High school player of the decade?

Living Legend

You just dont get it! Yeah, just keep living the HS football days and the character will take care of itself.. LMFOA

UNREAL:

This award is purely based off of things done on the football field.

What's unreal is how worked up you are getting about what a kid did or did not do four years ago. Did he embarass you in some way or your child? Why the hate for this kid? Or did you never get any playing time when you played so the whole character thing is all you have to hold on to?

Living Legend said:

Yeah character has nothing to do with sports! I guess that why they call it Student/Athletes

What a jerk off!

"WOWSUX"

Dad???

wow you're a poor excuse for a man, but than again so was your father.

Jody McDonough

I guess now I have seen it all. What mom, no stats on when little Mikey first used the toilet by himself?

I don't know who I feel more sorry for. You, or your son.

Your son had a fine HS career. Now it's time to move on.

Phil Jackson said "there is more to life than basketball. In fact, there is more to basketball than basketball."

Replace basketball with football. Figure it out.

Every player, coach, role model, and parent needs to watch this:
http://tinyurl.com/ccgm65

UNREAL:

do you know the kid personally or are you just going off rumors. cause going off of rumors is kind of like what 3rd grade school girls do.

by the way this award is about football or did you not read the original post.

LL

Football = A+

Character = D-

Which is more important in life? Isnt sports suppose to build character MOM?

If any of you were the experts that you pretend to be you would realize that McD scoring 117 td's in 3 years of varsity football breaks down to 3.5 td's. If you just take his final two years of high school football it was 110 that average is 4 td's a game. No one in the 20 years prior had ever come close to that and no one since has even approached these numbers. So when this kid walked on the field teams already knew he was going to get his team at least 28 points in some fashion. Oh and Aram you were wrong in that game against St Joe's the kid was responsible for 7 td's not 6. The fact that he was back to back player of the year speaks very loud to what he did in this valley give the kid his due.

Don't get me wrong any of the kids who are up for this fictional award are all well deserving but don't try to take away what McD did in this valley for the better part of two years.

For the dude who said he was a scout in the league that year, there was no one that was more feared in that league then McD. Oh and he was the league MVP his senior year.

Damn mom start dinner already and quit interferring with my life.

5000 yards passing
2000 yards rushing
100 Touch Downs
2 Time Player of the Year
All League Middle Line Backer
Played Semi with 2 fractured collarbones
All Star Game Most Valuable Player

I have to agree with Amam, if I understand him correctly that is and that is that it truly makes no differnce how well you did in college or even in the pro's, because this thread is all about the best "high school player" of the decade.

Having said that, from what I am seeing and reading in here, this kid Cody must have been something very special indeed. I only wish I had had a chance to have see him play.

Mcd was a good HS player but his talent hasnt transfered to the next level! Wonder why?

Harwell never played for the Redskins. And he plays for the New York Sentinels now people.

When it comes to my son Michael, there are so many opionions of him. Someone called him a criminal, although the only time he was ever arrested was for recieving a stolen ice cream (something he regrets and no one lets him forget.) I will note though that he has never been arrested since then for anything. What I do know that most of you dont is that he has dedicated 3 years of his life to coaching the kids of covina in the sgvjaa football program. He coaches kids from 8 years old to 14 years old. I know if you asked the parents of the kids he has coached the would tell you how kind and patient and giving he is to those kids. How he is always positively encouraging them in everyway. That makes me proud that he has given back to his city and community. He is no saint like I have said before, but he isnt the monster that some of you make him out to be.
As far as his football career, as a Freshman he was pulled up to Varsity to cover the starting middle linebacker who was injured. They gave him a choice to stay on Varsity, but he chose to return to his Freshman team who eventually won league and finished 10-0.
As a sophmore he played Starting defensive end where he earned the honor of 2nd team all league. for a 5'10 190 lb kid that was a great accomplishment considering he was up against kids who were juniors and seniors 6 ft and over. He also played running back, when I convinced his coach to give him the ball so he could get the team a first down. Instead he scored a touchdown and from then on played offense and defense and special teams. Where he kicked field goals, and did punt returns as well.
As a Junior and first time under center his states were over 2400 passing and 1237 rushing with a total of 54 touchdowns for his first season. He also was considered one of the best middle linebackers that year as he also was 1st string middle linebacker where he had 52 tackles and 2 saks. He took his team to the semi finals where they lost to Tesoro in one of the greatest games and battles I have ever seen. Tesoro went D1 the following season. After that game the Tesoro fans summoned the TV anouncer to bring michael to the other side of the field where they gave him a standing ovation. The announcers including Vince Faragamo called him a warrior. Vince Faragamo said " I dont know who this McDonough kid is, but I am definately a Michael Mcdonough fan now!" He also played that game writhing in pain from 2 fractured colar bones he had recieved that game and he refused to come out and played until the end.
As far as not being voted MVP of the league that year, He was a Junior and Damian James as a Senior deserved that honor. Damian James is a fellow Covina Viking who made us very proud of his accomplishments.
As a Senior his Career Stats reflect over 5000 passing yrds and over 100 tds total and I believe almost 2000 rushing. He also had numerous tackles and saks as well as a field goal or two. He was if I remember correctly considered one of the best middle linebackers that year as well. He took his team again to the semifinals where they lost to Oak Park in double overtime. Not to mention the drove down twice and covina missed a field goal before Oak park scored one to win the game.
All I can say is that any Coach, Player, sports writer, sports announcer or fan whoever saw my son play has never critized his ability or talent as a footbal player or the impact and impression he left on sgv high school footbal for this decade. All I know is we still receive letters from fans and he is still to this day talked about and brought up every year since he has been gone. Is that making an impact??? I dont know you decide. I will end with something that happened this year. Mikey was at a youth coaching clinic at Charter Oak High School this year. Coach Farrar (son not father) pulled him over and introduced him to his team. He pulled his quarterback aside and sent him to sit with michael. He told michael that he had shown him films of Michael as an example of his talent. When such an honored and respected Coach giving him that recognition truely meant something.
Michael may not be in the NFL now His size unfortunately for a quarterback doesnt warrant that. No one can deny that the 3 years he played in this decade, that he did not make an impact in High School Football in the SGV.

