Salyer highlights Mustangs named to all-league teams

Costa Mesa High’s football team finished a rocky 3-8 season on a high note. Not only did the Mustangs celebrate a 2-1 Orange Coast League record as league co-champions, but senior strong safety John Salyer was named the league’s defensive MVP.

Thirteen Mustangs, including Salyer, were named to the All-Orange Coast League team, including six first-team honorees: Cody De La Mater, Juan Garces, Travis Whitlock, Robbie Gemayel, Luis Gomez and Thomas Guzowski.

Salyer earned second-team all-league honors last year.

De La Mater, a senior fullback, led Costa Mesa in scoring with three touchdowns, while filling in at running back for the injured junior Antwon Byrd, a second-team selection. De La Mater had 49 carries for 172 yards.

Byrd still managed to lead the team in rushing with 481 yards on 77 carries, despite missing several games.

Gemayel, a junior, earned his second straight first-team all-league honor, as did Garces, a junior.

Whitlock, a sophomore lineman, and Guzowski, a junior lineman, blocked to create holes for Byrd and Gemayel.

Gomez, a sophomore, was another key receiver for rookie quarterback Brian Waldron, another second-team selection. Gomez had nine receptions for 199 yards and one touchdown.

Senior lineman Jorge Sandoval, senior tight end Tamas Gyorfi, junior receiver Manny Gomez, and junior tight end Hector Solis were also on the second team.

— From staff reports