Franco Included In All Region X

Wasatch High School's great football season this past fall has recently garnered a few individual awards, which is the norm for this time of year.  But as we wait for the Salt Lake Tribune to announce their honorees, All Conference selections for Class 3A Region X were made available this week.

If you took a look at my earlier post about the Wasp's Deseret News selections, not much has changed here except for the addition of Talem Franco.  Now before you read the attached words on the players, as sent to Wasatch Athletic Director Claire Mair, from the region brass, let me say this about Talem.  Every time this kid touched the ball in space, whether on a hand off, a reception, or a kick or punt return... there was a chance for Wasatch to score.  Talem exhibited speed.  Talem showed elusiveness.  He squirted - that's right - squirted through holes in the defenses that most of us dieters only dream of fitting through.  He was the big play maker's, big play maker, if there ever was one.
He was electric.

I know officially he's credited with 1 kick-off return for a touchdown, but I'm guessing that three (two in one game) were called back on penalties.  Special teams can be a breeding ground for fouls in football, so Talem would lose those individual statistics, but even though called back... his explosive plays often inspired his team.  Wasatch would surely score on the ensuing drive.  I remember vividly, the last game, the Wasp's lone playoff game against Bear River, seeing Talem on the sideline early on with his thigh and quad fully wrapped and he was in excruciating pain.  He had pulled a hamstring or thigh muscle or something that made him go.  I knew at that moment the team had lost a huge part of their heart.  This is one of those stats that never shows up on a scoreboard or an All Star team list.  But it's a stat that is worthy of an MVP.

Oh... and on the day when I went to the field to talk to superstar quarterback James Delacenserie, the MVP on this year's Region X list, and needed someone to catch balls thrown from James off camera?  Talem gladly volunteered.  And when we were done, and I thanked him, he quipped, "anything to make James look good."  I love Talem Franco!

Here's the listing of other Wasatch players from the 2012 football team that were honored in their final season as competitors in Class 3A Region X.  Congratulations again to all of these outstanding young men.

-->

Wasatch

Offensive MVP—James Delacenserie—QB, SR, 6’3, 215—167/247 67.6% (#1 in 3A), 2784 passing yards, 253.1 yd/game (#1 in 3A), 34 TD (#1 in 3A), passed for 4-200 yard games, 2-300 yard games, and 1-400 yard game, threw for 2 or more touchdowns in 10 of the 11 games, threw for 6 TD vs North Sanpete. Was voted team captain by his teammates, only threw 6 interceptions on the year.

#76 Taylor Coburn—OL/DL, SR, 6’4, 248 lbvs.—Anchored Wastch’s offensive line at lLeft tackle, allowing for the Wasatch offense to average 31.5 points per game. Allowed Wasatch’s QBs to throw for the most passing yards in 3A. Allowed on the season less than 1 sack per game. Started on both sides of the ball at left tackle and at defensive tackle.

#25 Gavin Nebeker—WR, Sr, 6’), 155 lbs—49 receptions, 946 yards, 86 yards/game (#!1 in 3A), 19.3 yards/catch, 12 TD (Led 3A), had 3-100 yard receiving games, and 1-200 yard receiving ame. Had 4 TD receptions vs. Morgan, and 3 TD receptions vs. Judge. Was voted team captain by his teammates. Great worker, leader, and individual.

#1 Talem Franco—WR, Sr, 5’9, 163 lbs.—35 receptions, 640 yards, 18.3 yards/ catch, 19 rushes, 230 yards, 12.11 yard/rush, 2 rushing TD, 6 receiving TD, 1 KO return TD, average 19.2yards/touch. Had 45 tckles on defense. Played both sides of the ball, was the all-around leader of the team, hard worker. Great big play guy.

# 47 Tag Baxter-MLB, JR, 5’10 185 lbs.—anchored Wassatch’s defense at the MLB position. Tag leads all classifications in total tackles with 166, averaging 15.1 tackles/game. He was the heart and soul of Wasatch’s defense. Was a starter on most of the special teams. He is also a 2 year starter at MLB for the Wasps.

#21 Cooper Ballstaedt—strong safety, SR, 5”10 180 lbs. Cooper was a 2 year starter for Wasatch at the safety position. He was 2^nd on the team, 7^th in 3A and 24^th in the state in tackles with 108 total tackles, averaging 9.8/game. He also had 4 interceptions for 105 yards and a TD. Voted team captain by his peers, als a student body officer.