Following a full slate of games in the 2021 season, 22 Colusa County football players were named to their respective All-League teams. Here’s a brief look at the individual athletes acknowledged for their efforts this year.
Sacramento Valley League:
Pierce
The Bears were the second place team in the SVL and the Northern Section Division IV runners-up, finishing the season 9-4 overall and 5-1 in conference play, where they were awarded six All-League spots.
Leading the way for Pierce was Kaden Davis, a senior who played in beast mode throughout his final season. A nose guard, Davis tallied 58 tackles, five sacks, and seemingly always delivered a big play when his team needed it most. His performance also earned him a place on the 2nd Team All-Northern Section Defense, the only football player from Colusa County to earn recognition this year.
Brandon Saavedra finished his senior season by making 15 sacks, which was second in the Northern Section, then also recorded 54 tackles and four fumble recoveries.
After not playing as a junior, Iain Kalfsbeek was a pleasant surprise for the Bears this year, as he was the team’s leading tackler with 79, which also included eight sacks. Kalfsbeek additionally rushed for 465 yards, which equated to 6.4 yards per carry, and found the end zone seven times.
Another two-way player, Bryce Murphy managed the Pierce offense throwing for 423 yards and five touchdowns, while averaging 7.7 yards per carry on the ground and scoring twice. Murphy also made three picks from his safety position on defense.
Speedy running back Daniel Gonzalez earned All-League honors after rushing for 544 yards, an average of 10.5 yards per carry. He topped the 100-yard mark twice and scored eight touchdowns.
The only junior in the Pierce All-League contingency, Manuel Lopez was the team’s offensive workhorse, carrying 260 times for 1692 yards, to finish as the section’s second leading rusher. The powerful fullback averaged 6.5 yards per carry, eclipsed the 100-yard mark nine times, and also scored 15 touchdowns.
Colusa
Although the RedHawks completed the season 9-4 overall, they had to settle for fifth place in the SVL with a record of 2-3, and had three seniors named All-SVL for their contributions.
Quarterback Emanuel Frias was the most potent offensive weapon for Colusa, completing 71 passes for 1357 yards and 21 touchdowns, while carrying 81 times for 604 yards and another eight touchdowns as well.
Frias’s favorite target was receiver Nick Price, who hauled in 41 passes for 1018 yards and 15 touchdowns. He also carried 19 times for four more touchdowns and tacked on one more on a punt return. Price’s receiving total was second in the section while his 20 touchdowns were good for fourth.
In the trenches, Marco Cano was the RedHawks’ top lineman on both sides of the ball.
Mid-Valley League:
Williams
Behind MVL Coach-of-the-Year Jeff Lemus, who led the Yellowjackets to their first undefeated regular season and conference championship since 2014, Williams completed the season 8-3 overall, 5-0 in league, and had seven players receive All-League recognition.
Averaging 131 yards per game on offense, Jayr Ramirez, with his 1013 rushing yards, accounted for 43 percent of the ‘Jackets’ ground game and was recognized as the MVL’s Offensive MVP. Ramirez scored 18 touchdowns on the season and three times surpassed the 100–yard rushing mark with totals of 178, 366 and 271 yards.
Senior Miguel Rivera led the ‘Jackets in receiving with 484 yards and seven touchdowns, then from his cornerback position made 44 tackles, registered eight passes defended, and made two interceptions.
Quarterback Omar Lomeli ended his senior season with a 103.1 rating, as he threw for 1075 yards and 13 touchdowns, in addition to rushing for another 600 yards, and scoring three times.
Playing a big role for the Yellowjacket defense, senior linebacker Lorenzo Ruvalcaba made 120 tackles, including 81 solo, which was fifth in the Northern Section.
Michael Cervantes did a little bit of everything in his final season for the ‘Jackets, but was selected All-League based on his play at free safety, where he made 50 tackles.
Cornerback Arturo Ornelas, another senior, rounded out his career, making 41 tackles, three interceptions, and defending four passes this year.
Last, but certainly not least, was senior Oscar Mendoza, who anchored both sides of the ‘Jackets’ line, and also served as the team’s punter.
Cascade Valley League:
Maxwell
It was a season of growth for the Panthers, who look to be on the rise after ending the season 5-6 overall, but 4-3 in the eight team CVL, which was good for third place. Although Maxwell did not keep individual statistics, four seniors and two juniors earned All-League honors.
In their final season for the blue and gold, Ignacio Velazquez, Shane Danley, Will Kuska, and Steven Avery, received postseason accolades, as did Berto Lara and Cale Kuska, who headline the group of returners for the Panthers. ■
