By Kyle Botermans and Janiya Lapat

November 13, 2015
Despite their 35-20 loss to North Marion in their play-in game, the 2015 season was truly an awesome year for the Phoenix High School boys.

The team put together a 6-3 record that was highlighted by only one conference loss to Mazama. The amount of mental and physical toughness required to overcome adversity in football is already insane, but stack on top of that key injuries and terrible luck, and the obstacle becomes too great. A majority of young players stepped up into big roles in response to devastating injuries and helped the team have the success that they did have.

On defense Mase Masalosalo in particular was a dominant force that every opposing offense had to account for on every play from scrimmage. His brothers, Frank Masalosalo and Papu Masalosalo, also contributed in a big way for the Pirates’ swarming defense. Despite his knee injury, Trace Vega maintained his role as a leader for the team as a whole and especially at the linebacker position. Overall, the defense took pride in their physical style that intimidated the opposing run game.

Offensively, the team was powered by a dominant offensive line and stellar runningback. Seniors Kyle Botermans and Mase Masalosalo led the team up front and opened up running lanes for the Skyline Offensive Player of the Year, Justin Knight. Another key contributor that was lost to an injury, Zach Atteberry, was a great change of pace when he was healthy. Despite the lack of any passing game, the offense was able to dominate most games and wear out the opponents with a consistent ground and pound style of play.

Though not all of the team’s goals were achieved, all the players and coaches would undoubtedly be proud of the way the team battled regardless of the obstacles stacked up against them. The two losses to end the season were tough for the seniors, but they truly put together a great show for their last year of high school football. Evidence of the team’s talent is below with a list of all-conference honors earned by the athletes that compose Phoenix Pirate Football.

 

Varsity Football Season Recap

All-Conference Awards

Defense

Mase Masalosalo       1^st Team Defensive Line

Konur Erikson            1^st Team Defensive Line

Frank Masalosalo      1^st Team Defensive Back

Justin Knight              1^st Team Defensive Back

Papu Masalosalo       2^nd Team Defensive Line

Kyle Botermans         2^nd Team Defensive Line

Trace Vega                 2^nd Team Linebacker

Kyle Sell                      2^nd Team Linebacker

Jessi Daniels               2^nd Team Defensive Back

Aldo Vela                    Honorable Mention Defensive Line

Angel Sauceda           Honorable Mention Linebacker

Offense

Kyle Botermans         1^st Team Offensive Line

Mase Masalosalo       1^st Team Offensive Line

Justin Knight              1^st Team Runningback

Papu Masalosalo       2^nd Team Offensive Line

Frank Masalosalo      2^nd Team Wide Receiver

Aldo Vela                    Honorable Mention Offensive Line

Trace Vega                 Honorable Mention Offensive Line

Max Potter                 Honorable Mention Offensive Line

Ismael De La Torre   Honorable Mention Offensive Line

Kyle Sell                      Honorable Mention Running Back

Zach Atteberry          Honorable Mention Running Back

Jessi Daniels               Honorable Mention Wide Receiver

Kicker

Tony Bazan                1^st Team Kicker

Punter

Tony Bazan                1^st Team Punter

Offensive Player of the Year

Justin Knight

Defensive Player of the Year

Mase Masalosalo