Riley, Younker notch top honors

GLENDALE — With four formidable teams comprising the Mission League and the three-way logjam for second that took place in the 2008 season, garnering all-league honors is certainly no small matter.

Thus, when St. Francis High junior Dietrich Riley — the league’s offensive most valuable player — and senior Rian Younker — the defensive MVP — nabbed two of the league’s top accolades, they were honors not lost on either of them or their coach.

“I was very happy for both of those guys, they’re such hard workers and great teammates,” said St. Francis Coach Jim Bonds, whose Golden Knights had six first-team honorees, including Younker and Riley, and eight others notch second-team recognition. “You never know what’s gonna go on in those meetings. I think other coaches knew what outstanding players both of those guys were for us.”

Riley, a running back and defensive back, rushed for 1,121 yards in 166 carries, averaging 6.8 yards per carry. He had nine total touchdowns, six rushing.

“It’s really great to have all the coaches recognize my talent and what I’m able to do on the field,” Riley said.

Younker was a standout at defensive tackle and offensive left tackle. He led the Golden Knights with eight sacks, seven tackles for loss, six forced fumbles and two recovered.

“I was definitely surprised and honored incredibly,” Younker said. “It’s just not something you expect.”

Younker’s surprise came considering an interior defensive lineman isn’t usually recognized with such an accolade. But the eight sacks and 94 tackles clearly weren’t normal numbers for a defensive tackle, either, as the senior truly turned in a phenomenal season.

“It’s definitely a way to go out,” Younker said. “I’m happy with my senior year. I went all out and did the best I could.”

Younker was joined on the first-team defense by junior linebacker Chris Cabrera, who had a team-high 102 tackles.

“We couldn’t have asked for more from Chris,” Bonds said. “He didn’t disappoint anybody.”

Senior receiver Malik Speed, who also played defensive back and is a standout on the school’s basketball team, garnered a spot as a first-team receiver, while seniors Craig Romero and Kris Romero were first-team offensive line picks.