Area athletes garner share of recognition

GLENDALE — The following are odds and ends from the local sports scene.

REBELS GRAB ALL-LEAGUE HONORS

Though the Flintridge Prep football team didn't qualify for the playoffs, some of its players stood out throughout the season.

The league's six league coaches selected five Rebels to the all-league team after Flintridge Prep finished 2-6-1, 2-3 in league this season.

The Rebels, who placed fourth in league, had two players named to the first team and three on the second team. Those named to the first team were senior running back/middle linebacker Eric Kazangian and senior running back/outside linebacker Jordan Whaley. Senior quarterback/outside linebacker Kyle McDonald, junior running back Chris Wirthlin and sophomore offensive tackle/defensive end Chadd Cosse received recognition on the second team.

Kazangian was named to the first-team defense. He finished with a team-leading 83 tackles and averaged 9.2 tackles per game. On offense, Kazangian rushed for 373 yards in 45 carries and four touchdowns.

"Eric is hands down our best defensive player and leader," Flintridge Prep first-year Coach Antonio Harrison said. "He led the team in tackles because he made sure to be in the right position.

"At game time, we looked for him to lead us and you had teams that double-teamed him."

Whaley earned a spot on the first-team defensive unit. Whaley collected three interceptions and 76 tackles. He averaged 8.4 tackles per game and rushed for 224 yards in 56 carries.

"He held the outside for us defensively," Harrison said. "He was able to play the whole season without missing time because of an injury and there was a nice progression for him."

McDonald was voted on the second-team offense after he completed 63 of 125 passes for 752 yards and 11 touchdowns. When on defense, McDonald added 48 tackles and averaged 5.3 per contest.

Wirthlin also was named to the second-team offense. He finished with 490 yards rushing and three touchdowns in 75 carries. Wirthlin also added 44 tackles, including 4.9 per game.

Cosse registered 38 tackles and averaged 4.8 per contest.

VAQUEROS PICK UP ACCOLADES

Three members from the Glendale Community College women's volleyball team that finished 6-17 and 2-10 in the Western State Conference received all-conference honors.

Sophomore outside hitter Jessica Alvarez was named to the first team after recording 243 kills, 201 digs and 41 aces.