JDCHS athletes named all-state

Successful teams are made up of talented athletes. This year’s Juan Diego Catholic High School football and volleyball teams had several players recognized for their abilities in leading the Soaring Eagle squads to high finishes in the post-season this year. Seven football players and five volleyball players were named to the 3A All-State teams.

The three-time defending 3A state champion football team, who lost in the state quarterfinals this season, were led by First Team All-State senior linemen Jared and Ryan McCauley, who are twins, and junior linebacker Dakota Cox.

Jared McCauley had an “outstanding year as perhaps our best offensive lineman,” said head coach John Colosimo. Ryan McCauley recorded 61 tackles and 6 sacks on the year.

“He is a tremendous defensive player who was tough to block and required much attention by the opposing offensive line,” Colosimo said.

Cox had 92 tackles and 2 interceptions this past season, to receive the all-state recognition. “Dakota is a special linebacker with a great knack for the ball,” Colosimo said.

Second Team All-State honors went to senior running back Brock Garn, who rushed for 875 yards this season while scoring 13 rushing touchdowns. “Brock is a tough, hard-nosed running back who was tough to bring down,” Colosimo said.

Senior quarterback Nick Markosian earned an Honorable Mention All-State recognition as he stepped in mid-year to lead the Soaring Eagle offense. Junior running back/defensive back Cayden Sanchez and senior running back/linebacker Sharieff Shah were also named Honorable Mention All-State.

The JDCHS volleyball team placed in the top four in the state for the second year in a row, behind First Team All-State junior setter Jessika Long and senior outside hitter Rachel Enloe.

Long recorded 655 assists on the year and was credited by head coach Todd Holzhauser for her athletic and leadership abilities. “The combination of her winning attitude, understanding of the game and technical skills makes her, in my opinion, the best setter in the state,” Holzhauser said.

Enloe, the school record-holder for kills with 414, also led the team with 273 digs this year. He was named First Team All-State for the second straight season. “Rachel is a phenomenal all-around volleyball player who has the ability to take over any game with her virtually unstoppable hitting,” Holzhauser said.

Senior middle blocker Courtney Nagore was named Second Team All-State while Annie Tice and Maddie Curran were among those recognized as Honorable Mention All-State.

“Five of our starters this year were named to an all-state team,” Holzhauser said. “I’m so proud of all these ladies.”