Nguyen, Atofau and Amell named to All-State football team after steller 2008 seasons

Three area high school football players were named All-State football players when the Associated Press released the selections last week.

Senior running back Peter Nguyen was named the Class 3A Player of the Year by the AP as well as an All-State selection on offense. Teammate Jamal Atofau was selected as a defensive back on the 3A team.

Nguyen and Atofau were key members of Bellevue’s team that went 14-0 and won the Class 3A state championship this season. Nguyen rushed for 1,218 yards and 16 touchdowns despite missing five games with a knee injury.

Atofau, a WSU commit, helped key a dominant Bellevue defense that allowed only 139 points this season. The senior also scored three touchdowns and rushed for 202 yards.

Interlake junior wide receiver Dylan Amell, the Bellevue Reporter Player of the Year, earned All-State honors on offense for Class 2A.

Amell shattered numerous school and KingCo records in helping lead the Saints to a 6-5 record and its first state tournament berth since 1985. The junior receiver had 70 receptions for 1,421 yards and 18 touchdowns.

The Associated Press All-State football teams are selected by a panel of sportswriters from around the state.

Joel Willits can be reached at 425-453-4270 or at jwillits@bellevuereporter.com.