Twelve varsity football players were named to the 3-5A All-District football teams Dec. 8. 

To make a team, a player must first be nominated by a coach from another team. After players are nominated, district coaches vote on players to be divided into first team and second team. Junior Gunnar Palacios was named first team quarterback.

“It feels good to be first team,” Palacios said. “I’ve wanted to make all-district since high school started.”

Palacios said he was also proud of his teammates who were named to the all-district teams.

“I think everyone played very well this year,” Palacios said. “I think the other guys that made it worked hard and earned it. They did very well this year and did a lot for our team.”

As the starting quarterback, Palacios led the Eagles through a winning district season to the 5A Division 2 regional playoff game, becoming the eighth team in CHS history to win 10 games in a season.

“The playoff run was great,” junior Dakota Puga said. “We played well as a team. The chemistry and the brotherhood we had on our team made this season successful.”

Puga was also named first team all-district for his defense work as a cornerback. Puga said he put a lot of work into individual improvement this season.

“After lifts on Saturday morning I would go and run a little bit then go lift some more weights and work on my footwork,” Puga said. “Throughout the season my defense got a lot better just with all the help from the coaches.”

Puga said the Eagles had a good year overall with great individual performances from teammates, whom he attributed largely for his success.

“The only way this happened is because of my awesome teammates that pushed me to the limit every day to make me a better football player,” Puga said. “They are all great players and I was not surprised when they received this honor. The leadership and dedication they had was unbelievable.”

All-District 3-5A

First team:

Gunnar Palacios-quarterback

Nathan Spencer-running back

John Runberg-guard

Jarrett Jordan-defensive end

Dayne Douglass-linebacker

Dakota Puga-secondary

Second team:

Jacob Garcia-tackle

Owen Carver-receiver

Tommy Williams-receiver

Landon Pasley-defensive end

Skyler Tebo-lineman

Derius Jones-linebacker