GILROY – Putting together its first undefeated season (9-0-1)
and securing a third straight league championship, the Anchorpoint
Christian 8-man football team was rewarded for its efforts as seven
players were honored with all-league recognition
– and that’s just the beginning.
GILROY – Putting together its first undefeated season (9-0-1) and securing a third straight league championship, the Anchorpoint Christian 8-man football team was rewarded for its efforts as seven players were honored with all-league recognition – and that’s just the beginning.
In its third year as a program, the Warriors have established a winning tradition that helped them to a No. 1 ranking in the Central Coast Section. They also wrapped up the year slotted 15th in the state.
“If you would’ve seen these guys in the summer we didn’t think we’d be this good,” head coach KC Adams said. “There are 43 kids at our school and for them to do what they did is absolutely unheard of.”
Seniors Josh Ignagni, Kenneth Urbanski, Josh Mastroieni and Brad Kovach, along with juniors Samuel Apolinar and Jacob Brendle and sophomore Kareem Lucas were all recipients of first-team all-league awards.
Ignagni, with his 34 total touchdowns on offense, including 20 passing scores and 14 rushing, was named the league’s Most Valuable Player. Lucas, at 6-foot-4, bulldozed his way for 19 touchdowns and for his efforts was named the league’s outstanding offensive player.
“We already knew what Josh (Ignagni) and Kenneth were going to bring to the table,” Adams said. “But with the addition of Jacob and Kareem put us at whole different level.”
Not be outdone, Urbanski and Brendle took home defensive awards with outstanding defensive player and outstanding defensive back, respectively. Brendle snagged nine interceptions, placing him in second on the list in state statistics.
“It’s amazing what those 12 kids on the team could do,” Adams said. “They listened to everything they said. They hit when they had to hit and they ran when they had to run. It was a blessing having those guys.”
Apolinar finished the year with 211 yards rushing and six touchdowns. he also had 40 tackles on defense.
Masteroieni contributed 75 tackles in the Warriors’ 10 games from his linebacker position.
Kovach was the thread that held the Warriors offensive line together, clearing the path for Lucas and others all season.