Aram,
We truely miss you so much. It is so good to hear from you again!!
Frank,
Great to hear from you too!!!!
Fred,
If ever you would like to see the Tesoro game or if anyone else wants to see it, I would be more than happy to send it to you anytime.I think you would enjoy it.
In Closing, Shaun Cody sounds like a great talent I would have loved to have seen him play everyone I ask about him says he was a great player. We are just honored that michael is even up as a contender for this award. Win or lose he is still a winner to be in the top 10.
Sounds like the SGV should be proud of the talent we had within the decade.

Jody McDonough
Covina Viking President 10 years
and Proud Mother of Michael Mc D

Honestly I may sound like a homer but I have a top 5 in this discussion and 3 of the 5 are from Los Altos. I in fact have seen all of these P.O.Y perform and they were all great. However Cody and Harwell were simply dominant. How often does a Defensive Lineman dictate a game, let alone an entire season! They are hands down #1 and #2.

1. Sean Cody - National P.O.Y nuff said
2. Brigham Harwell - just as dominant as Cody
3. Felipe Aguilar - POY for a reason check stats!
4. Mike McDonough - only 2 time winner, props
5. Chris Allen - consistent 3yr starter

Tro

I am now LMAO! Best backers over the last couple of years? Please back it up with some stats for the years youre talkin about and lets look at the comparision.

Didnt Snowden play that year? Remember that play? Didnt Muema play that year as a youngster? Didnt Wells play that year? I could go on, but lets just say your "Backer" isnt in this category of runners or players..

tdrohan - it didn't sound very specific at all. it sounded like an opinion. if you were to be specific you would state "why" you think he's the best "backer" in the valley - when others (namely colleges and universities who grant money for such things) didn't think so. He's probably behind Kyle Lengyel, Diamond Ranch; Brent Seals, Bishop Amat; Isaiah Bowens, Bishop Amat; Wayne Goss, Sr. South Hills; Jesse Prieto, Bishop Amat. But now that's MY opinion.

Ok Wrong:
Really? Please read the post.. Best backer in the Valley? Was that not specific enough.. Because we clearly call running backs, backers.. Right.. Do you have a name or school, wrong? Because I'm very interested to see if you graduated high school.. And what agenda you have if you somehow did get through that tough Reading Comprehension part of the CAHSEE exam..

You are right Aram, high school is what counts. Thats why Cody should get it, common high school national player of the year, Maxpreps All Decade team, with other players such as Adrian Peterson, Reggie Bush, Vince Young also on that team. Shaun Cody is the logical choice Aram

Aram,

Take away what Cody did at the next level and it still doesn't matter he made the 2000 All-USA football team has anyone hit the board besides him?

Respect,

It wasn'ta lack of respect - it's just not really my job to keep tabs and promote all your players - but you're more than welcome to do so. Thanks for bringing that to our attention.

FYI
Delani Walker 13 receptions for 163yds w/ 49ers
Husain Abdulla 13 tackles and a sack for Vikings
Hamza Abdullah Cut
Jimmy Verdon - nowhere to be found/never on a roster
http://www.nfl.com/players

Law abiding citizen,

I posted my take under my real name. Frank Corona posted his take under his real name. Why can't you? I like to know who I'm talking to. It helps add perspective.

James got his props. He was on the All-Area team.

Again, if you look at the totality of the entire situation, it's pretty clear that McDonough not being the VVL MVP is more indictment of the all-league voting and politics involved than it is of the Tribune's process.

To everyone else -- as I stated before -- I never saw Cody. I was giving my two cents on the guys I saw. Not the guys before or after. Also, I don't think what the players did after high school should factor into the equation. Just my opinion. Isn't it about what they did ONLY in HS?

I'm just going to point out that we're looking at what Shaun Cody did, he was obviously a man amongst boys who could have started at the highest levels of Southern Section football and still be dominant. He was that kind of talent.

But all this talk about Mike McDonough, all awards like these should not only draw from on the field but off the field exploits. Mike McDonough was no Glenn Davis, that's what I measure not only a football player against, but an athlete against.

It should also be understood that all-league voting is political, look at the all league lists that Fred received and gave to us to nitpick. But the fact that Mike McDonough was not named his own league's MVP has to come into the equation and should have back then.

And if Shaun Cody was named as a national player of the year that shows you how bad the fishbowl that we live in is but also how bad our Tribune was run. I have no horse in this race as the POY candidate Bonita truly had was in Mike Williams at QB in the fall of 2004, and he didn't receive it, I went to school with Mike and I can tell you he was the guy you wanted to drive your team down the field. But sadly we got blasted in the first round of the playoffs that season which probably helped lead to his not being the guy to receive the award.

Hey Mr. Joe Amat:

Pomona High School have good players in the NFL also:

Hamza Abdullah

Delani Walker

Jimmy Verdon

Husain Abdullah

and still more to come thank you :)

Aram,
Your take on what "It's The Law" posted about Damien James is interesting. You insinuate that the poster had all the power to persuade coaches from the vvl who to vote for? It isn't possible that these coaches watched and studied more film than you and can be on your "unbelievable level of intelligence scouting out football talent"? Stats and winning league is a formula some people use for MVP and some just vote for "Best Player". It's opinion on whether it's a team award or not and always has been from pro sports to high school sports. McDonough was not ripped in that post and yet like Pete Carroll did all year with his boy Matt Barkley, you got all testy like you always did with McDonugh and defended him. The kid was good, no doubt about that-one of the best of the decade in fact, but Damian James was incredible that year and didn't have same team around him that Covina player had. I scouted that year for a team in the VVL and James was a highlight film and in the Covina game, took a few big time hits on McDonough when their paths crossed. Bigger question for you is do you know what's happened since with the two kids? No, I don't think you do. James is a big time player on NAIA National Championship Contender Lindenwood University in Missouri. Your support of McDonough is fine, but at the expense of James' MVP Award that year (it is at his expense when you clown the coaches who voted) is not cool. You always wrote this way, inflicting your opinions or letting inappropriate blog posts on the website even if it was hurtful or offensive, all for your own number of hits. A poor mans TJ Simers.

LA FAN....and yet he didn't win the San Gabriel Tribune Player Of The Year...now if that doesn't say..."FISH BOWL"...what does !!!

