Glendora, CA (Football) – When Citrus College opened up its season with a 7 to 34 loss at El Camino College, Defensive Coordinator Ron Ponciano knew his defense needed a little extra something to push them over the edge. Ponciano, unimpressed with his defenses physicality, looked to the offensive side of the ball and found a diamond in the rough in Demarcus Flannagan.
“When we saw him carry a ball on offense a couple of times we knew he could be a big body, who could be physical and knock people back,” Ponciano said. After starting the season listed as a running back Flannagan switched to the defensive side of the ball and started as a linebacker against Mt. SAC.
In his first game at linebacker Flannagan recorded 4 tackles including 1 tackle for a loss, playing a pivotal role in holding the Mounties to only 14 points and 78 yards rushing. “(Flannagan) started that game against Mt. SAC, and came in and made an impact,” Ponciano said. “He made us look good as a staff.”
Flannagan anchored a defense that proved to be one of the most physically tough in the conference. Citrus finished the year with the 5th best overall defense in the Western State Conference, and the 3rd best rushing defense.
“His play made the defensive unit much more stout,” Ponciano said. “He changed momentum with big hits. Big hits are hard to come by, and he made those plays.”
It was his play on the field, and his reputation for big hits that made him the 2006 Western State Conference South Division Player of the Year.
Flannagan recorded 38.5 tackles on the year, including 9 tackles for a loss, 3.5 sacks, 1 interception, 3 pass break-ups, and 1 fumble recovery in his outstanding play throughout the 2006 season. “He brought a sense of toughness,” Ponciano said. “That’s something a great defense needs.”
Flannagan headlined numerous Citrus players who earned All-Conference Honors. Flannagan and Martin Lane were unanimous selections to the 1st Team All-WSC, while Caleb Flores also garnered a 1st team All-WSC honor. Brian Giles and Josh Broughton were named to the 2nd team, while Devin Johnson, Jason Assauana, and Anthony Sutton earned All-WSC Honorable Mention honors. Kicker Kirk Cabana was also named to the All-WSC 2nd team.
On the Offensive side of the ball a total of 5 Citrus players, more than any other team, garnered 1st team honors. Sophomore Mike Combes was the only unanimous choice for the 1st team, as he joined Kenny Andrew, Phillip Kerber, Charles Lewis, and Leonard Mason as 1st All-WSC selections. Nathan Pope and Bryan Waggener earned 2nd team All-WSC honors, while Louis Magallon, Albert Schey, and Colby Hunter were All-WSC Honorable Mention honorees.
Winning his 4th straight WSC South Championship, Kevin Emerson was named Coach of the Year. Emerson guided his team to a 7-4 overall record, including an undefeated 7-0 campaign through WSC South play.