Mattern named Nisquallly Defensive MVP
PORT TOWNSEND — East Jefferson junior Iris Mattern was selected as the Nisqually League’s Defensive Player of the Year in All-Nisqually League girls soccer voting conducted by league coaches.
Mattern was credited for her leadership along the Rivals’ defensive back line.
Joining Mattern on the first team were Rivals teammates Ava Shiflett, a junior forward, and Kaylen Pray, a senior forward.
East Jefferson freshman Akili Clevenger earned honorable mention honors for her play as a substitute goalkeeper.
Klahowya sophomore Amira Lyons was voted league MVP and Eagles junior Ali Divano was the choice as the Nisqually League Offensive Player of the Year.
Annie Wright sophomore Avah Snodgrass was picked as Goalkeeper of the Year.
Klahowya coach Troy Oeschlager was picked as Coach of the Year after leading the Eagles to their third Class 1A state championship in school history last month, a 3-1 win over Lynden Christian.
Auseuga earns honor
PORT TOWNSEND — East Jefferson senior Siaumau Auseuga was picked as the Nisqually League football Defensive Player of the Year in voting conducted by league coaches.
Auseuga tallied 111 tackles, 17 sacks, blocked a field goal, forced two fumbles and recovered another for the Rivals in eight games.
Auseuga also was selected at tight end to the All-Nisqually League first team offense after catching 12 passes for 216 yards and a touchdown. He also ran 18 times for 215 yards and three TDs.
He was joined on the first team by East Jefferson senior Gerald Lindsey, a two-way first-team pick on the offensive and defensive lines for the Rivals.
Lindsey led East Jefferson defensively with 115 tackles, 69 solo, along with 17 sacks, an interception, two fumble recoveries and three forced fumbles.
East Jefferson senior linebacker Austen Hammer also was a first-team pick after cracking the 100-plus tackle mark this fall.
Gary Zambor was a second-team selection at wide receiver and return specialist for the Rivals, while linebacker Aaron Glanz, defensive back Trevor Wilson and defensive utility pick Tanner Haddenham also earned second-team nods.
East Jefferson sophomore Brody Moore was an honorable mention selection at wide receiver.
Bellevue Christian’s Austin Harrison was voted Nisqually League MVP.
Cascade Christian’s Jackson Almond earned Offensive MVP.
Vashon’s Manu Samanna-Spagnoli and Bellevue Christian’s David Castillo split the Coach of the Year honors.
Peninsula Daily News