There is no question the player of the decade has to be Shaun Cody. Though he didnt win the POY, he was still the National Player of the Year by USA Today. How many could say they won that honor. Cody was a great player and no one has come close to his dominance. Even Maxpreps has named him on their all decade team. What makes him special is that his dominance continued on to college, where he was an All American for USC. He was even named on the college all decade team. There is no doubt that Shaun Cody is the player of the decade

Tro

Do you beleive Young was the best what? LB or RB? Please don't tell us RB because I may have to see the facts behind that statement.. LOL

Young is a non-preferred walk on and can't find him on the depth chart as of 11-09! Wow!

To Wrong,

I believe he is a redshirt and am not sure whether he was a prefered walk-on or did recieve a scholarship, but in any case he is on the team nonetheless. Also, it is little to no debate that the two previous years, Young was the best backer in the Valley. So he lacks the size to be a bonafide D-1 Scholarship, Young was the best backer in the Valley the past two years.. Not am I saying obviously that he deserves the award, but just reminiscing about a few players who've been great in this decade... What is your agenda?

Most who never saw Mc D play would say he never won a Championship and this and that but miss his significance. As great as a player as Cody was he didn't win POY and only played in one year this decade. Allen was a very good "winning" QB but as CO showed "this" year the Chargers can win without him because the team had so many weapons, most of which were the real D1 talent on those teams. As far as Harwell goes it's tough to day considering he was truely an incredible talent and had no match to his explosiveness and incredible work ethic coupled with being an exceptional individual. In Mc D you had what few who saw him play a player that did so much on both sides and yet with targets on his back and a POY award in his pocket "out does" himself and wins again....

And here is where it get interesting...even after winning two POY award, and maybe Aram can give more insight into this, no one complained. In spite of being trashed on this blog for so many reasons, when he won no one said he wasn't deserving based on what he'd accomplised on the field. That's telling as even Cody's senior season people still believe Felipe and Cody should have "at least" shared the award.

Aram makes teh most compelling argument because he actually respects and admires Harwell like no other and still believes Mc D should win...that's huge.

I'm not campaigning for anyone as I believe the honor at the time, the POY, warrants the respect it deserves. More importantly I believe this it would be telling who can in second in each of the 10 years in the POY balloting. At least it would be interesting to me.

Tough call but as a friend/coach who I respect says..."Great is a group not an individual...just being in "that" group called great...is an honor in itself."

That Servite drill was cool. I found it very interesting, as well, that Mater Dei stood their watching, respectfully, after defeat.

So, does player of the decade go to the best player from the decade (Cody) or to the biggest contributor during the decade....?

Cody was the stud on the Los Altos championship teams (two titles). I think Big Lou said as much in his post game interview. Cody's performance on offense and defense and his scholarship to SC should solidify that he is one of the best all-time from the area. (The fact that player's of Cody's calliber were not at Amat was a sign of trouble to come at Amat. I know Coach DiFiori recognized that.)

The real question is whether or not Cody is eliminated based on a technicality. He played only one year in the decade....McD played three. Chris Allen played three and finally took home a championship (which McD was not able to do). Muema now has two CIF Titles. Harwell has two titles in the decade (including a victory over OLu) and was a big time recruit.

Tough decision.

Fred, if its what you do in HS it comes down to Cody and Allen thats only if your going from HS stats.

What about Mr. Walter Thurmund III?

According to Calpreps, Servite is the #1 ranked team in California and #2 in the entire country. These are their famous hut drills they perform after each and every game. The cool thing is that they do these drills regardless of the game's final score. I can't imagine what it must be like to just lose a heartbreaking game and then having to line up and do these drills. Absolutely baddass if I do say so myself. In 2009, Servite beat Mater Dei (30-20) for the first time since 1988 which made these particular "victory" drills special.

Congrats to the Friars on a phenomenal season. Here are the drills:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hCijxW8tixQ

Tro

Did you see any yards? did you see him play, or just a walk on? Dude, Young couldnt hold a candle to these other names mentioned.

For what it's worth COChargerfan - Will Robinson (Amat'03) is going to start for the Washington Redksins tomorrow.
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/dec/19/robinson-faces-tough-first-test/

Shaun Cody seems like a logical choice and in all reality. as some have said, the fact that he didn't win Tribune Player of the Year seems odd to say the least.

So at this point what are we doing but trying to "right" a "wrong"? In the decade we're are asking bloggers to undo what is done.

Another interesting observation...anyone notice the drop in talent that might be cyclical or might reflect an actual drop n talent in this area.

Comparing Muema to Lawrence Phillips to Bienemy, McCutheon, McClecksy, Brown, Cody, Harwell is tough as all those players completely dominated their competition and had multiple scouts at their door step since they were Juniors. Last year it was Wells and he wasn't setting anyone heart's a flutter and actually got his D1 attention after his senior season not before.

Seems like the L.A. Times has it right don't you think? Just look at the best players this year...

RE: wrong...
http://goaztecs.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/young_chad00.html
That would be Chad Young's bio from San Diego St... What were you referring to or was that just a bald-faced lie?

owned.

Insider - Harwell must be their secret weapon and they're not telling anyone by not listing him on their roster, injured reserve or practice squad? They're waiting to spring him on someone when it's a really big game?
take a look:
http://www.redskins.com/team/
or you could go to
http://www.nfl.com/players
and check for any player evr to be on a roster or practice squad. No Harwell to be found.
Now how inside are you?

Joe Amat-

Harwell is with the Washington Redskins organization.

I have to go with Cody, like was mentioned earlier the guy put fright into the opposeing QB or running backs, he was just a monster, and not only did he play offense but he put his team on his back and carried them to a CIF title. In his senior year when they played Charter Oak in the Title game I remember in the last minutes of the game, Charter Oak had either tied it up or gone up by a point or two and it seemed like they had the momentum. Los Altos got the ball back in their territory and needed to drive most of the field with only a minute or two, they put Cody in at fullback and just kept giving him the ball, he drove play after play the length of the field and eventually scored a touchdown to win it for his team, it was incredible.

McDonough was the first person who came to my mind too. i never got to see shaun cody or harwell play, but i did get to see McDonough is the all star game and in passing league. keep in mind cody and harwell were big boys who had the size to play D-1 ball and were dominant, McD was undersized to play quarterback for a D-1 team, yet he was so dominant. If oaks christian wouldn't of been in covina's division, covina would of met oak park in the cif finals and could have won it. No one won player of the year back to back in this decade like he did, he deserves it.

tdrohan said:

Chad Young is not playing at SD State. Check it out!

