The Sunnyvale Sun

Sports

Fremont's Pope honored for his defense

By Mike Barnhart

Although Fremont junior Kenney Pope scored seven offensive touchdowns in six Santa Clara Valley Athletic League El Camino Division football games this past season, it was his defensive work that caught opposing coaches' eyes.

Pope's six interceptions and three fumble recoveries during El Camino play--including two takeaways for touchdowns in a season-turning 24-21victory over Monta Vista--were rewarded recently when the division's coaches named him Most Valuable Defensive Back.

"Great athletes have a way of being around the football," noted Fremont coach Ron Demonner, "and in just seven games, Kenney showed that talent."

Pope's strong play on both sides of the ball was one of the reasons Fremont was able to win its last four games of the season and finish 4-2 in El Camino play.

Two other Firebirds picked up special postseason awards. Senior R.J. Rivera (96 tackles) earned the title of Most Valuable Linebacker and sophomore Pat Washington (nine touchdowns, 762 yards) was the division's Most Valuable Offensive Back.

Other Fremont players who received first team recognition were offensive linemen Juan Escamilla and Ray Trevino and receiver Jon Karabatz, all seniors, and junior defensive back Daunte Mills. Two more offensive linemen, senior George Tran and junior Donny Mena, were named to the second team.

All-De Anza football

Although Wilcox did not reach the Central Coast Section playoffs in 2006, many Chargers turned in top-notch performances throughout the season. Division coaches recognized those outstanding efforts recently, giving special honors to three Chargers and placing nine others on the all-De Anza first team.

Senior Justice Patterson, who excelled as a two-way back, was named Outstanding Defensive Back, while junior Matt Turituri picked up the Outstanding Outside Linebacker award. Zach Decremer, a fine lineman, was the division's Sophomore of the Year.

Wilcox linebackers Vince Salinas and Andrew Reyes, safety Antione Briggs, cornerback Robert Rodriguez and lineman Mark Gomez were selected to the first team defense. Running back Anthony Volk, receiver Victor Padron, tackle Joey Sauceda and guard Patric Martinez were tabbed to the first team offense.

Homestead senior linebacker Matt Power, a three-year starter for the Mustangs, was picked to the first team defense. Tight end Tim Vanderet and lineman Josh Laber were selected to the first team offense. Another Homestead offensive lineman, junior Jeff Neale, was named to the second team.

Girls, boys polo

Matt Edwards and Veronica Bucher, sophomores on Homestead water polo teams this past fall, both received Most Valuable Player awards in the SCVAL El Camino Division.

Playing in the boys frosh-soph division, Edwards was joined by Homestead teammates Justin Bettman, Dhruva Chandrasekhar, Josh Glincher and Sam Hyrne on the all-El Camino squad. Other first team picks were Matt Amm, Michael Jidkov, Evan Kashi and Nathan Raff of Fremont and Trevor Paolinetti and James Sontag of Wilcox.

In the girls junior varsity division, Bucher, Homestead junior Laura Gongwer and Fremont freshman Jillian Wier earned all-El Camino recognition.