After the Anzar football team doubled its win total from its debut season a year ago, the Hawks were rewarded this week with three all-league selections, including the Mission Trail Athletic League’s defensive player of the year.
Joseph Banuelos, a sophomore, led the MTAL 8-man league with 104 tackles and was selected to both the all-league’s first team and the defensive MVP. The pair of league awards weren’t a surprise for Anzar head coach Luis Espinoza.
“He is just a tremendous athlete,” Espinoza said. “He is already one of the best linebackers in our league. He is a natural leader with a great attitude and work ethic.”
Banuelos was joined by teammates Jeremy Cedeno and Jacob Imlay on the all-league roster.
Cedeno, a two year starter at quarterback, was selected after throwing for 589 yards on 52-of-82 passing. On the ground, Cedeno finished with 433 yards on 65 carries.
In his two years as the starting quarterback, Cedeno led the Hawks to three wins.
Imlay, who played center for Anzar, played an important role on offense, Espinoza said.
“I trusted Jacob when he was out there,” Espinoza said. “When he was on the field he is a leader.”
Imlay also played, at times, on defense, recording 44 tackles.