Has anyone hit this board since Cody?

02/07/2001 - Updated 11:55 PM ET

2000 All-USA football team

* All-USA second team
* State-by-state players of the year

First-team offense
Joe Mauer. (Steve Wewerka, USA TODAY)

Player of the year
QB — JOE MAUER, 6-4, 210, Cretin-Derham Hall (St. Paul). Quick hits: Completed 178 of 288 passes for 3,022 yards and 41 TDs. Threw seven TD passes in a state playoff game. Two-year totals are 5,528 yards and 73 TDs. Caught for the U.S. junior national baseball team (hit .522) and is considered a potential first-round selection in the upcoming amateur draft. Named Gatorade's national football player of the year. Quotable: "Joe is a money player. When the game is on the line, he wants the ball." — Cretin-Derham coach Rich Kallok. GPA: 3.26. Favorite Class: Business law. Pregame routine: "Our routine was the same; about eight of us would go to Wendy's for hamburgers, order the same thing each time and then head back to my house, where we'd watch television," Mauer says.

Colleges choice: Florida State

RB — KEVIN JONES, 6-0, 208, Cardinal O'Hara (Springfield, Pa.). Quick hits: Rushed for career league- and county-record 5,817 yards and 83 TDs. Ran for 1,268 yards and 21 TDs in 10 games this season. Quotable: "He showed durability by playing injured." — O'Hara coach George Stratts.

Colleges choice: Virginia Tech

RB — ERIC SHELTON, 6-3, 235, Bryan Station (Lexington, Ky.). Quick hits: Had 1,379 yards and 12 TDs rushing in nine games. All-state track sprinter with 4.5 speed. Quotable: "He's a power runner with size and speed." — Bryan Station coach John Nochta.

Colleges choice: Ohio State.

OL — BLAKE LARSEN, 6-7, 300, Atlantic (Iowa). Quick hits: Averaged 10 "pancake" blocks a game. Also throws discus and plays basketball. Was named the state's Gatorade player of year. Quotable: "He is a once-in-a-lifetime player." — Atlantic coach Gaylord Schelling.

Colleges choice: Iowa

OL — BEN WILKERSON, 6-5, 280, Hemphill (Texas). Quick hits: Had 121 "pancake" blocks. Helped team rush for 399 yards a game and 9.24 yards a carry. Quotable: "Ben is a devastating run blocker and can run a legitimate sub-5.0 in the 40." — Hemphill coach Larry Upshaw.

Colleges choice: Louisiana State

OL — ANDREW WHITWORTH, 6-7, 310, West Monroe (La.) Quick hits: Graded better than 80% blocking. Powerlifts 400 pounds. Quotable: "He's extremely agile with quick feet for a big man." — West Monroe coach Don Shows.

Colleges choice: Louisiana State

OL — CHRIS SPENCER, 6-4, 305, Madison (Miss.) Central. Quick hits: Possesses quick feet and bench-presses 410 pounds. Quotable: "Chris is a real force and a blocking machine, especially on runs." — Madison Central coach Mike Justice.

Colleges choice: Mississippi

WR — REGGIE WILLIAMS, 6-5, 215, Lakes (Lakewood, Wash.) Quick hits: Had 45 receptions for 811 yards and 16 touchdowns. Quotable: "Reggie was our big-play guy. With his size and speed, he's a freak of nature but is the ultimate team player." — Lakes coach Dave Miller.

Colleges choice: Washington

WR — ROSCOE CROSBY, 6-2, 205, Union (S.C.). Quick hits: Caught 77 passes for 1,408 yards and 20 TDs. Considered a potential high draft choice for the 2001 baseball draft. Quotable: "His receiving skills are on a higher level than any high school player." — Union coach Mike Anthony.

Colleges choice: Clemson

TE — MARK LeVOIR, 6-7, 310, Eden Prairie (Minn.). Quick hits: Had 16 catches for 189 yards and four TDs for state champion. Says he'll attend Notre Dame. Quotable: "He's a devastating drive blocker with tremendous strength and good speed." — Eden Prairie coach Mike Grant.

Colleges choice: Notre Dame

ATHLETE — Kelly Baraka, 6-1, 190, Northern (Portage, Mich.). Quick hits: Ran for 1,624 yards and 25 TDs on 169 carries. Career totals are 4,098 yards and 61 TDs. Quotable: "Any time Kelly had his hands on the ball, he (was a threat) to score." — Northern coach Pete Schermerhorn.

Colleges choice: Michigan

K — Mike McLaughlin, 6-1, 190, Gautier (Miss.). Quick hits: Made 39 of 40 PATs and 12 of 16 FGs, five beyond 40 yards. Averaged 63.7 yards per kickoff. Quotable: "Our kickoff team was like the Maytag repairman — they didn't have to do anything." — Gautier coach Don Nelson.

Colleges choice: Alabama

First-team defense
Shaun Cody. (Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY)

Player of the year
DL — SHAUN CODY, 6-5, 255, Los Altos (Hacienda Heights, Calif.). Quick hits: Had 105 tackles and 22 sacks in 14 games. On offense, playing fullback, he had 50 catches for 830 yards and rushed 45 times for 327 yards and 10 TDs. Quotable: "He's one of the most humble players I've ever coached. He's a big boy in a man's body and has a mean streak when he steps onto the field." — Los Altos coach Greg Gano. GPA: 3.1. Favorite class: Math. Pregame routine: "I take a nap and relax at home. Before taking the field, we play a team song that puts us in the winning mood."

Colleges choice: Southern California

DL — TOMMIE HARRIS, 6-3, 285, Ellison (Killeen, Texas). Quick hits: 63 tackles, three hurries and six tackles for a loss this season. Quotable: "Tommie gives you everything he has." — Ellison coach Jim Skinner.

Colleges choice: Oklahoma

DL — MARQUISE HILL, 6-8, 305, De La Salle (New Orleans). Quick hits: Had 76 tackles, seven sacks, caused five fumbles, and hurried the QB seven times. Quotable: "He's very focused. Darren wants to be a great player and goes all out on every snap." — De La Salle coach Darren Barbier.

