receiver, defensive back and quarterback.
"Taye is a smart, gifted athlete. He started as a freshman on the varsity basketball team and this is only his second year playing football," said Diaz. "He'll fill the shoes of last year's standout Kendell Hendon." Hendon was the Senior of the Year in the West Valley Division of the Blossom Valley Athletic League last year and went on to play and score a touchdown in a 24-21 North victory in the 33rd annual Charlie Wedemeyer All-Star Football Game.
Leading the charge up front offensively for the Panthers will be Walter, a returning all-league center. He'll also serve double duty as a linebacker.
Other seniors expected to contribute for Prospect are Kwasi Achiaw (5-foot-8, 165), running back and defensive back; George Hicks (6-foot-1, 225), offensive and defensive lineman; Ryan Eseroma (6-foot, 290), offensive and defensive lineman; Jack Rosenwicz (6-foot, 185), fullback and defensive end; Tony Cruz (6-foot-2, 175), tight end and linebacker; Thomas Eilers (5-foot-10, 155), kicker and punter; Chris Gustafson (5-foot-9, 165), wide receiver and defensive back; Chad Hamilton (5-foot-9, 160), wide receiver and defensive back; Randell Sandwich (6-foot, 160), offensive lineman and defensive end; Sean Tucker (6-foot-3, 165), wide receiver and defensive back; and Curtis Van Wardenberg (6-foot, 205), offensive lineman and linebacker.
Along with the seniors, Prospect also has a number of juniors who figure to step up and make some plays. One such player is quarterback Mike Brown (6-foot-1, 170). "Brown is showing signs of becoming a great leader," said Diaz.
Junior Izzy Serrano (5-foot-8, 165) is a prospect at defensive back and tailback. "He's been working hard," said Diaz, "and has earned his spot as a defensive starter."
Gabe Marcus (6-foot, 175) will also see plenty of action during his junior year as a tight end and linebacker.
Prospect also has a pair of sophomores that look to add to the attack. "Twin brothers Malo and Tasi Alaalatoa will help us out tremendously on both sides of the ball," said Diaz.
M. Alaalatoa (5-foot-10, 250) is an offensive and defensive lineman, while T. Alaalatoa (5-foot-10, 225) is an offensive lineman and linebacker.
"Even though we lost some key starters from last year's team, it's a new season with a new coaching staff and the beginning of something special," said Diaz, a former head coach at Cupertino. "We have a host of players who are up for the challenges of the '07 season. And with a strong up and coming junior class and an even stronger senior returning class, the sky is the limit for us--it's ours to lose."
The Panthers will open the season at home with a non-league game against Half Moon Bay on Sept. 8, 1:30 p.m. Prospect will head to Leigh on Sept. 14 for a 7 p.m. start and the last preseason game will be on the road against Monta Vista on Sept. 21 at 3:15 p.m.
The first game of the season will be against Willow Glen at the home of the Rams on Sept. 28 with a 7 p.m. kickoff.
