To the runner-up goes the spoils.

Monticello Empire League football coaches had a hard time ignoring Will C. Wood High School’s success this season. That became evident when they voted for the all-MEL teams on Tuesday night.

The Wildcats landed a league-high 10 players on the first team, one more than MEL champion Napa’s nine.

Included in the haul were two of the league’s top honors. Wood quarterback Marcus Howard shared the MEL’s player of the year award with Napa QB-defensive back Cal Bard. Wildcat running back Damon Lewis was named the league’s back of the year.

“We had a really good season. Obviously, we’re very happy that the other coaches ended up recognizing that,” Wood head coach Carlos Meraz said. “Marcus did a great job, and Damon is absolutely the heart of the team. We’re a passing team, but for him to still get back of the year says quite a bit.”

Third-place Vacaville had four first-team picks, and seven second-team choices. All four first-teamers are juniors … running back Daniel Wright, defensive lineman Zach Myers, linebacker Jacob Abramowicz, and defensive back Tyler Cordell.

“You always hope you can get a couple more, but the future looks very bright,” Vacaville head coach Mike Papadopoulos said. “A lot of kids got some very significant playing time, and that should pay off in the future.”

The future is now for the Wildcats.

More at TheReporter.com >>>