Colleges choice: Louisiana State

DL — ANTTAJ HAWTHORNE, 6-4, 305, Hamden, Conn. Quick hits: Had 17 sacks, 102 solo tackles, 12 knockdowns, and forced sevenfumbles. Quotable: "He's a big-time hitter with a great instinct for the ball." — Hamden coach Tony Martone.

Colleges choice: Wisconsin

LB — MICHAEL-JORDAN CRAVEN, 6-2, 215, La Quinta, Calif. Quick hits: Had 14 sacks, 191 tackles and four interceptions, including two for TDs. Quotable: "He legitimately runs a 4.5 in the 40 and hits like a ton. He doesn't leave any rubber on the front of his face mask." — La Quinta coach Dan Armstrong.

Colleges choice: Stanford

LB — KEVIN SIMON, 5-11, 215, De La Salle (Concord, Calif.). Quick hits: 113 tackles, 30 solo, forced four fumbles, scored a defensive TD and had two interceptions. Quotable: "Kevin's closing speed behind the line and upfield is amazing." — De La Salle coach Bob Ladouceur.

Colleges choice: Tennessee

LB — LEON WILLIAMS, 6-3, 235, Canarsie (Brooklyn, N.Y.). Quick hits: 132 total tackles, three interceptions, two fumble recoveries, a defensive TD and 12 sacks. 329 career tackles and 31 sacks. Quotable: "His hard hitting and speed (are) a lethal combination." — Canarsie coach Mike Camardese.

Colleges choice: Miami (Fla.)

DB — ERNEST SHAZOR, 6-4, 200, Martin Luther King (Detroit). Quick hits: 97 tackles, eight interceptions, two for scores, and two blocked punts. 20 career interceptions. Quotable: "He has the ability to take away the big plays." — King coach James Reynolds.

Colleges choice: Michigan

DB — MATT WARE, 6-3, 195, Loyola (Los Angeles). Quick hits: Had four interceptions. As a quarterback, he passed for 1,150 yards and nine TDs and ran for 1,250 yards and 18 TDs. Quotable: "He's a multitalented player." — Loyola coach Steve Grady.

Colleges choice: UCLA

DB — MARLIN JACKSON, 6-1, 185, Sharon, Pa. Quick hits: Had 84 total tackles. Broke up 11 passes with five interceptions. Quotable: "Marlin has shown he's a great open-field tackler and cover guy." — Sharon coach Jim Wildman.

Colleges choice: Michigan

DB — ANTREL ROLLE, 6-1, 200 South Dade (Homestead, Fla.). Quick hits: Had 86 total tackles, recovered two fumbles and had four interceptions, including one for a TD. Quotable: "God blessed him with the whole package — he does everything so well." — South Dade coach Don Drinkhahn.

Colleges choice: Miami (Fla.)

P — RYAN WIMBERLEY, 6-2, 190 Houston (Mo.). Quick hits: Averaged 49.2 yards a punt. Also rushed for 968 yards, returned kicks and played safety. Quotable: "It didn't matter where he punted from. I knew he'd put the opposition in a hole." — Houston coach Dan Decker.

Colleges choice: Oklahoma State

Coach of the year
Tony Severino. (V. Craig Sands, USA TODAY)

TONY SEVERINO, Rockhurst (Kansas City, Mo.). This season: Guided Rockhurst (14-0) to its fifth state championship. Also won state titles in 1981, '83, '86, and '87. His overall record: 211-64-1 (24 years). Coaching philosophy: "I never want wins and losses to define a group of kids. Football is only a small bit of a student-athlete's life. You are measured on what you do as a member of society." Coaching influences: "My coaching idol is Joe Paterno (of Penn State). I once had the opportunity to meet with him, and he was everything I ever imagined and more. After reading his book, I adapted the mantra: Gentlemen with courage. I ask the kids to apply this to life on and off the field." Quotable: On being named coach of the year: "For once, I'm speechless. It's the greatest honor of my coaching career." The 2000 season: "It was a magical run. It was one of those years that everything seemed to go our way."

How the team was selected
USA TODAY's 2000 All-USA high school football team was chosen by Christopher Lawlor, after discussions with college coaches, analysts and writers.

Insider said:
How about giving it to one of the only two people who are in the NFL now which are Harwell and Cody.

First - While dominant in HS , I'll agree, Harwell is not in the NFL and pretty sure he was never in a roster. Second - I'm not sure in th eNFL is the right criteria.

The following players are presently in the NFL
Brian Russell Amat 9 th yr (the last SGV QB to get to the NFL)
Ralph Brown Amat 10th yr (that's 1 for every year in this decade)
Will Robinson Amat 2nd yr (who BTW COCF is the backup RT on the depth chart - no longer the "practice squad. either way = collecting a check) So that can't be a criteria. Bishop Amat Assistant Coach. Daylon McCutcheon spent 8yrs in the NFL too - 7 this decade (1999-2008)

jcaz - talking with your heart, buddy. Love Jerry - but not even in this team picture.

I do agree with Aram (AT, good to see you slum it once in a while) when it comes to coaches voting. Fred alluded to some conversations he had with coaches about Coach of the Year. Guaranteed that most everything a coach says is calculated and self-serving to his program as it relates to other schools and programs. That goes for quotes that are given in interviews, post-game discussions and especially All-League voting. What a coach tells a newspaper reporter what he feels about the COY I wouldn't necessarily call reliable research.

Personally, I think the Player of the Decade it should be Shaun Cody. I think it's pretty clear cut actually. Although I agree McLuskey was pretty dominant in his own way on both sides of the ball at the highest level of competition. The Amat 2001 team was a pretty good one too. Maybe Cody getting the award would correct the injustice that a guy could be National Player of the Year - and yet not the SGV POY... go figure. No offense to Steve-O .... but he had some "interesting" picks for POY/COY in his tenure

Fed
This is a no brainer Mr. Cody and Harwell should be inducted into the SGV High School Football Hall Of Fame as #1 and #2 respectively. The bigger question is who should be #3 four and so on?

It's too bad that "It's the Law" didn't post his take under his real name. That would explain a whole lot about why Damian James was the VVL MVP that season.

