Editor’s note: This is one in a series of Bay Area News Group stories honoring the top football players from the fall 2021 season.
UTILITY
First team
Jayvion Cole, McClymonds, 6-0, 175, senior
Oakland Athletic League’s player of the year helped lead McClymonds to its fourth state championship since 2016. In a 33-22 non-league victory over Marin Catholic, which also went on to win a state title, Cole caught seven passes for 108 yards and two touchdowns. In a 54-7 rout of Birmingham-Lake Balboa for the CIF Division 3-A state championship, Cole set the tone by returning the opening kickoff 90 yards for a TD.
Petelo Gi, Serra, 5-9, 195, senior
The West Catholic Athletic League’s running back of the year was a difference-maker, according to his coach, Patrick Walsh. Gi stood out as a running back and also played linebacker for the Central Coast Section Division I champion. “Always falls forward, plays with great effort,” one rival coach said.
Charles Greer, De La Salle, 5-10, 180, junior
Led the Concord powerhouse in rushing with 1,258 yards and 17 touchdowns in 149 attempts. Caught seven passes for 139 yards and three TDs. In a 49-21 victory over Cathedral Catholic-San Diego, which went on to win a state title, Greer ran for 230 yards and three TDs in 20 carries.
Kenny Olson, Foothill, 6-2, 205, senior
First-team honors at linebacker and wide receiver in the East Bay Athletic League’s Valley Division. As a linebacker, he finished with 70 tackles, including 50 solos and seven for loss. Had three sacks. As a receiver, he caught 48 passes for 704 yards and 13 TDs.
Will Uhrich, Burlingame, 6-1, 195, senior
The Peninsula Athletic League Bay Division defensive player of the year led his team to an 8-3 record and CCS playoff berth. “Stud on both sides of the ball,” said one of the league’s coaches. Added another, “Kid played every position on (defense) and was go-to player on (offense).” Burlingame coach John Philpopoulos called his safety/WR “one of the best 3-4 kids I’ve ever coached.”
Second team
Sam Betz, Leigh, 6-1, 205, senior
The MVP of the Blossom Valley Athletic League’s Santa Teresa Division scored 201 points to finish second in the CCS among statistics reported to MaxPreps. Rushed for 1,075 yards and 24 TDs. Caught 11 passes for 90 yards and one TD. Also kicked 51 PATs. As a linebacker, finished second on the team in tackles with 49 as Leigh finished 9-2.
TJ Costello, Dublin, 6-1, 230, senior
First-team selection as a tight end in the East Bay Athletic League’s Valley Division. Also lined up as a fullback. Finished with 659 yards and eight TDs receiving and 385 yards and five TDs rushing. Averaged 16 yards per touch. As a middle linebacker, he had 15 tackles behind the line of scrimmage for a team that qualified for the NCS Division II playoffs.
Mark Eby, Leland, 6-2, 205, senior
Senior of the year in the Blossom Valley Athletic League’s Mt. Hamilton Division, lining up as a running back, wide receiver and safety. Led the Chargers in rushing with 1,308 yards and 14 touchdowns. Caught 22 passes for 299 yards and three TDs. One coach in the league said of Eby, “Great football player!”
Zach Freire, Sacred Heart Prep, 5-8, 140, senior
Utility player of the year in the Peninsula Athletic League’s Bay Division. Lined up as a wide receiver, running back, defensive back, and punter for a team that won the Division 5-A state championship. Finished with 1,325 all-purpose yards and seven TDs. Averaged 38.2 yards in 27 punts, including three downed inside the 20.
Salesi Moala, Tennyson, 6-1, 225, senior
Did it all for 10-1 Tennyson, lining up at running back and linebacker. Three-star prospect with an Oregon State offer, according to 247Sports. Carried 115 times for 1,430 yards and 23 TDs. Also caught two TD passes. At linebacker, had 104 tackles, 14 for loss with 5.5 sacks. Blocked two PATs and a punt. Forced two fumbles and had five fumble recoveries.
Honorable mention
Daniel Batres, Mt. Eden, junior
Colin Borrelli, Liberty, senior
Brandon Burns, Dublin, senior
Bob Enright, Menlo School, junior
Jermaine Hargraves, El Cerrito, junior
Roland Legaspi, Piedmont Hills, senior
Jaden Lim, Newark Memorial, sophomore
Jeremiah Lolohea, Pioneer, senior
Quinn McCauley, Half Moon Bay, senior
Jerry Mixon Jr., Sacred Heart Cathedral, junior
Gavin O’Leary, College Park, junior
Frank Payne, Las Lomas, senior
Carlos Perez, Deer Valley, junior
Charlie Pyfer, St. Ignatius, senior
Marques Singleton, Encinal, junior
Alan Tanielu, Aragon, senior
Luke White, Los Gatos, senior
Nathan Williams, Live Oak, senior
All-BANG football team
Tuesday, Jan. 11
Wednesday, Jan. 12
Thursday, Jan. 13
Friday, Jan. 14
Co-offensive players of the year
The team was selected by the Bay Area News Group’s high school sports staff.
