Francisco SamanoSchool: Bell Gardens HighSport: FootballPosition: TailbackClass:...

Francisco Samano

School: Bell Gardens High

Sport: Football

Position: Tailback

Class: Junior

Samano helped the Lancers to a piece of history. With a 54-0 rout of Almont League opponent San Gabriel, Bell Gardens clinched its first Almont League championship. The league is in its first year and is composed of Bell Gardens, San Gabriel, Montebello, Schurr, Alhambra and Keppel high schools. Samano gained 203 yards on 10 carries and scored two touchdowns in the victory. Although he had a great game on offense, it is his defensive ability that Coach Dave Newell likes to talk about. “He is one of the hardest hitting safeties in the area,” Newell said.

Other top prep performers:

Tobias Ibarra, a senior tailback for Whittier High, rushed for 147 yards and scored two touchdowns as Whittier beat Santa Fe, 37-22.

Mike Moschetti, La Mirada High quarterback, helped his team clinch at least a tie for the Suburban League championship. He scored two touchdowns, threw for a TD and kicked two extra points and a field goal in a 30-15 victory over Glenn High of Norwalk.