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Saturday, December 25, 2010

Modesto Bee 2010 All District Football Team

DL: Washington Pesaleli, Modesto, Sr.
The 5-11, 270-pound tackle was able to get past opposing linemen with his quick first step, before using a short burst of speed to get into the backfield. A testament to Pesaleli's footwork: He occasionally lined up in the backfield and served as a blocking back for Panthers' tailback Arquel Rogers. He was the MMC's best on the defensive line and helped the Panthers to playoff berths each of the last two seasons.


Read more: http://www.modbee.com/2010/12/24/1485578_p3/the-bees-2010-all-district-high.html#ixzz19ICceB44

As blocker and singer, UA senior Amituanai knows about cadence

The voice, delicate and soulful, came from the front of the Arizona Wildcats' team bus.
Conan Amituanai's teammates could barely believe their ears.
"We were like, 'Whoa.' It was the biggest dude on the bus," quarterback Nick Foles said. "I couldn't believe it.
"He's got the voice of an angel."
Amituanai, the Wildcats' starting left guard, has been singing since childhood. But his ability to nail rhythm and blues songs has made the popular senior a locker room favorite.
Amituanai's renditions of SWV's "Weak" and H-Town's "Knockin' Da Boots," and songs by Boyz II Men, Bruno Mars and Jeremih keep his teammates constantly entertained.
His 6-foot-4-inch, 335-pound frame belies a voice that Amituanai's friends believe could make him a star.
Amituanai and UA student Zac Wiznitzer, a local rapper who goes by the name Zac White, released their first single - "See You Later" - last spring. Shortly afterward, Wiznitzer and Amituanai opened for Boston rapper Sam Adams at a Tucson club.
"Music has always been my thing," Amituanai said. "Sometimes, when I was a kid, I'd just play an instrument without singing anything. The music would just soothe me, calm me down, and I could go about my day from there."
Music and football have long been more than hobbies for the 22-year-old Amituanai, a native of Long Beach, Calif., who attended famed Poly High School. He signed with the UA in 2006 in part so he could play for his uncle, former defensive tackles coach Mike Tuiasosopo. He switched to guard during his redshirt freshman season and, after working his way to the top of the depth chart, cracked the Wildcats' starting lineup as a junior in 2009.
Wednesday's Alamo Bowl will mark Amituanai's 19th career start.
Among his teammates, Amituanai is known as much for his bellowing as his blocking.
The UA's offensive players were driving to Tucson from Fort Huachuca in 2008, when former Wildcat Mike Thomas commandeered the bus driver's microphone and began belting out an a cappella version of Jamie Foxx's "Wedding Vows." After a verse, Thomas - knowing Amituanai could sing - put the shy offensive lineman in the spotlight.
"Out of nowhere, he says, 'Conan, take over,' " Amituanai said. "I kept singing, but - you have to understand - I hate attention."
Teammate David Roberts, an aspiring music producer, soon introduced Amituanai to Wiznitzer. The lineman uses a Flip video camera to post songs on YouTube; with the help of senior defensive tackle Lolomana Mikaele, he's learning the guitar and ukulele.
"We all play it," Mikaele said.
Amituanai, who has a bachelor's degree in sociology, will move home next month to pursue his two passions. He'll prepare for the NFL draft and continue to sing, both at church and with his uncle, former USC standout Titus Tuiasosopo.
Amituanai's teammates are convinced he'll be famous - one way or another.
"He's definitely got a singing career ahead of him," Foles said, "Maybe 'American Idol.' "

Friday, December 24, 2010

Daily Pilot's Newport-Mesa Dream Team

Mutuvai Asi
Newport Harbor | DL
The senior defensive end transferred from Samoa and turned raw talent into problems for opposing blockers. The 6-foot-3, 237-pounder showed athleticism and fit in well with the Sailors. Asi, a second-team All-Sunset League pick, finished with 52 tackles, one sack and one blocked kick.

