2008 DAILY PRESS ALL-AREA FOOTBALL DEFENSIVE TEAM

Cornerbacks
Curtis Webb, Barstow, Jr.
An All-CIF honoree at defensive back, Webb was a key part of a speedy, ball-hawking secondary that helped the Aztecs reach the CIF finals.

DaMario Webb, Barstow, Sr.
Webb was a standout at both corner and safety in addition to being the second-leading rusher for the Aztecs and an All-CIF selection as a utility player.

Safeties
Evan Montes, Hesperia, Sr.
A senior leader on the area’s most feared defense, Montes was second on the team in total tackles with 103, had six sacks, grabbed two interceptions and recovered a fumble.

Aquino Spann, Barstow, Jr.
Spann’s speed and nose for the ball helped the Aztecs reach the CIF finals. He returned an interception 40 yards for a touchdown in a semifinal victory over Silverado.

Linebackers
Cory Diederich, Serrano, Sr.
The Diamondbacks’ starting tailback was just as much of a force on the other side of the ball, tallying 37 total tackles, an interception and a forced fumble as an outside linebacker.

Jeremy Henry, Silverado, Jr.
Henry led Silverado with 92 total tackles — 50 unassisted — and also had a sack and an interception for the CIF semifinalist Hawks.

Larry Johnson, Granite Hills, Sr.
An Inland Empire All-Star, Johnson had 69 total tackles, two sacks and a blocked punt for the Cougars while doubling as a tight end.

Linemen
Galvin Emesibe, Hesperia, Sr.
The defensive tackle led a stingy Scorpions defense with 12.3 sacks and was also fourth on the team in total tackles with 64.

Melvin Emesibe, Hesperia, Jr.
Emesibe was a key contributor on Hesperia’s feared front four at defensive end with 11 sacks, 54 total tackles and a fumble recovery.

James Lynn, Silverado, Jr.
Lynn earned an All-CIF nod for the CIF semifinalist Hawks with 34 total tackles, two sacks, two interceptions and a fumble recovery while also playing tight end.

Kevin Pope, Serrano, Sr.
Opposing offenses were always keying on Serrano’s dominant defensive end, but the Mojave River League defensive player of the year still tallied 72 total tackles, five sacks and a fumble recovery.

Tulilo Tofi, Barstow, Sr.
In addition to being the Aztecs’ starting quarterback, Tofi was also the Aztecs’ best defensive lineman, earning an All-CIF nod at defensive end.

Kicker/Punter
Isaac De Leon, Apple Valley, Sr.
The versatile senior scored 52 total points for the Sun Devils. In addition to kicking, he made 50 tackles at linebacker and led the team with 19 receptions.

Coach of the Year
Jose Rubio, Barstow
In his first year as varsity head coach, Rubio fostered a new attitude at Barstow and brought the Aztecs all the way to the CIF-SS Eastern Division finals. Barstow (10-4) was also co-champion of the Desert Sky League.

Honorable Mention
(In alphabetical order)
Gregory Dahn, Hesperia Christian; Antwaun Dawson, Hesperia; Hunter Metzgar, Hesperia; Joseph Pitre, Silver Valley; Travon Prejean, Victor Valley; Sean Silva, Barstow; Alfredo Vasquez, Hesperia.