By DICK SPARRER
Tony Elam and Jerrick Powell had a lot in common this fall.
They were both outstanding running backs, and they both led their teams to championships in the Santa Clara Valley Athletic League.
But it didn't end there--the two also finished as the most valuable players in their respective divisions of the SCVAL.
Elam, who led Homestead to a division title, was named the mvp of the rugged De Anza Division of the SCVAL. The speedy back rushed for more than 2,000 yards this season for the Mustangs.
Powell, who ended up with over 2,000 yards in his career at Fremont, was picked the mvp of the SCVAL's El Camino Division after leading the Firebirds to a division crown.
And it should come as no surprise that Elam and the Mustangs and Powell and Firebirds dominated the all-league lists in their divisions this fall.
Elam topped a list of nine Mustangs winning all-league recognition in the De Anza Division.
Elam was one of four Homestead players to earn special honors on the all-league team. Junior linebacker Chris Booker was named the outstanding defensive player, senior lineman David Atchison was picked the most valuable lineman and senior lineman Bo Gerth was selected as the most valuable defensive lineman.
Senior running back David Delgado and senior lineman Mark Glennon were Mustangs picked for the all-league first team offense, and senior defensive backs Ben Amiwero and Andy Delgado junior defensive lineman Matt Kenney were named to the all-league first team defense.
Monta Vista's Chad Purcell joined the special honors list in the De Anza Division as the league's outstanding offensive player. Purcell finished the year with more than 2,000 all-purpose yards, including 1,530 yards rushing.
Senior tight end Adam Peters and junior lineman Brian Wang were Matadors selected for the all-league first team offense, and junior defensive back Brad Munro and junior outside linebacker Alex Munro were on the all-league first team defense. Senior punter Ninus Benjamin also won an all-league first team spot.
Over in the El Camino Division, Powell headed up a list of 10 Firebirds earning all-league honors.
Junior linebacker Tully Banta-Cain and senior center Art Alegria joined Powell as special honors winners in the league. Banta-Cain was picked as the division's outstanding defensive player and Alegria was the most valuable lineman.
Senior running back Tony Brown and junior linemen Justin Stichter and Warren Rick were named to the all-league first team offense for the Firebirds, and junior defensive lineman Mike Barreras and senior defensive backs Roy Ross and Lamar Harvey were picked for the first team defense. Junior Bryan McCann was given the all-league first team utility spot.
Cupertino's David Jackson was picked for the special honors list on the all-league team. Jackson was named the most valuable back in the division.
Jackson was joined on the all-league list by wide receiver Maurice Lawson, offensive lineman Ryan Norcross and utilityman Mike Whitaker.
Wide receiver Shawn Flood, defensive lineman Jeremy Davis and linebacker Steve Homer were Lynbrook players picked for the all-league first team.
This article appeared in the Sunnyvale Sun, January 1, 1997.
©1997 Metro Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved.