Rivals football receives 11 Nisqually All-League awards

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The East Jefferson Rivals football team brought in close to a dozen All-League awards from the Nisqually League after a great season on the gridiron.

Senior standout Siaumau Auseuga collected the Defensive Player of the Year award for his vigilant performances throughout the year on the defensive line.

“Having Siaumau receive the defensive player of the year was huge for him,” Rivals Head Coach Tony Haddenham said. “He only played in eight games due to an illness early in the season.” 

Four Rivals athletes made the All-League first team, including Trevor Wilson (running back); Siaumau Auseuga (tight end); Gerald Lindsey (defensive line); and Austen Hammer (linebacker).

“Trevor, Gerald, and Austen receiving first-team honors was big for the program and for those guys,” Haddenham said.

The four EJ players who made the second team are Gary Zambor (wide receiver and return specialist); Aaron Glanz (linebacker); Trevor Wilson (defensive back); and Tanner Haddenham (defensive utility). Rivals athlete Brody Moore earned an honorable mention at the wide receiver position. 

“Having Aaron, Gary, and Tanner all receive second team honors shows that the program had players that played great football this past season. They all worked their tails off all season,” Haddenham said.

Overall, the head coach was pleased with the amount of Rivals players that made the list.

“I am surprisingly happy with the amount of awards the players received this year. Many were hindered with dings and bruises that made it hard to go 100 percent all the time,” Haddenham said. “Having eight different players receive all-league honors is a great accomplishment for any program.”

“The season was full of would’ve, could’ve, and should haves,” Haddenham continued. “There are some things that we did well, and there are several things that we need to do better for next season. Tackling will be a big key point of emphasis for next year.”

Looking to next season, Haddenham will have a young squad yet again, but many of the athletes will carry their experience from this year and continue to develop.

“The season coming up will be a learning year for the team … We just have to find players who can step up and play a high level, and put them in spots to be successful,” Haddenham said.

The Rivals will have six seniors and 20 sophomores in next year’s squad.

“I think we will be somewhat competitive next year,” Haddenham said.