LA Daily News All Area Football Team

First Team
DB BRIAN FIFITA, Oaks Christian, Sr.
Opponents always had to account for Fifita, who had 90 tackles, five interceptions, three sacks and 14 pass deflections.

Second Team
LB Ronny Camacho, Oaks Christian, Sr.

Trench Warrior: Battling through injuries and o-lines Fort’s Tony Tanumai earns Defensive Player of the Year

By Bill Althaus - bill.althaus@examiner.net
Posted Dec 24, 2010 @ 02:29 PM
 
OK, let’s get this out of the way right at the beginning.

The hair.

What about the hair?

You’re a two-time all-state nose tackle and the foundation of the Fort Osage defense, but when people talk about Tony Tanumai, they want to talk about your hair.

Tanumai laughs at the question, and answers it like it’s the first time he’s ever been asked about the long, black flowing hair that covers the number on the back of his Indians jersey.

“I don’t have the long hair because of (Pittsburgh Steelers all-pro) Troy Polamalu,” said Tanumai, who moved with his family to the Fort Osage School District when he was in the sixth grade.

“I have the long hair because of my cousins. They have long hair and I wanted to have long hair – but, they did it because of Troy Polamula, so I guess you could say in some ways, he’s responsible for it.”

The hair might be the most recognizable part of Tanumai’s personna, but once the junior standout steps on the field he’s known for his tenacity, his ability to run down a back from sideline to sideline and his leadership.

Those skills and the surprising success of the Indians this season played a big role in Tanumai edging Blue Springs’ Lewis Foutz and Blue Springs South’s Logan Adkison for The Examiner’s 2010 Football Defensive Player of the Year Award.

“Tony is a big-time player,” Fort Osage coach Ryan Schartz, The Examiner’s 2010 Coach of the Year, said of the 5-foot-11, 255-pound junior who was an all-state selection this year by the Missouri Football Coaches Association and the Missouri Sports Writers and Broadcasters Association and an All-Simone Team selection as one of the top defensive linemen in the Kansas City area. “We know, he gets a lot of attention because of his hair.

“But when he starts playing he gets attention for the way he plays and what he brings to this team. I know I coach him, and I love him, but I can’t think of a more deserving player.

“We had two guys back on offense and three back on defense and Tony was the rock of the defense and we used him a few games at right tackle on the offensive side of the ball.”

 Late in the season, Tanumai suffered a second-degree tear in the MCL of his left leg.

“We had him checked out by a doctor and once they cleared him to play, we couldn’t keep him off the field,” Schartz said. “And the way he played in that regional game against Staley was something I’ll always remember.”

In the first half of the 22-0 Fort Osage loss, Staley drove into the red zone three times, and three times the Falcons came away empty handed.

The most impressive defensive stand came in the opening drive of the second period when Staley had the ball first and goal on the 3.

 Staley attempted to score up the middle on four consecutive running plays, and four times Tanumai and the Indians kept them out of the end zone.

“That was an amazing stand, just amazing,” Schartz said.

Tanumai made the first three stops and linebacker Ryan Stick made the fourth.

“We have a team with a lot of heart and the best coaches in the state – no, make that the best coaches in the nation – and wanted to make a defensive statement,” Tanumai said.

“And we did.”

When asked about playing in the game, Tanumai said there was no option as far as he was concerned.

 “There was no way I was sitting out this game,” the junior nose tackle said. “I played for our seniors. I know I’m coming back and I wanted to give them every opportunity to keep their season going.”

When asked about winning The Examiner’s top defensive award, Tanumai spoke in hushed tones.

“It is a blessing,” he said. “I will share this with my teammates and my family. My family is going to be so proud of me, and I am so proud to be a part of a wonderful family. I can’t thank the voters enough for helping me with this great award.”

2010 Daily Republic All Region Team

First Team
DL — Pierson Ma'afau, Vanden: One of the most imposing figures on a gridiron at 6-foot-3, 364 pounds, Ma'afau recorded 41 tackles and ran for a touchdown on his only carry of the season on offense.

