Punter Morgan Selected MVP of Northridge Football Team

Cal State Northridge and Cal Lutheran announced football-award winners this week and there were few surprises. With one notable exception.

For the second time in 5 years, Northridge has selected a punter as the most valuable player on its football team.

Trent Morgan, who led the Western Football Conference with an average of 43.5 yards a punt, was honored at the team’s awards banquet at CSUN on Sunday. Bryan Wagner, a punter and kicker, won the same award in 1984. He now plays for the Chicago Bears.

In other awards voted on by the players, tailback Albert Fann was offensive player of the year, nose tackle Dennis McConnaughy was defensive player of the year, reserve quarterback Sherdrick Bonner was most inspirational and wide receiver Robert Guillen was most improved.

Scout-team awards went to Greg Bratten (offense), Dustin Nichols (defense) and Scott Reisbord.

Coaches awards went to center Dean Allman (offense) and linebacker Preston Hayslette (defense).

Kurt Lofgren received an award for academics and Bryan Kellen won the Kathryn Sefton Memorial award for academics and on-field performance.

Senior linebacker Torii Lehr was Cal Lutheran’s MVP in balloting by the players. Mike Mollinado, a junior defensive back, won the coaches award as top player.

In other voting by the players, senior Noel Chesnut was selected most valuable running back and Sean Demmon was the top lineman. Quarterback Tim Zeddies was most valuable freshman and Tyler Jones was chosen as the most improved player.