Bryant Cid, Nic Slater and Mikey Pirnik grab MBL First-Team. Cid
also earns Most Valuable Defensive Back.
There is no doubt, Bryant Cid is a football player.
His coaches rave about him and opposing players usually want little to do with the junior from Christopher High.
Often unleashing a precise shoulder-to-chest hit, Cid became the backbone of the Cougars’ defense in 2010.
Roaming the defensive secondary, in waiting for, stalking even, an unknowing wide receiver running a crossing route over the middle, Cid rarely missed. Parallel to the ground usually the result.
The two-way player, who also started at wide out, picked off four passes all the while leading the team with six touchdown receptions.
Tuesday, Cid was named the Monterey Bay League’s co-Most Valuable Defensive Back, sharing the distinction with Monte Vista Christian’s Mike Gutberlet.
The 6-foot, 175-pounder also earned First-Team All-League accolades along with junior teammates Nic Slater and Mikey Pirnik.
Slater grew into the role of the Cougars’ go-to running back, kick-started by a 91-yard effort in a Week 2 win against Capuchino in September. Slater continued to get the bulk of the touches out of the backfield throughout the season, piling up 510 yards and six scores. As with most of the shorthanded Cougars, Slater also started on defense.
Pirnik consistently asserted himself as the team’s emotional leader. His vibrant personality and often quirky antics only heightened his play on the field. A mainstay at outside linebacker, Pirnik recorded 77 tackles on the year. The junior also scored a pair of rushing touchdowns.
Second-Team All-League
Quarterback – Brandon Pickens:
Pickens’ first year as a varsity starting QB saw all the ups and downs expected. However, the junior remained near the top of statistical lists in the MBL all season, completing passes at a 55 percent clip for 1, 501 yards and 12 touchdowns.
Offensive lineman – Steven White:
Seeing time on both fronts, the 6-foot-4, 290-pound junior improved from game to game, leading an offensive line that started two freshman and two sophomores.
Wide receiver – Patrick Valdez:
Lining up at either wide out or running back, Valdez, just a sophomore, was a valuable option in many offensive capacities and provided timely sparks. Valdez was second on the team behind Cid in catches (34) and yards (361) and also hauled in four touchdowns passes.
Honorable Mention:
Linebacker – Patrick Mank
Defensive end – Dylan Babb
Defensive lineman – Matthew Almeida
Offensive lineman – Tomas Zamora
Linebacker – Rashon Mills
Offensive lineman – Nathan Silva
Sportsmanship Awards:
Linebacker – Patrick Mank
Devensive end – Nader Elaskary
