All-Area Football: Setting the standard

STOCKTON - When Malique Micenheimer joined the McNair High varsity program as a sophomore, nobody was talking about winning playoff games.

The Eagles were still dreaming of winning just one game.

The standards have changed a lot over the past three seasons, and Micenheimer - The Record's 2010 Football Player of the Year - is the No. 1 reason why.

East Union's Mike James also knows a little something about raising standards. The Record's Coach of the Year led the Lancers to a 7-4 record and a spot in the playoffs for the first time since 1992.

It's not unusual for high school teams to experience ups and downs. What Micenheimer's been through borders on bizarre.

During his sophomore year, McNair varsity football was in its third season, yet the Eagles still hadn't won a game (0-19). With Micenheimer joining a senior-laden group, McNair went 7-4 and qualified for the playoffs.

The senior core, many of them three-year starters, graduated. Micenheimer was left behind with an inexperienced group, and the Eagles struggled, going 1-9 in 2009.

But the player who first-year head coach Phil Soria calls the ultimate competitor had a key role, as a player and as a team leader, in getting the Eagles back to the playoffs this season.

"He's a guy who's been there before and enjoyed some success," Soria said. "He knows what it takes to get back to that level and he just has that attitude. He refuses to quit. He took this whole team under his wing this year and just carried them."

The Eagles not only reached the postseason, they won a playoff game. Seeded 13th in the 16-team field, McNair stunned No. 4 Franklin-Elk Grove in the first round, 32-28. The Eagles finished the season 8-4, setting the school's single-season record for wins.

"It was important for me to step up as a leader and help the guys around me become better football players," Micenheimer said. "As a sophomore, I was a captain, but I was a younger guy just trying to go with the flow."

His attitude and leadership has had a lasting effect on junior running back Dalemaria Williams, who missed his sophomore season following a school altercation that resulted in a 45-day suspension. Micenheimer has been a mentor to Williams on and off the field, and his influence can't be overstated.

"Anytime I need help with school, with football, I go to him, and he gives me help," said Williams, a first-team Record All-Area selection.

"He's a great teammate, and he's like a brother to me. I look up to him a lot."

Micenheimer, who plans to join the recent rush of area football stars to play at Fresno State next year, finished with 171 tackles - 126 solo - 12 sacks, two interceptions, two forced fumbles, one blocked punt and three blocked field goals. He was voted the Tri-City Athletic League's Most Valuable Player even though the Eagles finished second to St. Mary's.

He was also an offensive threat at tight end, catching 39 passes for 570 yards with three touchdowns.