Swigert, Whitlock chosen

Corona del Mar High senior Alex Swigert and Costa Mesa High senior Travis Whitlock are the Newport-Mesa representatives chosen to represent the South in the Orange County All-Star Football Game, scheduled July 16 at Orange Coast College.

Swigert, a 6-foot, 210-pound running back and linebacker, was selected as a running back. He rushed for 303 yards and three touchdowns on 41 carries in a late-season loss to San Juan Hills, after having a part-time role on offense most of the season.

He starred on defense for the Sea Kings, twice earning All-Newport-Mesa Dream Team and All-Pacific Coast League honors at linebacker. He was also an All-CIF Southern Section pick on defense as a junior.

As a senior, he made 60 unassisted tackles, including six sacks.

Whitlock, a 6-2, 263-pound two-way standout, was the Orange Coast League Lineman of the Year and an All-CIF Southern Division performer last fall. He made 94 tackles with eight sacks and 16 tackles for loss from his end spot, helping the Mustangs reach the Southern Division playoffs and post the program’s first winning season (6-5) since 2002.

Whitlock, who was first-team all-league as a sophomore and a second-team all-league pick as a junior, shifted from left guard to center for his senior season. He had 27 pancake blocks (putting a defender on his back).

The 36-player roster will battle the top seniors from the North in the 51st edition of the summer showcase, presented by the Brea Lions Club, which gives proceeds to charities.

— From staff reports