QB turns kicker, wins all-star game
Aaron Zwahlen of Downey showed exactly why he had been one of the top quarterbacks in California, leading the South to a 17-14 victory over the North in the 40th annual Central California Lions All-Star Classic at Modesto Junior College. He threw for one touchdown, ran for another, and then delivered the winning points himself on a 35-yard field goal with four seconds left.
The game turned into an MVP showcase for Zwahlen, who finished with 287 passing yards and accounted for every South point either through the air, on the ground, or with his foot. After the North rallied from a 14-0 deficit to tie the game late, Zwahlen calmly completed a 23-yard pass to Matt Parker of Atwater to move the ball inside the 20, then stepped in as an emergency kicker and drilled the game-winner despite never having place-kicked in a real game before.
Zack Johnson of Kimball kept the North alive with an explosive second half and earned Offensive MVP honors. He broke loose for a 33-yard touchdown run late in the third quarter, then scored again on a 9-yard run in the final minutes. A two-point conversion by Anthony Cotta of Sierra tied the score and briefly gave the North the momentum before the South's final drive.
On defense, Oakdale's Hondo Arpoika was named Defensive MVP after posting seven tackles, a sack, and a forced fumble. The South also got strong two-way support from Maury Moore of Beyer, while Joel Openshaw of Hughson flashed intriguing upside on the defensive line. For the North, LeeAndre Fisher of Chavez and Oshea Washington of Lincoln were among the top defensive standouts, with Washington's long interception return helping spark the comeback.
The win was especially meaningful for Zwahlen, who said it was a huge honor to represent the South before leaving for a two-year Mormon mission ahead of his college career at the University of Hawaii. Surrounded by family members who had also taken part in past Lions games, he gave the South just its second win in 10 years and helped create one of the more memorable finishes in event history.
The game also highlighted several under-the-radar contributors. Darren Vallelunga of Summerville was praised by North coach Jason Weatherby for shifting across the offensive line all week and battling bigger opponents, while South coach Kevin Swartwood singled out Efrem Grimes of Enochs for his perimeter blocking and steady all-around work protecting Zwahlen on the edge.