Thursday, December 23, 2010

Carson's Justin Alo named All-City

Carson quarterback Justin Alo was selected by coaches to the first team All-City team. Poly's (Sun Valley) Sione Tongamoa was selected second team DII.

2010 Sacramento Bee All Metro Football Team

First Team
Drake Tofi RB, Monterey Trail, Sr.
Delta Valley Offensive Player of Year rushed for 2,224 yards and 26 touchdowns.
 
Filipo Sau OL, Grant, Sr.
Quiet 6-5, 295-pound sledgehammer keyed Pacers' dominant running game.


T.J. Poloai DL, Burbank, Sr.
Metro Conference Lineman of the Year and Washington State-bound player dominated for the Titans.

Darryl Paulo LB, Grant, Sr.
Three-year starter, captain and Pacers' tackle leader set standard for dominance.


Second Team
OL: George Folau, Grant, Sr.
ATHLETE: Tu'uta Inoke, Burbank, Sr.
LB: Joseph Fatu, Rosemont, Sr.

Honorable Mention
OL Nate Falo Inderkum
DL Ammon Tuimaunei Roseville

Sacramento Bee All Metro Defensive Players of the Year

Preparing for the Grant Pacers' terrorizing duo of Vei Moala and Puka Lopa made opposing coaches hyperventilate.
Moala was a human pile mover, requiring double or triple teams to deal with the 6-foot-3, 330-pound nose tackle. Lopa was a quarterback-chasing specialist on the outside of the line at a swift 6-2 and 250 pounds, his ponytail jutting out of the back of his helmet.
Together, they helped Grant set a state record with 85 sacks. Together, the close pals bow out as The Bee's co-Defensive Players of the Year.
"One really made the other," said Folsom coach Kris Richardson, whose Bulldogs split with Grant this season. "Moala was a load inside, and Lopa was incredible on the outside. I've never seen a kid go sideline-to-sideline like Lopa, a monster. Both of them."
They're only monsters in pads and gear. Otherwise, they're smiling, polite gentlemen, all good manners and cheer. But in helmets? Pure fright.
Lopa led the section with 21 sacks, and Moala was third with 16 as Grant went 13-1. They are national recruits who would like to continue playing together.
"That'd be a dream come true," Moala said.


Read more: http://www.sacbee.com/2010/12/23/3277120/2010-all-metro-football-offensive.html#ixzz19INUj9H7

2010 All Orange County Football Team

First Team
Butch Pauu Servite 5-11, 215, Jr. Linebacker
Highlights: Pauu showed his potential in 2009 when he earned all-sophomore state honors from Cal-Hi Sports. This year, he lived up to that honor. Pauu, known as The Butcher, was selected first-team All-Trinity League for the second consecutive season. Pauu always seemed to be around the ball, delivering a big hit and making life miserable for the opposition. He returned an interception for a touchdown against La Habra (Sept. 17). He turned in one of the best performances in the Pac-5 final as he recorded 10 tackles, one for loss and two pass breakups in the 41-27 victory over Mission Viejo.

Second Team
LB – David Tafuna, Villa Park, Sr.
LB -- Andrew Faraimo, Los Alamitos, Sr.
All-purpose – Howard Gauta, Loara, Sr.


Third Team
OL – Faitele Faafoi, Tustin, Sr.
OL – Ryan Lefotu, Orange Lutheran, Sr.
OL – Kyle Peko, La Habra, Sr.

Fort Osage's Tanumai and Tauiautusa All State Missouri

Fort Osage (MO) defensive tackle Tony Tanumai (5'11, 255, Jr) was named first team all state by both the Missouri Football Coaches Association and Missouri Sportswriter and Sportscaster Association. Defensive back Oli Tauiautusa (6'1, 190, Sr) was named to the second team.

Link to Missouri Football Coaches Association All State Team

2010 Oregonian All State Football Teams

The Oregonian announced their 5A and 4A All State Football Team.

