Aumavae named state's top lineman

Whether he was blasting defensive lineman as a pulling guard or wreaking havoc as a defensive lineman, Junior Aumavae's presence on the field was always known. For the past two seasons Aumavae, a Palmer High offensive guard and defensive end, has been among Alaska's elite linemen.

Sunday, Aumavae earned the recognition as the state's top player at his position as he was named the large school lineman of the year.

Aumavae's honor was just one of the awards handed out by the Alaska State Football Coaches Association.

Aumavae is the second Palmer player in the last decade to win the award. Jeremiah Richards was named the state's lineman of the year in 1996.

The 6-foot, 2-inch 270-pounder was also named the Northern Railbelt Conference's lineman of the year earlier this month.

Aumavae also garnered first-team All-State honors on both offense and defense for the second straight season.

"Junior is an impact player," Palmer head coach Rod Christiansen said. 'He makes big plays."

"It is real hard to be a 270-pound quick guy and be quick all game," Christiansen said. "He is a real quick guy."

Christiansen added that it is not just his presence on the field that makes Aumavae an impact. Christiansen said that Aumavae's leadership was also a big part of Palmer's success.

Aumavae was one of three players named to the first-team on both sides of the ball.

Juneau's Brian Felix was named first-team running back and defensive back and West Valley's Ward Dobbs earned first-team honors at running back and linebacker.

Dobbs was also named the Gatorade Player of the Year for Alaska, and co-defensive player of the year with East's Joe Lyman.

Joining Aumavae on the first team is fellow Moose offensive lineman Nick Pilch.

Aumavae and Pilch were part of a Palmer offensive line that paved the way for more than 2,000 yards rushing by the Moose offense.

Colony placed three players on the first team.

For the second straight season Rhett Magner has found himself on the first team. This season Magner was named first-team defensive back. Last season Magner was named first-team punt returner.

Dominick Bellotte (offensive center) and David Craig (linebacker) were also named to the first-team for the

Knights.

For the second time in his career Palmer mentor Rod Christiansen was named the state coach of the year. Christiansen also earned the honor in 1995 after leading the Moose to a state

championship.

"It's an honor, humbling to be voted by your peers," Christiansen said.

This season, Christiansen led Palmer to its first Northern Railbelt title with a 5-0 record in conference games.

Christiansen ranks second on the wins list among active coaches. In his 13 years as the Moose head coach, Christiansen has won 76 games.

"Good players make good coaches," Christiansen said. "We had a good group of leaders.

"We had a good group of assistant coaches."

One of those Palmer assistants was also recognized. Moose defensive coordinator Keith Armstrong was named co-assistant coach of the year.

"For (Keith) to be named assistant coach of the year is a big honor," Christiansen said. "He has been an assistant coach around here for over 15 years."

"We had a tremendous year on defense," Christiansen added. "Anytime you start five sophomores on defense and give up a league-low in points is tremendous."

Several players from the Valley were also named second-team All-State.

Charlie Bentti (quarterback), Allen Franklin (running back), Justin McCain (offensive tackle), Sam Zimmer (defensive end) and Mike Weber (defensive back) represented Palmer on the second team.

Colony's Bellotte (defensive lineman), Shawn Olivera (running back), Justin Schwartzbauer (wide receiver) and Kyle Coffman (linebacker) were each named to the second team.

Wasilla defensive tackle Jed Wade was also named to the second team.

The small school All-State teams were also named. Houston offensive tackle Chris Minsch was named to the first team and Hawk defensive back Taylor Richey was named to the second team.