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Show New Utah! - Wednesday, December 23, 1998 - Page 13 - i V 1 OOTBALL mil-Sta- te American Fork High School ' American Fork senior Jesse Tassainer was a consensus choice for the second team as a linebacker. "He got more publicity as a running back, but he's just a great blocker," said Coach Davis Knight. The son of Gary and Velyn Tassainer, Jesse "was our power offense at tailback. Everyone knew when it was crunch time he'd get the call and we had a good chance of success." He was first team and received the team Golden Helmet award. He's received recruiting contact from a number of schools and plans to play for a year before departing on an LDS mission. in m mmk: m xW'fn. Jacob Cook, son of Steve and Kathy Cook, is a senior quarterback and cornerback who received honorable mention. "He was a great emotional leader and helped the young kids," Knight said. Cook expects to play college football and plans an LDS mission. He's also first team and a varsity basketball captain. Junior tailback and strong safety Dallas Makin also received honorable mention. The son of Brent Makin and Debbie Makin, he "has deceiving speed and strength," Knight said. "He's a quiet leader who's also a fine receiver and kick return specialist." All-Regi- "' V" i Lehi's players include (from left) Travis Lewis, Clint McKell, Shane Pickett and DaHas Hansen, and Justin Libberton, being supported by his teammates. All-Sta- te 'it- Lehi High School t- Senior lineman Clint McKell was a consensus first-teachoice. The son of Brent McKell and Dana Bailey, the Lehi resident is being recruited by a number of Division 1 teams. "He dominated the line of scrimmage," said Coach Steve Clements. "He could not be blocked and was unstoppable once he got going. He was ruthless, and spent more time in the backfield than the opposing running backs." Senior Justin Libberton was second-teaa consensus choice. The son of James and Julene Libberton he "did it all. He was in 90 percent of our plays this year and doesn't know the meaning of the words 'can't' or 'quit,'" Clements said. He played at quarterback, run ning back, defensive back, and was also the placekicker. Also on the second teams lineman Shane was Pickett. The senior is the son of Ken and Janeen Pickett and Denis McKarkle, and "did what was asked of him, and always a little more," Clements said. The son of Mr. and Mrs. Nile Hansen, Dallas Hansen is a senior defensive lineman who was named to a second team. He "played through a broken wrist and fractured ankle much of the season," Clements said. "He played hard from the first whistle to the last." Honorable, mention went to senior lineman Travis Lewis, son of Arlund and Christine Lewis. He "was a horse in the middle," Clements said. m two-wa- y one-on-o- Cavemen who made the and Jake Cook. All-Sta- te teams include Dallas Makin (upper left), Jesse Tassainer (left) toNE Peak High School Josh Dean was one of the best prep football players in the state this year. A consensus choice at running back, he is the son of David and Molly Dean of Highland. "He is very deserving of this honor," said Coach Monte Morgan. "He caught my eye last year when, as things got tough, he was more vocal and encouraging to his teammates." For his award, he was cited for "carrying the Knights to their first playoff appearance." Also on the varsity basketball first-tea- m and track teams, he earned Academic in football. He is being recruited and expects to play college ball and serve an LDS mission. All-Sta- te Senior Brad Ballard was named to the first team as an offensive lineman. The son of Blaine and Nancy Ballard of Cedar Hills, he "was a physical presence on the field for us," Morgan said. A move-i- n who had to earn a spot on the team, he started on both sides of the ball. "He was getting beat up all the time but never rested until the game was over," Morgan said. Senior Brian Evans was the starting placekicker but also stepped in at linebacker after the loss of Mark Henderson. He is the son of Robert and Diane Evans of Alpine and was a conchoice and sensus second-teaspecialist MVP. m r 1 THS Todd Nuttall from School High received consensus honorTim-panog- able mention as a line- backer. The son of Richard and Connie Nuttall of Orem, he was called "a really outstanding moral leader for us" by Coach Mark McKenney. "He was a mirror image of our team," Morgan said. "He worked hard and came back with more aggressiveness." Senior receiver Chris McConnell received honorable mention. The son of Jan and Dave McConnell of Alpine, he "can make any kind of play. He was so steady and dependable on both sides," Morgan said. Another player receiving honorable mention was Jon Avina, senior fullback and middle linebacker. The son of Richard and Linda Avina of Alpine "was the emotional leader and an intense presence on our team," Morgan said. v ST--- ' two-wa- y m All-Regi- Photos and text by Beky Beaton - liillllBlllIM J- .V. - ft) iiiillw (V Illll: i;;fflill: wm If :I iiiSi teams included (clockwise from back left) Zach Rupp, Beau Bilbro, B.J. Vikings on the , Savage, Brian Romney and Clint Sampson (lower right). All-Sta- te 't s , 4 ' - ' - Pleasant Grove High School Senior wide receiver and defensive back Brian Romney was the region MVP and a conselection. sensus first-teaThe son of Park and Sandy Romney was a three-yea- r starter. "He set a school record for career receiving with 2,200 yards and got more than 1,300 yards this season," said Coach Bill Mikelson. This year he had 41 catches for 669 yards, 34 carries for 402 yards and 11 touchdowns. Mikelson said senior tackle Zachary Rupp "rates as one of the best defensive tackles in Pleasant Grove history." Also a choice, the son of Glade Rupp and Kelli Cummings, he had 50 tackles m se first-tea- players among the Knights include (front row, from left) Jon Avina, Brian Evans, (back row) Josh Dean, Chris McConnell and Brad Ballard. All-Sta- te r m I V;. and 6 sacks this season. Senior linebacker B.J. Savage was a consensus second-teaselection. A starter, he was "very physical and athletic," Mikelson said. ' The son of Brett and JaLee Savage of Lindon, he had 68 tackles, 2 interceptions, 2 sacks and a fumble recovery. Senior Beau Bilbro received second-teahonors as a running back and return specialist. The son of Casey and Carol Bilbro, he was also a starter who had 1,580 yards this season. The son of Dale and Cindy Sampson, senior Clint Sampson "is a great offensive lineman," Mikelson said. m two-ye- ar m two-ye- ar $ V |