Amarillo—Holy Cross Catholic Academy placed seven players on the TAPPS District 1-2A All-District team, released Nov. 19.
Representing the Mustangs on the first-team offense were junior wide receiver Eli Ogas, junior running back Jordan Sapien, junior spread back Salvador Sanchez and senior kicker Ryan Sabala.
Sabala and Sapien were also members of the all-district defense first team, with Sabala making the team as a linebacker and Sapien as a safety. The only other Mustang on the first team defense was junior lineman M.J. Nevarez. Sapien was also named Defensive Player of the Year.
HCCA also placed seven players on the all-district second team. On offense, Nevarez made the team as a tight end and Sabala as a quarterback. Other second team Mustangs on the offensive side of the ball included sophmore spread back Chester Kos, junior utility back Jordan Webb and senior special teams player Billy Thorensen.
Two Mustangs were named to the all-district second team defense, Ogas, who made the team as a linesman and Kos, who was one of two cornerbacks.
The Mustangs ended the season 5-5 after starting the season 3-0, which included an opening night victory over McLean, 42-40 on a last-second field goal by Sabala, which head coach David Johnson said was the momentum that fueled the early season success for his team.
“That first game really set the stage for the entire season,” he said. “The victory over McLean gave them confidence. The kids came out working really hard and they saw the fruits of their labor throughout the season.”
Preparations are already underway for the 2011 campaign, courtesy of a new weight room with over $200,000 in equipment for Mustang athletes, which Johnson said is needed for his team’s continued success.
“It’s like Christmas for our kids,” he said. “These kids have been working for this for a long time. We have a facility that will house a weight room and a storage area. For our kids, the season starts with the off season and with a new weight room, this will assist in our preparations for a hopefully successful 2011 season.”
Overall, the 2010 season proved that the Mustang team has arrived, according to Johnson.
“We’ve arrived to the next step,” said Johnson. “We’ve had fun and all Glory to God for giving us the ability to play this game.”