Four Wampus Cats earn All-NSL football honors
CLARK FORK — It was a breakout season for Clark Fork sophomore quarterback Cameron Garcia, who garnered MVP honors to lead four Wampus Cats earning a spot on the All-North Star League football team, as voted on recently by the league’s coaches.
The dual-threat Garcia used plus speed and a quick release to run for 13 touchdowns and pass for another 12, and he also returned three of his four interceptions as a safety for touchdowns, emerging as a dangerous two-way playmaker. He accounted for four touchdowns in a loss against No. 2 Kendrick.
“Cameron had a huge year for us and the MVP was well deserved. On offense as a dual threat QB, he was unstoppable at times. He really grew into his leadership role,” claimed Wampus Cats head coach Brian Arthun. “On defense he was a shutout corner that led our team in interceptions. He also had three pick sixes that provided huge momentum boosters at crucial times in games.”
Senior running back/linebacker Dakota West earned all league honors by rushing for six touchdowns, returning three kicks for touchdowns and often hitting double digits in tackles to excel in all three phases of the game. West bounced back big after missing his junior year to injury.
“Dakota was our comeback player of the year, coming off a serious foot injury that didn’t allow him to play last year,” lauded Arthun. “He was a solid tackler on defense and had some big games at tailback.”
Senior fullback/linebacker Theo Icardo was often called a tone setter by Arthun for the physical identity he brought to the huddle. He rushed for four touchdowns and caught another three as a dual-threat running back, and had a ton of tackles for loss on defense.
“Theo was our enforcer on defense with his big hits,” described Arthun. “On offense he had some electrifying runs that had us shaking our heads on the sideline. He played with a huge heart.”
Junior fullback/guard/defensive end Josh Constantin earned a spot on the team after registering multiple sacks in more than half the games, also causing and recovering a handful of fumbles. Arthun said he made a huge leap as a player this year, and will be a cornerstone defender next fall.
“He was our best defensive linemen that led our team in sacks and did a really good job of setting the edge. On offense he was very unselfish by splitting time at guard and fullback,” said Arthun, whose team never lost in league play. “I’m really proud of the kids because not only were they hard workers, but they were great leaders and teammates.”
ALL-NORTH STAR LEAGUE FOOTBALL
Most Valuable Player — Cameron Garcia, so., Clark Fork
Ian Farris, jr., Mullan/St. Regis; Gage Maitland, sr., Kootenai; Luke Trogden, fr., Mullan/St. Regis; Tristan Usdrowski, sr., Kootenai; Theo Icardo, sr., Clark Fork; Dakota West, Sr., Clark Fork; Trey Wienclaw, sr., Lakeside; Jayson Hall, so., Lakeside; Adam Ball, fr., Mullan/St. Regis; Marcus Ausman, sr., Kootenai; Josh Constantin, jr., Clark Fork.