5A Selections
First Team
DL Isaac Seumalo Corvallis Jr

Second Team
RB Ray Niko The Dalles-Wahtonka Sr
T Isaac Seumalo Corvallis Jr
DL Masi Mohulamu Jefferson (Portland) Sr
LB Noa Aluesi Jefferson (Portland) Sr

4A Selections
Second Team
RB Sonny Tupua Siuslaw Jr
DL Sosaia Tomoelupe Roosevelt (Portland) Sr
DL Sonny Tupua Siuslaw Jr

Honorable Mention
G George Taulanga Roosevelt (Portland) Sr
LB George Taulanga Roosevelt (Portland) Sr

Philadelphia Inquirer All Southeastern Pennyslvania

Defensive back Maika Polamalu (Pottsgrove-Pottstown) was selected team all state by the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Vai Tafuna named All American

VAI TAFUNA (6-1, 245 Sr. Fullback  - Mesa, Arizona)  
Tafuna was one of the Big Sky’s most dominate running backs in the final half of the 2010 season.  In the first six games of the season he had just 49 carries for 138 yards and one touchdown, but in the final five games he had 86 carries for 416 yards and scored nine touchdowns.   He ended the season with 135 carries for 551 yards and led the team in scoring with 10 touchdowns.  Tafuna played two seasons for the ‘Cats after transferring from Mesa (Arizona) CC.

Salave'a blending well with Wildcats

Joe Salave'a's first full day as a member of the Arizona Wildcats coaching staff was jammed with meetings, film work and a practice that stretched into the evening.
The meet-and-greet will have to wait.
"We're past the introductions," Salave'a said. "Our goal is to get these guys ready to play."
The former UA standout and NFL lineman started as the defensive line coach Monday, giving him scant time before the Wildcats' Dec. 29 Alamo Bowl game against No. 16 Oklahoma State.
Salave'a won't change much, technique-wise, but already has challenged his players to change their expectations.
Arizona's newest assistant is scoring points with his boss.
"I'm really impressed with his ability to fit in so quickly," head coach Mike Stoops said. "It feels like he's been around for a long time."
As recently as two weeks ago, Salave'a was plotting his next career move from his Las Vegas-area home.
An eight-year veteran with the Titans, Chargers and Redskins, Salave'a spent the 2008 and 2009 seasons as defensive tackles coach at San Jose State, but left when Spartans coach Dick Tomey - Salave'a's coach at the UA from 1994 to '97 - retired.
Salave'a spent this summer with the Seattle Seahawks as part of the NFL's minority internship program. But a flurry of moves on the UA staff brought the 35-year-old Salave'a home.
Mike Tuiasosopo and Greg Brown left the UA two weeks ago to join Jon Embree's staff at Colorado. Within days, Salave'a - endorsed by Tomey and Seahawks coach Pete Carroll, who called Stoops and defensive coordinator Tim Kish - was flown to Tucson for an interview. He was hired Thursday, and, in a rare move, invited to coach the defensive tackles for the upcoming bowl game.
The whirlwind hire "is the nature of the business," Salave'a said. Though he's still feeling his way through the job, Salave'a is helped by something Tuiasosopo didn't have - an NFL pedigree.
Senior Lolomana Mikaele was among the hundreds of Polynesian football players who rooted for Salave'a as a child in Honolulu.
"In the Polynesian community, everybody follows each other - especially if you're doing good," Mikaele said. "He's adjusting to us pretty good."
Salave'a said he will save his major tweaks for the off-season. For now, he's focusing on what he can control - Arizona's will to win.
A Tomey disciple, Salave'a knows the right buttons to push. He has challenged Mikaele and redshirt freshman Justin Washington to produce against an Oklahoma State offense that's among the best in the nation.
"I'm coaching these guys to win this game now. That's just the way I am," he said. "Nothing personal; you have to have thick skin around me. It's about going out there and taking care of business. The only way they can enjoy the experience is winning the bowl game."

