Eberhart in the Red Zone

GLENDALE — In recognition of his accomplishments during the 2006 season, Crescenta Valley High football player Eric Eberhart has been nominated by his team for a prestigious national award.

The Old Spice Red Zone Player of the Year Award, sponsored by Proctor & Gamble, invites high school football coaches nationwide to submit their team's player of the year. Eberhart, a senior, was chosen for this distinction by the Falcons coaching staff, and is now in the running to be chosen as one of 50 national finalists.

"Eric is a really complete football player," Falcons interim Co-coach Bill Irace said. "He's not just an offensive player, he helps us out [in practice] on defense by giving 100% effort there so that we can go against the best.

"He's a real team player, he really helps out his teammates."

Eberhart started at running back for the Falcons, and led the team in scoring with 42 points on a team-high seven touchdowns.

The two-year varsity starter also led the Falcons in rushing yards with 392, and was an All-Area and All-Pacific League selection in 2006.

"It feels good just to get acknowledged," said Eberhart of being nominated for the award.

The Red Zone Player of the Year Award recognizes performance on the field, but also takes into account other areas in which a player can make an impact on his team.

"Statistics do enter into it," said Bob Temple, a spokesman for the award, "but we also look for a spiritual leader who shows determination and courage — a player who comes through for his team in the clutch."

The 50 winners will be announced Feb. 8 in conjunction with National Collegiate Signing Day, and a full page ad listing the winners will appear in USA Today on the same day.

The final cut will be made by a panel of nine judges, who are not obligated to pick a winner from each state.

Crescenta Valley finished fifth in the Pacific League with a 2-5 record and finished 2-8 overall.

It was an especially trying season overall, as Eberhart and the rest of the Falcons were forced to deal with the departure of Alan Eberhart, the team's longtime coach, who resigned in the middle of the season.

"It was hard to finish with a losing record," Eric Eberhart said, "but it's nice to end up on a good note."