Amongst the vicious hits, highlight reel big plays and sheer grit of the 2006 season, Kitsap County kids put up some big numbers on the gridiron.
The determination of the entire football year has culminated in achievement for some teams and room for improvement for others. But the Kitsap News Group Sportswriters have compiled our honors for the top individual performances of the season for Kitsap County.
From the potent offense of Bainbridge Island quarterback Quinton Agosta (891 yards passing for 12 touchdowns) to the sniper-like defense of North Kitsap’s defensive back Bubby Ditmer (five interceptions), the KNG All-County squad highlights the top offensive, defensive and special teams performances from this year.
In this edition, the Herald presents the All-County offensive platoon and those honorably mentioned. Check back in the Dec. 6 edition for the All-County defense.
Offense
Quinton Agosta, QB, Bainbridge — The senior rebounded from a injury-plagued junior season to throw for 891 yards and 12 touchdowns with only two interceptions. He also rushed for 343 yards and three touchdowns.
Isaac Solaita, RB, Klahowya — The senior set a new school record with 1,367 yards on 190 carries for an average of 7.2 yards a carry. He also scored 14 touchdowns and had seven catches for 59 yards. At one point, Solaita had a stretch of three consecutive games with more than 200 yards before being slowed late in the season by injuries.
Stephen Tucker, RB, South Kitsap — With the Wolves’ leading rusher from 2005 watching from the sideline, Tucker showed his stuff by picking up 1,016 yards on 181 carries and scoring 10 times. A tough runner between the tackles, the junior also possesses deceptive speed that led to plenty of long runs.
David Parker, WR, South Kitsap — Known as “Big Guy†around the South locker room, Parker (6-1, 172) led the team in receptions (24) and yards (491) and averaged a whopping 20.5 yards a catch. With a great pair hands and ability to use his size to shield defenders, Parker hauled in three TD passes.
Joey Johnston, WR, Olympic — Johnston always seemed to come up with the clutch catch for the Trojans, finishing the season with 12 receptions for 272 yards and two scores.
Bryan Gilbreath, TE, Bainbridge — The senior was a threat to score every time he stepped on the field, catching 22 balls for 500 yards and five touchdowns. He also returned punts and kickoffs, scoring on a 91-yard kickoff return in the season opener and had 61 tackles, 3.5 sacks and two fumble recoveries, returning one for a touchdown.
Gabe Culkin, OL, Bainbridge — The senior was the leader of a young offensive line that opened holes for the team to rush for 2,417 yards as a whole. He also contributed defensively with 59 tackles, two of which for losses, and had 2.5 sacks.
Peter Guerrero, OL, South Kitsap — The 5-10, 210-pounder wasn’t the first or even the second choice at center for the Wolves, but when he was pressed into service during the third week of the season because of injuries, he quickly became the best lineman on a team that could, at times, move the ball up and down the field. The senior made the most of his opportunity and paved the way for an offense that averaged 310 yards a game.
Devin Gottschalk, OL, North Kitsap — As the only returning lineman from last season, the senior’s leadership spoke volumes for a fledgling offensive front line. By the end of the season, North’s bigs had coordinated into a well-oiled machine that paved the way for more than 1,200 yards rushing despite an injury-ridden backfield.
David Reynolds, OL, Olympic — At 6-0, 205, Reynolds wasn’t the biggest body for opposing defenses to have to get through, but he was a big part of Olympic’s offense, helping protect first-year quarterback Jeff Boice and helping the Trojans’ running back core gain more than 1,500 ground yards this season. Coach Eric Allen called Reynolds one of the top five linemen in the Olympic League this season.
Jordan Wells, OL, Klahowya — A senior, Wells anchored the Eagles’ offensive line and helped open the cutback lanes that teammate Isaac Solaita ran through to a new school rushing record. A fiery competitor, the 6-2, 235-pound Wells was also strong on the defensive side of the ball, helping plug the holes he’s accustomed to opening.
Zach Sampson, K, North Kitsap — Though no games were decided ultimately on the strength of his foot, North’s sophomore kicker was solid. Sampson booted only two field goals on the year but was consistent on PATS, nailing 19 of 22 tries. Scored 25 points while averaging 45.6 yards per kickoff.
Vic Chatman, ST, Olympic — Chatman played a variety of positions including receiver, defensive back and kick returner. He had eight receptions for 177 yards and three scores while adding 197 return yards and another score.
Andy Grimm, coach, Bainbridge — Grimm led Bainbridge to their best record in five years, a second place finish in the Metro League Mountain Division and the preliminary round of the state playoffs. He was also named the NFL High School Coach of the Week for the ninth week of the season.
Honorable mentions
Jamiere Abney, Bremerton
Jeff Boice, Olympic
Jesse Galligan, South Kitsap
Rashad Greene, Olympic
Eric Hedin, North Kitsap — A lanky senior defensive end, Hedin led the Viking defense with 35 solo tackles and four assists, including four tackles for losses and two sacks.
Patrick Lewis, Bremerton
Chris Miller, Klahowya
John Sanchez, Central Kitsap
Derek Smith, Central Kitsap
Jamaal Smith, North Kitsap — Smith was the main man of a three-player backfield for the Vikings. He led North’s offense with 652 yards on 105 carries and a total of 1,002 all-purpose yards for 10 touchdowns.
Nick Stone, Bainbridge
Kyle Szarzynski, Bainbridge
Chad Tester, South Kitsap
Nick Thill, Klahowya