I never put any stock into coach's voting. My reasoning for that dates back years ... you can find them in the archives. But I can give you example after example of the debauchery that goes on among coaches in all-league meetings. And I know this not because I was actually there, but by what COACHES THEMSELVES told me.

Damian James was a great player. He was on the All-Area team that season. But McDonough not winning VVL MVP, given the stats and the fact his team actually won the league, tells you all you need to know about all-league voting.

Aram is right. Look at Covina since Mc D left. I seen him at the All Star practices and he was better than any LB and way better than any QB. He has an off night in the All Star Game and still wins MVP. Others may have had more but he made more with less. Very few players can say a whole team wants to shake your hand or the TV commentators express what an incredible honor it was to see you play. This year everyone talks about "scheduling up" yet as Aram said Mc D did it against competition that was moving up.

Just look at his record and his stats on BOTH sides of the ball. High School is suppose to be where most of this discussion should center on. Shaun Cody and Harwell were simply amazing and not enough credit goes to Cody for starting the avalanche of Blue Chip players that went to USC after he signed...YET ...he wasn't POY....go figure.

This year the best players TWO can not match Mc D's overall impact to the game and to his team like Mc D can for his two years.

Like I said he was simply the best player head and shoulders over some real talent that All Star practice week. Those that were there still remember the move he put on Covina's Ralph Diaz...astonishing! I like Mendrun but after seeing Mike he was never the same...I like Hile and after the moves and hits Mc D put on him...well it was embarrassing. Sam Lavea, Jon Joe, the CO players will admit Mc D was exceptional even among that talent.

I also find it pretty ballsy to call Mc D out like that when most of us have done some pretty stupid things in high school and came out ok. I've known Mc D since he was a squirt back in Whittier and his mom is just incredible.

Maybe others will juice up Mc D because I came out and said what an exceptional talent he was and I hope I haven't offended Hile or Mendrun but if anyone "asked" them they's say he was a better player when it mattered most.

Judy and Mc D as always I am a tremendous fan of you both and hope life has treated you both well....Mike it was truely an honor to see you play.

I did see Mc Clesky, Harwell, Allen and Wells and truely Harwell was unstoppable...maybe Fred can down load his senior recruiting tape sometime to see him so I don't envy this decision.

Tim Tebow, Adrian Peterson Top All-Decade Football Team
MaxPreps picks the top high school football players from the past decade.
Print this page
email this page
Share this page
Thumbnail image of this articles writer: Kevin Askeland Friday, July 31, 2009There have been 7 comments about this story.
By: Kevin Askeland
MaxPreps.com

Unlike basketball and baseball, where outstanding high school prospects only need one to two years to make their rise to the professional level, football requires great high school players to pay their dues.

High school football players are not immediately eligible for the draft, like baseball prospects, and they are unable to leave for the NFL draft after their freshman year in college, like basketball players. Most top football players put in anywhere from four to five years at the college level before making themselves eligible for the NFL draft.
Video clip cover image: Tim Tebow - High School Days at Nease High School in Florida

Tim Tebow - High School Highlights

Tim Tebow in high school

As a result, judging the best high school players from the past decade can be a tricky task. While success at the pro level was not a necessary criterion for selecting the MaxPreps All-Decade High School Football Team, having players excel at the college and pro level certainly helps to validate the honors achieved at the high school level.

With that in mind, the All-Decade team is weighted a little more toward the first half of the decade since players in the latter half are still proving themselves at the college level. Perhaps in five years if we were to re-evaulate the first 10 years of the 21st century, our All-Decade Team might look different than it does today.

But in the absence of a time machine that can whisk us into the future, here are our choices for the top high school players from the past decade. Note that the players are chosen based on their graduating class, thus the selections are from the classes of 2000 to 2009.

MAXPREPS ALL-DECADE FOOTBALL TEAM
Video clip cover image: A.J. Green - Summerville, SC

A.J. Green - Summerville, SC

A.J. Green in high school

WR – Percy Harvin, Landstown, Virginia Beach (Va.), 2005-06. Caught 78 passes for 1,384 yards and 14 TDs and earned USA Today All-American first team honors. He was a member of two national championship teams at Florida while earning All-American honors as a senior. Drafted 22nd overall in the 2009 NFL draft by the Vikings.

WR – A.J. Green, Summerville (S.C.), 2007-08. A USA Today first team All-American as a junior and a Parade All-American as a senior, Green concluded his high school career as one of the all-time national leaders in yardage with 5,373 and receptions with 279. Made All-SEC first team in his freshman year at Georgia in 2008.
Video clip cover image: Julio Jones - Foley, AL

Julio Jones - Foley, AL

Julio Jones in high school

WR – Julio Jones, Foley (Ala.), 2007-08. Earned All-USA Today first team honors after catching 68 passes for 1,181 yards and 16 touchdowns. Signed with Alabama and was named the freshman of the year in the SEC in 2008.

TE – Greg Olsen, Wayne Hills, Wayne (N.J.), 2002-03. A first team All-USA Today pick, Olsen grabbed 38 passes for 703 yards as a senior. Played at University of Miami and was drafted in the first round of the 2007 NFL draft by the Bears. Led the Bears in receiving touchdowns in 2008.

OL – Andrew Whitworth, West Monroe (La.), 2000-01. First team All-USA Today. Two-time All-SEC at LSU. A second round draft pick, Whitworth is in his fourth season with the Bengals.

OL – Michael Oher, Briarcrest Christian, Eads (Tenn.), 2004-05. First team All-USA Today, Oher was ranked the No. 1 lineman in the country as a senior by Tom Lemming. He was twice All-SEC at Mississippi and a first team All-American as a senior. Chosen in the first round by the Ravens in 2009.

OL – Justin Blalock, Plano East, Plano (Texas), 2001-02. First Team All-USA Today. A two-time All-American at Texas, he was chosen in the second round by the Atlanta Falcons and has been a starter the past three seasons.
Video clip cover image: MaxPreps was on the red carpet of the 2009 ESPY awards to get some tips for high school athletes.

Tim Tebow - FL Gators - ESPY Red Carpet

Tebow at the ESPYs

OL – Joe Thomas, Brookfield Central (Wis.), 2002-03. A USA Today second team All-American, Thomas went on to win the Outland Trophy at Wisconsin and is a two-time Pro Bowl selection with the Cleveland Browns.