2010 Nevada Class 4A All State Football Team

First Team
QB Jarrett Solomon Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas) 6'0, 202, Soph
 2,412 pass yards, 41 TD, 5 INT; Southwest Offensive MVP

OL Tuli Fakauho Liberty (Henderson) 6'1, 330, Sr
1st Team All Southeast

OL Daniel Filimona Liberty (Henderson) 6'2, 250, Sr
1st Team All Southeast 

DL Sam Ta'i Liberty (Henderson) 6'4, 245, Sr
30 tackles, 10 sacks

LB Folau Peaua Reno 6'0, 225, Sr

81 tackles, 10 TFL

Second Team
DL Tala Atimalala Desert Pines (Las Vegas) 6'0, 265, Sr
75 tackles, 10 TFL, 5 sacks

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Tani Tupou named to 2011 U.S. Under-19 National Team

Archbishop Murphy's Tani Tupou has been named to the 2011 U.S. Under-19 National Team, which was announced Tuesday.

Grant's Viliami Moala was also selected to the team. 
The University of Washington recruit, who helped lead the Wildcats to the Class 2A title game, is one of 45 high-school seniors from 21 states and Washington, D.C., who will play Feb. 2 in Austin, Texas, against a team composed of 45 of the best players age 19 and under from outside of the United States, spanning four continents in the second Team USA vs. The World game.
Here is a link to the story and full roster on usafootball.com.

