Mesa State was well represented on the 2009 All-RMAC Football Teams announced by the RMAC league office earlier today. Ten Mavericks were named including seven to the second team and three named third team all-conference.
Sophomore running back Will Halboth, senior tight end Seth Damron and sophomore offensive lineman Joe Bolognesi were named second team offense. Halboth led the team in rushing with 157 carries for 770 net yards and six touchdowns. Damron had 17 receptions for 188 yards for one touchdown. Bolognesi anchored the Mavs offensive line and will return in 2010 as a force up front.
Seniors Dominic Applehans (defensive end), Bennett Newton (inside linebacker) and safety Aaron Silverthorn were named second team defense. Junior punter C.J. Smith was named second team special teams.
Applehans finished 2009 with 36 tackles, a team high 9.5 tackles for loss yardage (39-yards) and 4.5 sacks. Newton's senior year was outstanding as he led the Mavericks in tackles (121) including 37 solo tackles. Newton registered 8.5 tackles for loss yardage (31-yards), 4.5 sacks, one interception and one fumble recovery he returned 51-yards for a touchdown. Silverthorn was second on the team in tackles (79) and along with Newton tied for a team high 37 solo tackles. Silverthorn had a team high six pass breakups, three interceptions for 49 yards, 5.5 tackles for loss yardage (11-yards), one forced fumble and one blocked kick.
C.J. Smith recorded 61 punts for 2460 yards and a 40.3 average. He registered a long punt of 66-yards and 19 punts inside the 20-yard line.
All-RMAC third team honors went to senior wide receiver Justin Murray, offensive lineman Trevor Stapp (RFr) and junior defensive tackle Tony Kelly.
Murray led all receivers with42 catches for 608 yards and four touchdowns. Offensive lineman Stapp along with second team honoree Bolognesi, return next year with valuable experience. Kelly recorded 50 total tackles, 20 solo, and a team high 9.5 tackles for loss yardage (37-yards). Kelly had 4.o sacks, a forced fumble, a recovered fumble and a blocked kick.
2009 All-RMAC Football Teams