OL – Jeff Byers, Fort Collins (Colo.), 2003-04. The Gatorade and EA Sports national player of the year, Byers is one of the few offensive lineman to be so recognized. Plagued by injuries while at USC, Byers was awarded a sixth year of eligibility with the Trojans and is an All-American candidate for 2009.
Video clip cover image: Vince Young - High School Days at Madison High School in Texas

Vince Young - High School Highlights

Vince Young in high school

QB – Vince Young, Madison, Houston (Texas), 2001-02. Named the EA Sports National Player of the Year, Young had 12,987 yards of total offense while at Madison. Ranked by ESPN as the 10th greatest college player in history, Young led Texas to the NCAA championship. He is currently a member of the Tennessee Titans.

Photo by Gray Quetti
Tim Tebow, Nease (Ponte Vedra, Fla.)
QB – Tim Tebow, Nease, Ponte Vedra Beach (Fla.), 2004-05. Tebow was the two-time state player of the year in Florida and was a Parade All-American. He threw for 9,810 yards in his high school career and has gone on to win a Heisman Trophy at Florida while leading the Gators to a pair of national championships. He is in his senior year at Florida.
Video clip cover image: Helix HS, CA

Reggie Bush in High School

Bush in high school

RB – Reggie Bush, Helix, La Mesa (Calif.), 2002-03. Bush ran for 1,691 yards and 27 touchdowns as a senior and was All-USA Today first team. Won the Heisman Trophy while at USC and was the No. 2 overall pick in the NFL Draft by the Saints. Now in his fourth season with New Orleans.

RB – Mike Hart, Onondaga Central, Nedrow (NY), 2003-04. Hart set the national record for touchdowns (203) and points (1,240) while rushing for 11,052 yards in his career. He was first team All-American by USA Today and became Michigan’s all-time leading rusher with over 5,000 career yards. Currently in the NFL with the Colts.
Video clip cover image: Claude talks to the NFL\'s leading rusher Adrian Peterson of the Minnesota Vikings about his high school days.

Adrian Peterson (Minnesota Vikings) Interview

Adrian Peterson on his high school days

RB – Adrian Peterson, Palestine (Texas), 2003-04. A USA Today first team All-American, Peterson rushed for 2,313 yards and 32 TDs as a senior. He was a first-team AP All-American as a freshman at Oklahoma and has become a standout NFL player, earning Rookie of the Year honors in 2007 and first team All-Pro honors in 2008.

K – Mason Crosby, Georgetown (Texas), 2002-03. Crosby was ranked the No. 3 overall kicker in the country as a senior at Georgetown and he went on to become Colorado’s all-time leading scorer while earning first team All-American honors. Drafted by the Packers, Crosby led the NFL in total points as a rookie in 2007.

DL – Shaun Cody, Los Altos, Hacienda Heights (Calif.), 2000-01. National player of the year by USA Today, Cody had 105 tackles and 22 sacks as a senior at Los Altos. An All-American and two-time All-Pac 10 player at USC, Cody was selected in the second round of the NFL draft by the Lions. He played four years at Detroit and is now a member of the Houston Texans.

DL – Tommie Harris, Ellison, Killeen (Texas), 2000-01. First team All-USA Today. Won the Lombardi Award as the nation’s best college lineman in 2003. He is a three-time Pro Bowl selection with the Chicago Bears and was All-Pro in 2005.

DL – Vince Wilfork, Santaluces, Palm Beach County (Fla.), 1999-2000. An All-USA Today second team All-American, Wilfork was All-American in college at Miami. He has also earned All-Pro honors as a member of the New England Patriots.

DL – Haloti Ngata, Highland, Salt Lake City (Utah), 2001-02. Had 15 sacks as a senior and was All-USA Today first team. An All-American at the University of Oregon, Ngata was the 12th overall pick in the 2006 draft by the Ravens and was a second team All-Pro pick in 2008.

LB – D.J. Williams, De La Salle, Concord (Calif.), 1999-2000. The USA Today defensive player of the year had 312 career tackles including 92 for losses. Williams had 133 tackles as a senior on De La Salle’s 12-0 team. He is currently in his sixth year as a starter for the Denver Broncos.

LB – Brian Cushing, Bergen Catholic, Oradell (N.J.). All-USA Today first team, Cushing was a two-time all-state player in New Jersey and had 103 tackles as a senior. At USC, Cushing was a first team All-American as a senior. He was chosen 15th overall in the 2009 NFL draft by the Houston Texans.

LB – Patrick Willis, Central, Hollow Rock-Bruceton (Tenn.), 2002-03. A two-time all-state player in Tennessee, Willis was a two-time All-American at Ole Miss. He won the Butkus Award and the Jack Lambert Award in college and has been a two-time All-Pro in the NFL with the 49ers.

LB – Keith Rivers, Lake Mary (Fla.), 2003-04. A first team All-USA Today choice, Rivers had 111 tackles as a senior. He was an All-American and a two-time All-Pac 10 choice at USC and was the No. 9 overall pick in the 2008 NFL draft by the Bengals. He is in his second season with Cincinnati. He finished second in the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year voting.

DB – Tedd Ginn Jr., Glenville, Cleveland (Ohio), 2003-04. More of an offensive player in college and in the NFL, Ginn was the national defensive player of the year by USA Today as a defensive back. He had eight interceptions and returned five for TDs as a senior at Glenville. He was a two-time All-American at Ohio State and is in his third season with the Miami Dolphins.

DB – Kenny Phillips, Carol City (Fla.), 2004-05. The National Defensive Player of the Year by USA Today, Phillips had 84 tackles and seven interceptions as a senior at Carol City. He was twice All-ACC at Miami and was named a freshman All-American. Drafted in the first round by the New York Giants and is starting his second year with the team.
Video clip cover image: Antonio Cromartie Interview - Nike 7on Tournament 2009

Antonio Cromartie - Nike 7on Tournament 2009

Cromartie on his high school days

DB – Antonio Cromartie, Lincoln, Tallahassee (Fla.), 2002-03. The USA Today National Defensive Player of the Year, Cromartie had six interceptions and 53 tackles. He was the 19th overall pick in the 2006 draft and was an All-Pro selection for the Chargers in 2007.

