Point Loma’s Pointer football team wrapped up its season and passed out honors at a recent team banquet. Tough running back Kaden Gill and big offensive lineman Louis Daniels were named to the Western League first team offense. First team defense members are quick safety Tristan Shafer and hard-hitting linebacker Landon Green. All four are seniors. Two skilled offensive lineman received first team defense honors. Kyle Caulson and Daniel Sheldon repeatedly created space to allow Pointer runners to pick up consistent yardage. Second team defense recognition was earned by alert linebacker Nick Riffle and tight-covering cornerback Makel White, a junior. The others are seniors. Head coach Mike Hastings and his assistants introduced each varsity player during the team celebration, held at Tom Ham’s Lighthouse on Harbor Island. Coaches presented the following team awards: Team Captains: Gill, Shafer, seniors Jason Peres and Alejandro Barragan-Peterson.
Most Inspirational Award: Caulson.
Coach Bill Hastings Memorial Specialist Award: senior Julian Ardrey and junior Don’Tay Bentley.
Bob Hammes Academics Award: senior Josh Abbott.
Coach Steve Horrow Memorial Award: Sheldon and Riffle.
Coach Edens Award: Shafer and Barragan-Peterson.
Semper Fi Jimmy Howard Award: Gill.
Special Teams Award: Junior Joaquin Quintanilla.
Offense Scout Team Award: Seniors Matt Teeling and Kyle Campos.
Defense Scout Team Award: Senior George Munoz and junior Alex Silva.
Iron Jock Strap Award: Senior Trevor O’Toole. The Pointers finished the season with an overall record of 3-7 but were winless (0-4) in the Western League, judged by an independent study to be the strongest in the San Diego CIF section with no other area league even close. In non-league games, the Dogs devoured Ramona, Olympian, and University City before facing perennial CIF and even state champions Cathedral Catholic, Madison, Lincoln, and St. Augustine. The Pointers nearly knocked off the Saints, losing by only three points (31-28) but lost to the other three by an average of four touchdowns each. Hastings is hoping his team moves back to the Eastern League next season, a request that has already been denied but is being appealed with the support of the City Conference committee. If successful, the Pointers would move to the Eastern League with current members La Jolla, Mira Mesa, Morse, Christian, and University City. One of those teams would then be moved to the Western League. Returning Pointer players are currently lifting weights, working on strength and stamina before spring drills begin in several months.