Navy continues success under third-year coach Niumatalolo

BY GARY HYVONEN - For the North County Times North County Times - Californian |

SAN DIEGO ---- The United States Naval Academy is located in Annapolis, Md., nestled along the banks of the Severn River. It's a mere 30 miles from the White House. The trees are bare, the wind is cold, and the ground is white this time of year.
So don't be fooled by the sailboats in picturesque Chesapeake Bay. This is one of the last places in the country you would expect to hear the word "aloha.''
But that's exactly what you get if you reach the recording at the school's football office.
"Aloha, and welcome to Navy football.''
Huh?
"My secretary did that,'' says head coach Ken Niumatalolo. "She wants to make sure I don't get too homesick.''
Niumatalolo was born and raised in Hawaii. That he has ended up 5,000 miles away as one of the rising stars among college football coaches is a story of inspiration and trailblazing.
Niumatalolo still visits the islands every summer, but the truth is he and his family have adapted nicely to East Coast living. In fact, the youngest of his and wife Barbara's three children was born in Maryland, where he has resided for 12 of the last 15 years while serving in a variety of coaching roles for Navy.
When Paul Johnson, who lifted the Midshipmen program out of the doldrums, left three years ago for Georgia Tech, Navy promptly made Niumatalolo the first Samoan head coach in college football history ---- and only the second Polynesian at the Football Bowl Subdivision level.
"It's a great honor,'' Niumatalolo said. "I actually look at it from a standpoint that if I can be successful, I hope I can open doors for other Polynesian coaches. Polynesians have had a lot of success as players and I know there are a lot of them in coaching positions so hopefully more of them will get a chance to be head coaches.''
The 45-year-old Niumatalolo already seems to have his hand on the doorknob for them.
He has guided Navy to a 27-13 record and extended its bowl-appearance streak to eight years, the latest being Thursday's Poinsettia Bowl here against San Diego State.
Niumatalolo actually made his head coaching debut in the inaugural Poinsettia Bowl three years ago. The Mids fell to Utah 35-32 just two weeks after Johnson's departure. Since then, Niumatalolo has established a record for most wins by a coach in his first three years at Navy.
"We haven't missed a beat,'' says Navy athletic director Chet Gladchuk. "In fact, we're a better program now than we were three years ago when we promoted Ken. He's perfect for us and we're perfect for him.''
Niumatalolo recently was linked to openings at Minnesota and Vanderbilt. But he says he feels at home in Annapolis, where he is widely recognized.
"That's because there aren't many 275-pound brown guys walking around,'' he says laughing.
Niumatalolo says he is well aware of the strong Samoan presence in San Diego, particularly in North County. It's a recruiting base for the University of Hawaii, where Niumatalolo once served as a quarterback and assistant coach.
He vividly recalls the recruiting war in the early 1990s over prized Oceanside High star Joe Salave'a, who went to Arizona before enjoying a strong NFL career. He knows, of course, about Junior Seau, although he has never met the most accomplished of Samoan football players.
"I would love to meet him,'' Niumatalolo said. "I have been to his restaurant a few times. Good food.''
Seau likely is headed for the Hall of Fame. Niumatalolo seems headed for some high places of his own.
He is hailed for extending Navy's winning streak over Army to nine games.
Chalking up a pair of victories over Notre Dame along the way hasn't hurt. And, under his watch, the Mids have twice claimed the Commander-in-Chief Trophy ---- the prize for success in the annual Navy-Army-Air Force round-robin series.
Niumatalolo personally accepted the trophies at the White House, the first from George W. Bush, the second from Barrack Obama. Pretty heady stuff for a kid from the islands who simply wanted to be a sportscaster growing up.
"It's surreal, you almost have to pinch yourself,'' Niumatalolo said. " I feel very blessed to be in a position where I can influence young men and help develop leaders for our country.''
That Niumatalolo would find comfort at a military institute should not be surprising. For one, the high school he attended, Radford, sits just a few miles from Pearl Harbor.
"When you grow up in Hawaii, you're used to seeing military bases,'' he said.
Then there are the family ties. His father served in the Coast Guard and his brother James is a lieutenant colonel in the Army. And his mother, Lamala, is the real drill sergeant of the clan.
"We didn't have the most expensive home in the islands, but our home was immaculate,'' Niumatalolo said. "My mom would scrub every inch of the floor with Ajax. It was so clean you could eat off it. She was very meticulous. I think that's where my attention to detail comes from.''
Niumatalolo is involved in virtually every aspect of his program, from deciding what time his players eat to seating charts on road trips.
"If someone has a sore right leg,'' he says, "I want to make sure he has an aisle seat on the left side of the plane so his right leg can get some extension.''
Niumatalolo is a finalist for the inaugural Joseph V. Paterno coach of the year award, which will annually recognize dedication to developing student athletes.
He understands that coaching at Navy is more than X's and O's. Students there are required to serve in the military upon graduation. It makes recruiting difficult, but it hasn't stopped him from producing some impressive results.
"His heart and his spirit are why he is successful,'' says quarterback Ricky Dobbs." God is the focal point in his life. He doesn't do this for himself.''
Niumatalolo, a devout Mormon, is soft-spoken and constantly encouraging. His own children are star athletes and he approaches his job with the understanding that "all my players are somebody's kids.''
"My brother was spoiled growing up because he always played on teams with great athletes,'' James Niumatalolo said." And he's been very fortunate as a coach to have had some outstanding mentors, guys like Bob Wagner (Hawaii), John Robinson (UNLV) and Paul Johnson.''
It was Johnson who convinced Niumatalolo to get into coaching when he mentored him as Hawaii's offensive coordinator during the 1980s. It also was Johnson who brought Niumatalolo to Navy ---- twice.
Before the 2007 season began, Gladchuk knew that Johnson's days at the Academy were numbered as bigger schools began targeting him. The AD began thinking about the future and his thoughts kept turning to the loyal offensive line coach.
For nearly a year, Niumatalolo was auditioning for the job as Navy's head coach without even realizing it. Gladchuk paraded him in front of alumni groups, talked to people about him, monitored him closely.
"It basically gave me some time to observe Ken in some situations,'' he said.
"Two things came to mind for me. First, was Ken's character, his values, his leadership qualities. The other thing was keeping the infrastructure of the program together, and Ken was the one who could do that.
"He's been the glue that has kept this thing together.''

2010 AP Washington All State Football

Auburn lineman Danny Shelton was selected first team all state (4A) as both an offensive and defensive lineman. Shelton was a first team selection in 2009 as an offensive lineman. Curtis (Tacoma) wide receiver Rahmel Dockery was a first team 4A selection. Capital (Olympia) linebacker Jay Maiava was a first team 3A selection. University of Washington recruit Tani Tupou (Archbishop Murphy-Everett) was selected first team all state (2A) defensive lineman and second team tight end. Tupou's teammate offensive lineman Julius Tevaga was selected to the first team. Washington state recruit Tana Pritchard was selected first team as a punter. 

