Seven become South All-Stars

Corona del Mar High center Giovanni Gentosi, Costa Mesa High running back Oronde Crenshaw, Newport Harbor wide receiver Quest Truxton and Corona del Mar quarterback Luke Napolitano highlight four of seven Newport-Mesa seniors selected to play in the 55th edition of the Brea Lions Club Orange County North-South Prep All-Star Football Game at Orange Coast College on July 10.

The seven locals will represent the South team, which has 36 players. Only three players from one school are usually allowed to play in the OC All-Star Game, and CdM is sending three standouts after its historic season.

The three players — Gentosi, Napolitano and defensive back Charlie Griffin — led CdM to a 16-0 season, capping it off with a 27-15 win against Atherton Sacred Heart Prep in the CIF State Division III Bowl Game at the StubHub Center in Carson on Dec. 21. The Sea Kings became the first football team in California to go 16-0.

The area’s two other players picked for the OC All-Star Game are Newport Harbor’s Cory Stowell and Costa Mesa’s Quinton Bell, who are listed on the roster as defensive backs.

Gentosi, who’s bound to UCLA as a preferred walk-on player, anchored CdM’s unprecedented run, which included a second straight undefeated Pacific Coast League title and a third straight CIF Southern Section Southern Division title. He helped CdM go 40-4 during his three seasons as a starter.

Gentosi, a 6-foot-2, 230-pounder, earned MaxPreps All-American Small Schools Football Team, CalHiSports.com All-State Medium Schools First Team, MaxPreps California Division III All-State Football First Team, CIF Southern Section Southern Division Offensive Player of the Year, first-team All-Orange County, Pacific Coast League MVP and Daily Pilot Newport-Mesa Dream Team Player of the Year accolades.

Crenshaw, a two-way star for Costa Mesa, rushed 222 times for 1,971 yards and 28 touchdowns. He totaled a Costa Mesa single-season school record 32 touchdowns, three coming on kickoff returns and one on a 72-yard interception return.

As a middle linebacker, Crenshaw totaled 120 tackles, his third consecutive 100-plus tackle season. He picked off four passes and forced three fumbles.

Crenshaw, headed to play for Golden West College in the fall, led Costa Mesa (7-4, 5-0 in Orange Coast League) to its first undefeated league crown since 2008. Crenshaw earned MaxPreps California Division III All-State Football Second Team, All-CIF Southern Section Southern Division, first-team All-Orange County, Orange Coast League MVP and Dream Team Defensive Player of the Year accolades.

Truxton and Stowell excelled at receiver and cornerback for Newport Harbor, lifting it to the CIF Southern Section Southwest Division final, the program’s first championship appearance since 2005.

Truxton and Stowell share the Sailors’ single-season record for receptions with 83. Truxton is the school’s single-season leader in receiving yards (1,325) and receiving touchdowns (17). He produced 20 total touchdowns, including a 60-yard interception return, a 45-yard interception return and a blocked field goal return of 66 yards.

Truxton garnered All-CIF Southern Section Southwest Division, first-team All-Orange County, Sunset League Offensive Player of the Year and Dream Team All-Purpose Player of the Year honors. Truxton, who also stood out at cornerback and as a returner, averaged 166.3 all-purpose yards per game.

Stowell, who’s headed to San Diego State as a walk-on player, intercepted six passes, made 53 tackles and blocked two kicks. He earned MaxPreps California Division III All-State Football Second Team, All-CIF Southern Section Southwest Division, first-team All-Orange County, Sunset League Defensive Back of the Year and Dream Team honors, also excelled at receiver (1,074 yards and nine touchdowns).

Napolitano turned in a record-breaking year in his first season as CdM’s starting quarterback. He’s headed to the University of San Diego after he set CdM single-season school records for passing yards (2,645) and completions (197), while throwing for 25 touchdowns, with 11 interceptions, and completing 62.3% of his passes.

Napolitano’s career numbers for passing yards (2,703) and completions (203) rank No. 1 at CdM. He also rushed for 272 yards and 12 touchdowns.

Napolitano, who is 6-foot-4 and 200 pounds, was first-team CalHiSports.com All-State medium schools honoree, All-CIF Southern Section Southern Division, first-team All-Pacific Coast League and Dream Team Co-Offensive Player of the Year.

Bell earned All-CIF Southern Section Southern Division honors, despite only playing six of 11 games. The 6-foot-3, 205-pound Bell overcame a hip flexor injury and a partially collapsed lung to lead Costa Mesa to an undefeated league title.

On defense, Bell returned two interceptions for touchdowns, and made 38 tackles, three for losses. As a receiver, Bell finished with 21 receptions for 453 yards and six touchdowns.

Bell also received Dream Team and first-team All-Orange Coast League accolades.

Griffin, the lone senior starter on CdM’s vaunted defense, finished with 65 tackles and one interception. The Sea Kings allowed 9.6 points per game.

Griffin made the MaxPreps.com California Division III All-State Football First Team, All-CIF Southern Section Southern Division team, All-Pacific Coast League second team and Dream Team.

— From staff reports