Serra Leads Division VII Team With 6

Six players from Serra High topped a strong South Bay contingent on the CIF All-Southern Section Division VII football team selected by the First Interstate Bank-Amateur Athletic Foundation board of sportswriters.

Serra (14-0), which captured the division title with a 34-31 win over Lompoc, placed fullback Dennis Gerard, offensive linemen Kenny Thomas and Robert Jackson, linebacker Steven Johnson and defensive backs Clayton Lopez and Fred Safford on the 30-man squad.

Five other South Bay players were selected, including two from Ocean League champion West Torrance.

West running back Josh Moore, North Torrance wide receiver Eric Hansen and South Torrance tackle Robert Ferkula were named to the offensive unit, while West lineman Jae Kim and Morningside linebacker Danny Katoa were selected to the defense.

Lompoc running back Napoleon Kaufman, who rushed for 2,163 yards and scored 39 touchdowns, including four in the championship game, was named Division VII Player of the Year.

Two South Bay players were selected to the All-Southern Section Division VIII team: defensive linemen Steve Barker of Mary Star, a repeat choice, and Kenny Talanoa of El Segundo.

Miraleste defensive back Mike Cooper was selected to the All-Division IX team.