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Ceres Falcons product earns all-league honors
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Clinton Haglund captured Bay Valley Conference First Team honors for his outstanding play in 2004.

The 5-foot-8, 150-pound receiver caught 58 passes for 594 yards and scored four touchdowns in 10 games for the Mendocino College football team, which went 2-2 in conference play, 4-6 overall.

The announcement was made on Wednesday.

Haglund, a graduate of Central Catholic, ranked first in the BVC and in the top 20 in the state of California in receiving.

"It goes by numbers," said Mendocino College coach Tom Gang. "Clint by large has everybody in the conference beat.

Added Haglund: "I knew that I probably had the stats to be on there but I just didn't know (if I'd get selected) because I'm just a freshman."

Haglund thanked his coaching staff.

"They're the ones that are putting us in the places to make the plays," he said.

Approximately 27 players were selected to BVC First Team, including 12 freshmen. Six receivers were rewarded, including three from Mendocino College.

"I came up here and just wanted to get as much playing time as I could," Haglund said. "Then I ended up starting. I just wanted to make the most of it."

Haglund was one of the smallest players in the BVC, which is comprised of five northern California community colleges (Yuba, Contra Costa, Solano, Mendocino and Marin).

"I always knew he would be a special kid," Gang said. "He catches the ball so damn well. He's quick and elusive. He's got a great work ethic."

Added Haglund: "Each week I got more comfortable."

Haglund had a breakout game against Monterey Peninsula College, the Coast Conference champion, on Oct. 2. He had 11 catches for 170 yards and one touchdown.

"I really settled down after that and kind of got into a groove," he said.

Added Gang: "He showed that he can compete at this level."

Haglund concluded his freshman campaign with a productive performance. He hauled in seven passes for 46 yards, including a 20-yard touchdown, during the Eagles' 29-26 victory against the visiting Yuba College Forty-Niners, the BVC champion, on Nov. 13.

Haglund played varsity football for three years at Central Catholic. He was named the Southern League's Most Outstanding Specialist after leading the Raiders to the Division I title in 2003.

During his senior year, Haglund totaled 1,171 all-purpose yards and 14 touchdowns. He played receiver, tailback and defensive back. He also returned kickoffs and punts.

Haglund attended Westport School and Blaker-Kinser Junior High in Ceres. He played Pop Warner football for the Ceres Falcons.

Local ties

Ceres' Randy Green, Mikal Sandberg, De'Saunte Walker and Jose Camacho are also members of the Mendocino College football team.

"All of the kids had a great season," Gang said.

Green, a graduate of Ceres High, started nine games at outside linebacker.

"He was an emotional leader on the defensive side," Gang said.

Sandberg, a graduate of Ceres High, was a special teams captain.

"He brought a lot of enthusiasm to practice everyday," Gang said.

Walker, a graduate of Calvary Temple, logged time at outside linebacker and was a major contributor on special teams.

"He did a great job," Gang said.

Jose Camacho, a graduate of Ceres High, had to sit out this season because he played at Modesto JC for a year. He had to establish residency.

"He did everything we asked him to do," Gang said.

Camacho played on the scout team at practice.

He filmed and attended just about every game.

"Jose is going to be a great player for us next year," Gang said.

The Eagles finished fourth in the league standings and compiled a 3-7 overall record during Gang's first year as head coach in 2003. In 2002, the Eagles went 0-5 in the BVC, 0-10 overall.

"We had the top offense in the league by far this season," Gang said. "We averaged over 400 yards per game. Hopefully next year or in a couple of years, we'll get that championship and a bowl berth." - By DALE BUTLER / Staff Reporter of The Ceres (Calif.) Courier