The CIF’s Southern Section released its All-CIF football honorees yesterday, and we’re pleased to announce that there were several excellent players from the Long Beach area recognized.  Seven players from the CIF Champion Long Beach Poly Jackrabbits made the list, as well as three Lakewood Lancers, and a Wilson Bruin to boot.  The local players named to the team were:

Albert Parish (O-Line)- Poly

Joel Bitonio (O-Line)- Wilson

David Skara (Kicker)- Poly

Dion Bailey (DB)- Lakewood

Stan McKay (DB)- Poly

Iuta Tepa (DE)- Poly

Talia Crichton (DE)- Lakewood

Eli Edwards (DE)- Poly

Trevor Erno (LB)- Lakewood

In addition, Poly’s running back Melvin Richardson was named the CIF’s Offensive Player of the Year, and ‘Rabbit linebacker George Daily-Lyles was named CIF’s co-Defensive Player of the Year (along with Tesoro’s Preston King).  Raul Lara, coach of the Jackrabbits, was named coach of the year after completing his first undefeated regular season.

CIF did a great job with the list, recognizing hard-working players (such as Bosco’s Keith Price) over big names, and not missing too many worthy athletes.  Certainly many will be surprised to hear that nobody from the Jordan Panthers made the list, Taniela Maka especially.  Congratulations to all the honorees!