Two Chabot football stars were selected to Region I All-California First Team Offense — freshman wide receiver Damien Moun and sophomore offensive tackle Esa Pole.
Pole (6-7, 320) a Mt. Eden High graduate who has played football for just two years, recently committed to Washington State. He also received offers from Cal, BYU and Fresno State, among others.
Pole has strong family ties at WSU. His older brother, Toni, the Gladiators defensive line coach, played 35 games at WSU (2011-13).
"He's a special story," Chabot head coach Eric Fanene said of Esa Pole. "Never played high school football. Comes to us and he's struggling at Cal State East Bay (in basketball) and just changes his body with us and working out. Now he signs with Washington State. It's crazy."
Moun (Servite HS-Anaheim) enjoyed a spectacular debut season in Chabot's new pass-oriented offense. He finished the regular season ranked No. 1 in the state in receptions with 73 and was voted Bay 6 Conference Wide Receiver of the Year.
Moun and Pole were both unanimous All-Conference selections.
"Moun fit in really well in this offense, man, and his talent was above and beyond," Fanene said. "Not the fastest dude, but man, he's such a wizard when it comes to finding open space and getting open. What great hands and the toughness … I don't think I've coached many guys as tough as Moun."
Fanene says if Moun gets a "great Division I offer" the coaches will encourage him to go, but he if stays he'll have a "great year" in just the second year of the new offense.
Fanene also praised the humility and work ethic of Pole and Moun. Success didn't come by accident for either player.
"The common thing between (Pole and Moun) — and I'll throw Koi (Mahe, another unanimous all-conference pick) in there too — they're the hardest workers. There's no substitute for hard work for those guys. You have to tell them to go home sometimes."
Pole can take a redshirt year at WSU, so he has three years to play two seasons at the higher level. He can continue to build his frame and skills, Fanene says.
"That's great considering he didn't play high school ball. Pole can even play four games next season and keep his redshirt," Fanene says.
Fanene adds that Pole has the potential to play on Sundays in the NFL.