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Last Updated: Dec 12th, 2007 - 14:11:56 |
After College of the Redwoods' football team's 3-2 record in the Bay Valley Conference, eight players -- four offensive, four defensive -- were selected to the first team All-BVC team.
Of special note is that three of those players have been nominated for all-state honors, and one has been recommended for the All-American team.
The four Corsairs from the offensive unit were a pair of freshman offensive linemen, Justin Primofiore and Nik Jonte, freshman wide receiver Nevin Blankenship and freshman running back Lyndon Rowells.
Primofiore hails from Fortuna High School and Jonte is from Arcata High.
The defensive all-league picks were two freshmen defensive linemen -- Kyle Dillard and Ben Watkins, sophomore linebacker Zach Nichols and sophomore defensive back Kollin Hancock.
”Those kids did a great job,” said CR head coach Dave Banducci.
”We started five freshmen on the offensive line,” he added. “And the defensive line kids really improved.”
Primofiore, Rowells and Hancock, who were unanimous all-BVC selections, have been nominated for all-state honors.
The state community college meeting occurs in Visalia in early December, and Banducci
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indicated that he will learn at that meeting whether any of the trio of his players have earned all-state honors.
Rowells, besides his all-BVC recognition and all-state nomination, has been put up for the All-American team, whose roster is revealed after the all-state teams have been announced.
The 5-foot-10, 192-pounds running back carved his niche in CR's all-time record book by rushing 206 times for 1,366 yards -- that's 6.6 yards per attempt -- and 12 touchdowns. In addition to his running, Rowells also caught 23 passes for 231 yards and two more TDs.
When a running back breaks an all-time rushing mark, besides individual strength, speed and savvy, he needs great performances in the trenches by his offensive line.
Two members of that line who helped pave the way for Rowells were Primofiore, at 6-foot-4 and 335 pounds, and Jonte, at 6-foot-1 and 280 pounds.
Primofiore stood out among BVC linemen with his powerful blocking, great footwork and ability to open holes for the Corsairs' running backs.
At defensive back, Hancock led the Corsairs in interceptions with six, returning one for a score, made 41 solo tackles and forced two fumbles.
Hancock also returned 13 punts for 273 yards -- an excellent 21 yards average.
Redwoods also landed four players on the second team all-BVC -- Keoki Burbank, sophomore quarterback from St. Bernard's, Van Dunn sophomore offensive lineman, Vincent Gianfrancesco, freshman kicker, and Ulysses Dalton, sophomore defensive back.
Banducci, noting that six of the eight first team all-BVC picks were freshmen, said “It's great that a number of them will be returning.”
The challenge for Banducci and his staff is to help keep his players academically eligible for next year.
To help meet that goal, the Corsairs' football coaching staff has implemented a study hall to assist their players in maintaining at least a C average.
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