Evan Colorito will lead a tough 2013 Class in Oregon
They are one of the perennial teams in Oregon that always seem to prove the doubters wrong. The Beaverton Beavers are one of the most successful High School Football programs in Oregon history with players like Anthony Newman and big James Fitzpatrick coming out of the community and going all the way to the NFL. But in the brutally tough Metro League that is no guarantee of success.
But you can not argue with 2 State Championships and 4 appearances in the finals over the years. That and a 40-28 record in post season gives one the perspective of a program that knows how to win.
With current head Coach Bob Boyer still leading the program after many years the team is in good hands. Last season the Beavers lost former Head Coach and Offensive Coordinator Faustin Riley to Sunset where he has settled in to rebuild the Apollos program. That left a hole in the offensive scheme last season but according to some of Beaverton’s finest that is now back on track.
“We struggled last year to get the offense in place and do the things that we needed to do,” said outstanding Junior LB and TE Evan Colorito. “But I feel like we are light years ahead thsi year and everything is clicking offensively.”
And while Beaverton may not have a star power guy in the offensive scheme right now they are very balanced with talent.
“There are 4 or 5 guys battling for the RB spot and they can all play. We have Ben Cunha at Qb coming back and he can move and make things happen,” added Colorito who figures to be a Top Receiver at his Tight End position especially when down and distance are critical.
Ershad Mahmood of Beaverton HS is one of the best in the Region
Colorito is a gifted athlete and is now a touch over 6’4″ and 210 pounds of muscle. But it is his hips and feet and ability to move quickly through the passing lane making adjustments that make him a top prospect on offense and defense. He has shown that in camps this off season being named to the OregonPreps.com All Camp team at the Nike NFTC Camp at U of O and recently being named Linebacker MVP of the 5 Star Camp at Aloha HS.
His Father Dr. Anthony Colorito played at USC and then for the Denver Broncos in the late 80’s so Evan is coming by this football prowess honestly. That and he works his butt off
“He was a great mentor and coach when I was young. He taught me and the rest of the guys great basic football techniques without over coaching me; and that has helped me have a great foundation going into High School,” concluded Colorito.
Now Evan may be the promise of 2013’s Class but this Senior group has some horse power as well.
Randy Salsedo is a gifted WR
At the 5 Star camp we saw terrific performances by WR/DB Randy Salsedo and DB Ershad Mahmood. Both were named to the All Camp Team and both turned in 4.5 40 times and 4.2 shuttle times which tells of their vertical and lateral ability.
Both of those guys have great hands. Salsedo rarely drops a ball when we see him and Mahmood is a nightmare for receivers and QB’s as his thievery in the secondary is becoming the stuff nightmares are made of. At least Friday Night Nightmares.
Adding to those three stars was the find of the Camp at the 5 Star event in one very fast and very physical Defensive Linemen.
“He is one the best I have seen in quite a while,” opined D-Line Coach Toots Kaahanui. He was speaking of DE/DT Peter Tafea of Beaverton.
Peter Tafea is on his way as a recruit now
Tafea, the 6’2.5″ 225 pounder, won the Defensive Line MVP hands down and came out of nowhere really. And he had some stiff competition from Bryan Bodon of Crescent Valley and others.
“He is a monster,” said Colorito. “Coach has him play nose guard and tackle because no one can block him. But gosh yes he is a really talented guy and a great person. Peter might be the nicest guys I ever met off the field but on the field he is tough to beat.”
Tafea does not realize that he is one of the best out there in this 2012 Class with only Central Catholics Jacob Nall and Sawyer Whalen of Woodinville, Washington being at that level right now.
Of Tongan descent Peter has been playing Football since 9th grade and Rugby since 7th grade. While football may be a way for him to pay for college he puts Rugby right up there.
“If I could play football in college that would be great but Rugby would still be my #1 sport,” he said.
A place like WOU, where they have football and Rugby, might be perfect for Tafea who needs to work a little on academics but says he is improving all the time. He is very relaxed about what might come next and amazingly has not heard from many schools. His performance at the Camp should change that.
Tafea was a First Team Metro League defensive player last year and was 3rd runner up for Defensive Player of the Year. No small accolades in Oregon’s toughest league.
Joining Tafea on the line for the Beavers will be Sean Hoskins who also looked very solid at 220 pounds. And the Beavers may have just picked up a secret weapon just as Doubles are about to start.
Apparently a young man has just moved into the district from Saipan and is going to give football a go. At 6’4″ and 265 pounds that may not be a bad idea.
“He will be a new player but he is catching on fast,” said Tafea.
Look for Peter to also play some fullback when blocking or tough yards are needed.
This talented group of young men appear to be the type of tough no nonsense kids that Beaverton is known for producing. A group that can rally the other kids into action and give them a shot at Post Season play.
“That is the goal. Make the playoffs and see what happens. All we need is a shot,” concluded Colorito.
The Beavers are preparing for daily doubles next week. Look for ongoing coverage from OregonPreps.com.
