NATIONAL SIGNING DAY: La Mirada, La Habra enjoy big day


By Stephen Ramirez
La Mirada and La Habra high schools were the top two football teams in the area this past season, with each winning respective CIF Southern Section titles.
Wednesday, each received their just rewards for those accomplishments as seven players from the schools signed scholarship offers on National Signing Day.
The top two players to sign were La Habra’s Eric Barriere, who will take his quarterback skills to Eastern Washington, and La Mirada defensive end Keanu Saleapaga, who will play for Brigham Young.
“It’s a surreal moment,” Barriere said. “I just want to thank God that it’s over. Now I can concentrate on college. But it’s also sad, because high school is almost over. I’ll miss everyone I played with (here), but I’m looking forward to playing in college.”
Also signing was La Habra defensive back Jacob Colacion (Arizona); La Mirada’s Tevaka Tuioti (New Mexico), Jared Enrico (New Mexico), Ty Ueli-faatoalia (Western New Mexico), Micah Croom (Dartmouth) and Titus Dixon (Minot State, North Dakota), and Whittier Christian’s Nick Watase (Trinity International, Chicago).
Barriere was one of the top players in the state. He keyed La Habra’s run to its seventh CIF Southern Section title. He accounted for nearly 4,000 yards and 58 touchdowns, throwing for 3,077 while leading the Highlanders to a 13-2 record that included the Southwest Division title and a spot in the state regionals.
The senior, who was area player of the year, also connected on two Hail Mary passes, the second to Prince Ross that beat San Clemente, 39-36, to win the division title.
He had an offer from Hawaii, but chose Eastern Washington, noted for developing quarterbacks.
“It was that it’s a real college town and how everyone (there) was as a whole,” Barriere said. “It’s a real family. I feel that was the program that was right for me.
“I knew Vernon Adams went there, and a lot of people say I’m like him, so I feel I can be like him, or even a little better.”
Saleapaga, who had originally committed to USC, was one of the top defensive line players in the Southern California, and helped La Mirada to its Southeast Division title and a CIF State Division 3AA title. He had 62 tackles, including 13.5 for a loss.
“I felt at home (at BYU),” Saleapaga said. “(Former La Mirada player Tyler Luatua) is going there in the fall and touring the campus with him and his family, I felt at home.
“I love the new coaching staff and they convinced me they care about us (players) as people and not just football players. That’s the one thing that’s in my head.”
Colacion goes to Arizona after being selected All-Freeway League defensive each of the past two seasons.
“Arizona was the school I’ve always had in mind,” Colacion said. “It was kind of easy when they offered me. I took my official visit there and it helped in me making a decision.”
Croom, who was a standout on offense and defense for the Matadores, said it was no-brainer for him to go to Dartmouth. He turned down offers from Illinois and Western Michigan to play for the Big Green.
“Academically, when you step into the Ivy League the academic ceiling is there is no ceiling,” Croom said. “Sky’s the limit. But major thing was how good of chance to I have going there and still (get to the NFL)? I looked at the players (they have who were drafted) and they have had a few. To still get that training to play at a high level, while getting a great education, I felt like I couldn’t lose. It’s the best of both worlds.”

FOOTBALL SIGNINGS
Player, High School, Position, College

Eric Barriere, La Habra, Quarterback, Eastern Washington
Jacob Colacion, La Habra, Defensive Back, Arizona
Jared Enrico, La Mirada, Long snapper, New Mexico
Micah Croom, La Mirada, Defensive Back, Dartmouth
Keanu Saleapaga, La Mirada, Defensive Line, Brigham Young
Titus Dixon, La Mirada, Linebacker, Minot State, North Dakota
Ty Ueli-faatoalia, La Mirada, Defensive Line, Western New Mexico
Nick Watase, Whittier Christian, Receiver, Trinity International, Chicago

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