Murrieta will be well-represented in the 28th annual Inland Empire All Star Football Classic set for Saturday, Jan. 12, with seven players from Murrieta Mesa, Vista Murrieta and Murrieta Valley high schools.
The 7 p.m. game at Corona High School was developed by The SPORT Foundation and benefits many youth programs. The contest features the top high school seniors in Riverside and San Bernardino counties.
Coaching the Riverside All-Stars will be Chaparral’s Ryan Tukua. Tukua led the Pumas to a 7-4 third place finish in the tough Southwestern League.
Vista Murrieta will be sending defensive back Treshon Broughton, who had two interceptions and 25 solo tackles for the Broncos. Team co-captains Bryce Smith and Nick Stevens also will represent the Broncos.
Smith plays middle linebacker was the heart of the defense for Vista Murrieta. He led the team with 113 unassisted tackles and seven sacks.
Quarterback Stevens threw for 2,316 yards and 22 TDs and led the team to the CIF championships twice.
Wide receiver and the Inland Empire’s All-time Career Pass leader Kahlil Sharpe will represent the Murrieta Mesa Rams. Sharpe caught 75 passes for 829 yards and 8 TDs this year.
Representing Murrieta Valley will be the keys to the Nighthawk defense, Michael Payne and Terin Solomon. Payne was the catalyst to Murrieta Valley’s impressive defense this year. He led the Nighthawks in unassisted tackles and sacks.
Solomon played safety and was the anchor of the MVHS defense. Offensively, he also has the distinction of catching four passes this year—all for touchdowns.
The Southwestern League will also send running back Jakob Certeza and punter-safety Garrett Ackermann from the Great Oak Wolfpack to the game. Offensive lineman Adison Pulsipher from Temecula Valley will represent the Golden Bears.
Joining Coach Tukua will be Chaparral’s Justin Harris, Patrick Clifford and Kyle Jones. Harris was the Pumas’ leading running back while Clifford shined at tight end. Linebacker Jones was the Puma defensive leader.
The SPORT Foundation treats thousands of athlete injuries every year in the Inland Empire. For more than 30 years, the foundation has been providing the service at no cost to the athletes.
The foundation also bestows over $125,000 in scholarships to students athletes in the Inland Empire.
Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for students and are available at The SPORT Clinic or call 951-274-3455 or 951-274-3425.
