Four Bulldogs Get All-American Status, Head Coach Honored

The article below originally appeared in the San Mateo Daily Journal and is being reprinted with permission.

The College of San Mateo football team had four players earn All-American honors, led by the state Coach of the Year, as the Bulldogs put the finishing touches on its second straight 3C2A state championship.

All-American and All-State teams are selected by the California Community College Football Coaches Association in conjunction with the JC Athletic Bureau. The 3C2A is comprised of 66 teams in the state. There are 119 two-year colleges that play football in the United States. The rest of the country plays in the National JC Athletic Association, which has it's own All-American teams.

The Bulldogs, who finished the season 12-1 following a 28-27 win over Golden West in the title game, had four individual All-America selections. Three anchored the top defensive team in the state: lineman Nate Abbott, linebacker Jeramiah Lewis, and defensive back Trevon Watson.

Dieter Kelly, CSM's record-setting placekicker, was named to the All-American Offensive team.

Joining that quartet of top honors is CSM head coach Tim Tulloch, who earned Coach of the Year accolades. He has led San Mateo to three state football championships over the last four years. In his seven seasons as head coach, Tulloch's record is 77-11 and 57-7 this decade.

Abbott, Lewis and Watson were joined by offensive lineman Dallas Fineanganofo on the all-state, first-team offense.

The All-American Offensive and Defensive Players of the Year came from schools that lost to the Bulldogs on their way to the state crown. Golden West wide receiver Tanner Schmidt. He caught 51 passes for 1,183 yards and 16 touchdowns.

The Defensive Player of the Year honor went to Modesto defensive lineman Jalonn Booth, who finished with a state-leading 23 sacks. CSM beat Modesto for the Northern California title.