Theriot shines

Trevor Theriot, the Newport-Mesa Player of the Year in football as a

senior last fall, intercepted a pass, broke up a pass and recovered a

fumble to earn Defensive Player of the Game honors in the Shrine

All-Star game Saturday at Mt. San Antonio College in Walnut.

Theriot, who started at outside linebacker for the public schools,

returned his second-quarter interception 37 yards to the 3-yard to

set up a TD.

His fumble recovery of an errant option pitch at the private

schools’ 12 set up another second-quarter TD in a 42-23 victory for

the public schools.

Theriot, who plans to walk on at UCLA, said he nearly scored on

his interception return.

“I dived for the pylon and I thought I made it,” he said.

Theriot, who will represent the South in the Orange County

All-Star game July 8 at Orange Coast College, was thrilled with his

performance Saturday.

“[Being named Defensive MVP] was a huge honor,” said Theriot, who

hopes to play linebacker and running back in the Orange County game.