Honorable Mention selections
4A LB Nicky Fuala'au Sr Todd Beamer (Federal Way)
3A LB Jarrett Finau Sr Juanita (Kirkland)

Monday, December 20, 2010

Arizona High School Football Coaches Association Big 25 Team

Moon Valley (Phoenix) offensive lineman Vi Teofilo and Perry (Gilbert) defensive lineman Mo Latu were named All State by the AZFCA.

Mike Tuiasosopo hired at Colorado

BOULDER - When Colorado enters the Pac-12 Conference next fall, Jon Embree might be leaning a little more heavily on three members of his football staff for premium information on the Buffs' new opponents.
Offensive line coach Steve Marshall, defensive line coach Mike Tuiasosopo and defensive coordinator/secondary coach Greg Brown came to CU from Pac-10 schools, with Tuiasosopo's seven-year tenure at Arizona the longest among the trio.
Embree predicted the threesome's knowledge of the Pac-10, which adds CU and Utah next season, will be "invaluable" to him in terms of fundamental football information and recruiting.
Embree and Tuiasosopo first became acquainted when Embree was recruiting for CU and Tuiasosopo coached at Berkeley (Calif.) High School. Embree helped lure a couple of Tuiasosopo's top players - linebacker Hannibal Navies and defensive back Rashidi Barnes - to Boulder.
But other than turning out good college prospects, Tuiasosospo made an impression on Embree in how he interacted with players and how he didn't bow to then-Oakland Skyline High School coaching legend John Beam.
"At that time, when I went to their school, he was the only coach who wasn't afraid of Skyline," Embree said. "Skyline, hands down, was the school in the Bay Area. But 'Tui' had this competitiveness; he'd say we're going to beat them and get after them . . . he did a great job with those kids."
Embree then followed Tuiasosopo's career stops at Utah State and Utah, watching how Utah State's D-line played against the Buffs in Boulder in 1998. CU won 25-6, but Embree remembers the Buffs surrendering "eight or nine sacks . . . and a lot of it was just the front four. Sometimes sacks can be misleading because of blitzes, but he does a great job of getting pressure with four.
"He was in a program (at Arizona) that's similar to ours. He's not afraid to build, to compete. He never made excuses when I was at UCLA and we were playing. He never said we don't have the guys, we don't have this or that. He always got his players to produce. That was what it was about me wanting to have Mike Tuisasopo on my staff. And he's a heck of a recruiter."
Asked if leaving Arizona to join a first-year head coach's first staff required a leap of faith, Tuiasosopo laughed and answered, "It depends on how you describe a leap of faith. It's not blind faith, I can tell you that. I have great respect for Jon as a person and as a coach. I've always wanted to work with Jon. It's a great opportunity at a great school."

Sunday, December 19, 2010

2010 All-San Diego Section football team

The team includes Sam Meredith, Karl Mickelson, and Jeremiah Kose will play in the Polynesian All-American Classic. 

First Team
DL / Sam Meredith / Helix / 6-3 / 255 / Sr.
DL / William Milo / Helix / 5-9 / 265 / So.
DL / Aaron Leauma / Mission Hills / 6-0 / 265 / Jr.
LB / T.J. Sunia / Oceanside / 5-8 / 180 / Sr.

LB / Karl Mickelson / Morse / 6-1 / 215 / Sr.
LB / Jeremiah Kose / Vista / 6-1 / 215 / Sr.

Second Team
LB / David Atoe / Rancho Bernardo / 6-0 / 186 / Sr.

BYU wins New Mexico Bowl

BYU running back Josh Quezada rushed 15 times for 101 yards and 1 TD in the 52-24 win over UTEP.

Ohio loses to Troy

Ohio quarterback Boo Jackson completed 14 of 21 passes for 209 yards and three touchdowns in the 48-21 loss to Troy.