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.
OFFENSIVE LINE
First team
Drew Azzopardi, Serra, 6-5, 317, senior
First-team all-West Catholic Athletic League honors. Dominant presence for a Padres team that won the CCS Division I championship and played Mater Dei in the Open Division state title game. Three-star prospect. Signed with San Diego State.
Jackson Brown, San Ramon Valley, 6-6, 295, senior
First-team selection in the East Bay Athletic League’s Mountain Division. Three-star prospect with 31 Division 1 offers. Committed to Cal. “One of the best 2-3 offensive lineman in NorCal and probably the best in the Bay Area,” SRV coach Aaron Becker said.
Nathan Elu, Serra, 6-5, 296, senior
The West Catholic Athletic League’s co-offensive lineman of the year. Signed with Oregon State. Three-star tackle helped lead the Padres to the CCS Division I championship and a spot in the Open Division state title game.
Uluakinofo Taliauli, St. Francis, 6-3, 260, senior
Co-offensive lineman of the year in the West Catholic Athletic League. Three-star prospect signed with San Jose State. “Great Lineman on a great line,” a coach from a league rival said.
Derek Thompson, De La Salle, 6-2, 265, junior
First-team all-East Bay Athletic League Mountain Division honors. Three-star prospect anchored a line that helped the offense generate 5,040 yards, including 3,433 on the ground.
Second team
Aidan Bandes, Pittsburg, 6-2, 255, senior
Unanimous first-team selection in the Bay Valley Athletic League. Helped the team to an undefeated league record and its first NCS championship in 30 years.
Marcus Failla, Valley Christian, 6-3, 340, senior
First-team all-West Catholic Athletic League selection and a three-year starter. Finished the season with 29 pancake blocks to help the Warriors reach the CCS Division I playoffs.
Max Haro, Salesian, 6-3, 300, senior
Lineman of the year in the Tri-County Athletic League’s Rock Division. Helped lead the Pride to the Division 6-A state championship.
Simeon Mitchell, McClymonds, 6-3, 307, senior
First-team honors in the Oakland Athletic League. Two-star prospect, according to 247Sports. Helped Mack win league, section, regional and state championships.
Mone Ngalu, Menlo-Atherton, 6-2, 305, senior
Peninsula Athletic League Bay Division first-team honors. Played nearly every snap on offense, defense. Team captain. Finished the season with 39 tackles as the Bears won the league title and advanced to the CCS Division I semifinals.
Honorable mention
Matthew Abbes, De La Salle, senior
Tony Alejo, Hillsdale, senior
Jonathan Beersdorf, The King’s Academy, senior
Jeremiah Caldwell, Hayward, junior
Jake Cooney, Dublin, senior
Sione Fetulimoeata, Antioch, senior
David Fononga, Aragon, senior
Adam Gibbs, El Cerrito, senior
Ryan Given, Pioneer, junior
Keith Hirtle, California, senior
Brenson Kanongataa, Oak Grove, senior
Chase Kerezsi, Granada, senior
Favor Komolafe, Liberty, senior
Semisi Latu, San Mateo, senior
Sam Lowings, Half Moon Bay, senior
Michael Lucero, Kennedy-Fremont, senior
Isaiah Martin, Gunderson, senior
Quinton Mastropietro, Mountain View, senior
Slater Mather, Clayton Valley, senior
Angel Niuatoa, Hayward, senior
William Ohai, Mt. Eden, sophomore
AJ Ortiz, Newark Memorial, senior
Elijah Ortiz, James Logan, senior
Hayden Roberts, Amador Valley, senior
Emanuel Rodelo-Torres, Skyline, senior
David Serrano, Bellarmine, senior
Joseph Speno, Pioneer, senior
Joe Taito, Kennedy-Richmond, sophomore
Lisala Takafua, Pittsburg, senior
Champ Taulealea, Valley Christian, freshman
Brandon Thai, Evergreen Valley, senior
Siaki Tonga, Antioch, junior
Bani Yaro, Leland, 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.