DB – Antrel Rolle, South Dade, Homestead (Fla.), 2000-01. Had 86 tackles and four interceptions as a senior while earning All-USA Today first team honors. An All-American while at the University of Miami, Rolle was the No. 8 overall pick in the 2005 NFL draft. He is entering his fifth season with the Cardinals.

DB – Taylor Mays, O’Dea, Seattle (Wash), 2005-06. Had 166 tackles and five interceptions as a senior to warrant first team honors by USA Today. A senior at USC in 2009, Mays has already been named All-American as a sophomore and junior and is a preseason All-American choice for his senior season.
Video clip cover image: Terrelle Pryor - Jeannette, PA

Terrelle Pryor - Jeannette, PA

Pryor in high school

P – Chris Kluwe, Los Alamitos (Calif.), 1999-2000. A first team All-USA Today selection, Kluwe averaged 46.6 yards per kick. He was one of the top punters in the Pac-10 while at UCLA and has played in the NFL for four seasons with the Vikings.

AP – Terrelle Pryor, Jeannette (Pa.), 2007-08. Ran for 4,250 yards and passed for 4,249 in his career at Jeannette. Was the National Player of the Year by USA Today and MaxPreps. He was 8-1 as a starter at Ohio State as a true freshman.

By far the 2 best athletes of the decade were Donnie McCleskey and Shaun Cody. Both players could carry their teams on there shoulders. Both players dominated there opponents on both sides of the football. They both went on to play in the PAC 10 for USC and CAL. Both players were all PAC 10 players also. Shaun still contiues to play in the NFL for the Houstan Texans.

First person that came to mind for me when I saw the topic was McDonaugh... Mike McD was a tremendous player, just a few seasons ago.. Really great all-around athlete and being the hitter he was from that LB position makes it more impressive..

Some other players of note...
AJ Pasalo from CO was a great, great linebacker just a few seasons ago..
(06) 2Rush TD..128 Tackles, 5 Forced Fumbles, 2 INT(for 71 yards), 9 Sacks, 3 Fumble Recoveries, 1 DEF TD...
(05) 1Rush TD..104 Tackles, 7 Sacks, 3 Fumble Rec...
And let's not forget CO played some pretty tough teams back then..L to Newport Harbor in quarter-finals in 05..L to El Dorado in 06 a heartbreaker..Pasalo had 16 tackles that game in a 17-6 defeat..

A recent guy from Glendora, Chad Young..
Young was a tremendous linebacker, best in the area his junior and senior seasons..As well as a tremendous fullback despite the fact that the position is becoming nearly extinct..He is at San Diego St. playing the fullback position..
In leading the Tartans to two consecutive Sierra league titles(along with some help) and playoff victories over Upland and West Valley...
(08) 29rush 338yards 11.48YPC!!!! 2rush TD.. 4rec 81yds 1TD.. 119tackles 2 sacks 2 forced fumbles..
(07) 1rush TD.. 131tackles, 4 sacks, 2 INT, 2 forced fumbles, 1 safety..
(06) 5 rushes, 46yards 1 TD.. 40 tackles, 1 forced fumble..

Overall, there are a ton of players who've been great in their respective realms.. Chad Young might not be player of the decade, but Beast of the Decade wouldn't be too far off...

The kid from Covina was a super talent, but not the best this area has seen in ten years. Heck, he wasn't even mvp of the valle vista league one of those years. That honor went to Northview's Damian James and he was legit guys, not that McDonough wasn't, but how did a kid get mvp of the valley, but not the league? That's how good James was.

Anyways, the most dominant player without a doubt was Sean Cody of Los Altos. Apples and Oranges when you compare Cody and McDonough, actually more like an In N Out Burger vs. a burger from Burger King. Cody was incredible for multiple years.

Jerry Mac, not even close.

How about giving it to one of the only two people who are in the NFL now which are Harwell and Cody. The question doesnt say it has to be a former player of the year.

Harwell or Cody. Get the Criminal from the Colts out of discussion. Character needs to account for something Fred.

Great topic! I was responsible for the '03, '04, '05, '06 teams, so I didn't see the guys from before that. My vote for the decade would be ...

1. McDonough - Great middle linebacker. Amazing passing, rushing and TD yards. Almost beat Tesoro in the semis in '05 (in the rain which didn't help Covina)!!!! Do you know where Tesoro is now? People from Tesoro were coming up to McD shaking his hand because they couldn't believe the show he put on ... especially on defense with two busted shoulders. Say what you want, but nobody's put up numbers like that since. And if you bring up competition, then please note he put up SIX TDs!!! in a second-round playoff game. It wasn't all against inferior teams.

2. Harwell - Simply dominant.

Great topic! I was responsible for the '03, '04, '05, '06 teams, so I didn't see the guys from before that. My vote for the decade would be ...

1. McDonough - Great middle linebacker. Amazing passing, rushing and TD yards. Almost beat Tesoro in the semis in '05 (in the rain which didn't help Covina)!!!! Do you know where Tesoro is now? People from Tesoro were coming up to McD shaking his hand because they couldn't believe the show he put on ... especially on defense with two busted shoulders. Say what you want, but nobody's put up numbers like that since. And if you bring up competition, then please note he put up SIX TDs!!! in a second-round playoff game. It wasn't all against inferior teams.

2. Harwell - Simply dominant.

Fred,
Where were you back then? and did you ever see Shaun Cody play?

Aguilar - I mean which one of those players can say he went from player of the year to head coach in less then 10 years. He may not be the coach now but that was some accomplishment.

After going back and looking at some tape of the entire season, Its easy to say POY candidates from Charter Oak will be Adam Muema and A.J Powell. I wouldn't be surprised if A.J Powell comes away with the award this year.

it's SHAUN Cody...

I do not believe people realize how talented Cody really was and how a non running or quarter back could have such an impact on any game. It was dominance on defense that stuck fear into quarter backs and an easy first down on offense when you needed short yardage. He could carry 3 or 4 players on his back like nothing.

pat rose,

you were reading my mind I was thinking the same thing but he wasn't a player of the year. No doubt Sean Cody and Brigham Harwell were the most influential players of there respective teams. Cody dominated the area and was a man amongst boys. We have not seen a player of his talent since.

How about Sean Cody????