Long Beach City College sophomore safety Genesis Fonoimoana has been named the 2009 Southern Conference Defensive Player of the Year. All-conference selections were made on Tuesday at the Southern Conference postseason coaches meeting at LBCC.

 

In total, four Vikings earned all-conference accolades.

 

Joining Fonoimoana was sophomore wide receiver Darrius Young on the first team. Sophomore linebacker Richard Barnes and freshman running back Daveon Barner were both second-team selections.

 

Fonoimoana had an impressive season for the Vikings as he was force on the defensive side of the ball and was a threat as well on returns.

 

Fonoimoana led the Southern Conference with 89 total tackles (58 solo). He had five interceptions, including two returned for touchdowns. He totaled 998 all-purpose yards and returned three kicks for touchdowns.

 

Young led the conference with 49 receptions and 852 yards. He was tied for second among receivers with six touchdowns. He also ranked fourth in the conference with 1,273 all-purpose yards.

 

Barnes was ranked No. 9 in the conference with 56 tackles (34 solo) and also had four sacks.

 

Barner closed the season ranked third in the conference with 859 rushing yards on 213 carries with six touchdowns.

 

Under second-year head coach Mike Reisbig, LBCC closed the season with a 3-7 overall record and finished fifth in the Southern Conference at 2-4.

Reports From LBCC’s Chris Ruiz