Palmer, Colony dominate All-NRC

The Northern Railbelt's All-Conference teams were released this week and the Palmer Moose and the Colony Knights were the most represented teams on the list.

Thirteen spots on the first and second teams were given to each Valley squad. Colony, who finished fourth in the conference, had a Northern Railbelt-high 10 first-team selections. Palmer, the NRC champions, placed eight on the first teams.

Palmer was also well-represented in the major awards.

Moose mentor Rod Christiansen was named the head coach of the year, while defensive coordinator Keith Armstrong was named the assistant coach of the year.

Christiansen was named coach of the year for the third time in his 13-year career. Christiansen ranks second in career wins among active head coaches in the state with 76.

Junior Aumavae, a senior, was named the lineman of the year. The 6-foot, 270-pounder was also named first-team offensive guard and first-team defensive tackle.

Aumavae was won of three players to be named both first-team offense and first-team defense. Colony junior Dominick Bellotte garnered first-team honors at center and defensive tackle and West Valley senior Ward Dobbs was named first-team running back and linebacker.

Aumavae was one of five Palmer lineman to receive All-Conference nods. Senior Nick Pilch was named first-team offensive guard, senior Sam Zimmer was named first-team defensive end, junior Tory Johnson was named second-team center and senior Justin McCain was named first-team offensive tackle and second-team defensive tackle.

Palmer quarterback Charlie Bentti earned first-team honors at quarterback. The senior, noted as the state's best option quarterback, rushed for 605 yards and 10 touchdowns, best among quarterbacks in Alaska.

Bentti garnered the top honor over Lathrop standout Brock Graziadei. Despite being named second-team quarterback, Graziadei was named the conference's offensive player of the year. The Malemute senior threw for 1,890 yards and a state-record 31 touchdowns this season.

Also named to the first team for the Moose was defensive back Mike Weber and fullback Allen Franklin.

Joining Bellotte on the first team for Colony are running back Shawn Olivera,

wide receiver Justin Schwartzbauer, punter Tim Egger, long snapper Curtis Shirley, linebackers David Craig and Kyle Coffman and Rhett Magner, who was named first-team defensive back and return specialist.

"I was glad to see David Craig and Kyle Coffman on the first team," Colony head coach Randy Magner said. "I didn't think they would give us two linebackers."

In his first season as a varsity starter, Coffman shattered the school record for tackles in a season.

Five Wasilla Warriors received All-Conference recognition.

Senior Jed Wade was named first-team defensive tackle and second-team punter, senior Brady Washburn was named second-team defensive end, senior Jimbo Ressler was named second-team inside linebacker, junior Matt Crane was named second-team outside linebacker and sophomore Jake Wade was named second-team running back.