Five members of the 3-7 Gavilan College football team were named to the all-Coast Conference squad announced on Wednesday, including four players from the highly-ranked defensive unit.
Sack specialist Vernon Atkins, a sophomore out of Salinas, was tabbed for his play at defensive end. Atkins paced the team with 15 sacks and was third on the team with 54 total tackles.
Taylor Micali, a sophomore from Gilroy, was honored at linebacker after finishing second on the Rams with 72 tackles.
Defensive backs Steven Norman (Los Banos) and Arthur Pittman (Grant High) were first-team all-conference. Norman managed six interceptions and was second on the team with 57 tackles. Pittman garnered four interceptions along with 28 tackles.
Fullback Matt McCoy out of King City High was the lone Gavilan representative on the offensive unit. McCoy, a 5-foot-10, 245-pound bruising back, had 70 carries for 289 yards, and five receptions for 56 yards. He also scored three touchdowns for all-conference honors.
Ian Hesse of Monterey Peninsula College was the leading rusher (806 yards and seven touchdowns) in the passing-geared conference.
Brian Reader, quarterback of the 10-0 MPC Lobos, was tabbed as the Offensive Player of the Year. The Palma product threw for 2,284 yards and 18 touchdowns. Three receivers from the Lobos - Jeremy Haynes, Corey Sanchez and Brett Taylor - made the first team.
Mike Rasmussen of Monterey Peninsula College was selected as the Couch of the Year. The Lobos play Shasta, the Bay Valley Conference champion, in the Bulldog Bowl at College of San Mateo on Nov. 22 at 1 p.m.
All players nominated by a member coach not tabbed to the first team were granted Honorable Mention. Gavilan nominated three for that category: Running back Tim Lango, receiver Tim Harvey and offensive tackle Jeff Grattan.
Bob Burch Bob Burch covers sports for South Valley Newspapers.
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