Costa’s Tavai named Bay League’s best

By Randy Angel | January 11th, 2011 | Filed under High School Sports | No Comments

Mira Costa stalwart J.R. Tavai was selected as the Bay League’s Most Valuable Player after leading the Mustangs to a third consecutive league title. Photo by Ray Vidal

After leading Mira Costa to its third consecutive Bay League championship, J.R. Tavai was named as the league’s Most Valuable Player while teammate Derek Largent was selected as the Defensive Player of the Year, the same honor Tavai was bestowed following the 2009 season.
Verbally committing to USC, the 6-foot-2, 260-pound Tavai dominated the line of scrimmage recording 95 tackles and 12 sacks for a Mustang defense that surrendered just less than 12 points per game during the 2010 campaign.
A two-way starter, Tavai was a vital cog for Mira Costa’s running attack, gaining 278 yards and three touchdowns on 59 carries from the fullback position.
Largent, a physical 6-foot-3, 210-pound linebacker, made 44 tackles with an interception and played a key role for Mira Costa’ offense. He averaged 24.5 yards per reception and recorded a team high three touchdown receptions as a tight end.

Linebacker Derek Largent was named the Bay League’s Defensive Player of the Year after a season that saw Mira Costa give up just under 12 points per game. Photo by Randy Angel

Six other members of Mira Costa’s championship squad were named to the All-Bay League first team including the Mustang’s top running back Deon Morris who gained 820 yards and eight touchdowns on 141 carries.
Linemen Ryan Daly and Brett Darragh paved the way for Mira Costa who amassed 2,985 total yards of total offense.
Wide receiver Sam Stekol emerged as the favorite target of three quarterbacks used in Mira Costa’s offensive scheme, hauling in 26 passes for 419 yards and one touchdown.
Kicker Brendan Sofen made the first team after connecting on 15 of 20 field goal attempts and 20 of 23 PAT tries. The senior kicker will take his talents to Princeton in the fall.
Mustang defensive back Donta Bavis was selected to the first team after recording 31 tackles and a team-high three interceptions.
Following a third-place finish, Redondo landed four players on the All-Bay League first team.
On offense, John Miller was a repeat recipient of the honor. The 6-foot-4, 310-pound lineman anchored the Sea Hawk line that helped produce 2,309 yards and 21 touchdowns.
Junior running back Ryan Spiwak spearheaded Redondo’s running game gaining 729 yards and 10 touchdowns on 130 carries.
Named to the All-Bay League first team defense were Sea Hawk defensive backs Drew Wright and Kem Richards.
Selected to the Second Team Offense were Redondo running back Brandon Kim, linemen Adam Ammentorp and Matt Ulizio and kicker Hunter Bradshaw. Sea Hawk linebacker Zach Zent was named to the Second Team Defense.
Mira Costa players making the Second Team Defense included linebacker Noah Rossi, lineman R. J. Coleman and defensive back Trey Tamura. ER