5 Casa players set to accept scholarships

Five players from the Casa Grande High School football team that reached the North Coast Section Division II playoff semifinals are expected to sign to accept football scholarships on Wednesday, the National Letter of Intent Signing Day.

Kicker Matt Abramo, linebacker Casey Longaker and offensive lineman Brendan Jackson have already committed verbally, while linemen Greg Poteracke and Peter Parrick are still considering their options.

Abramo committed to Washington State University as a junior, and will officially accept his scholarship on Wednesday. Abramo, who kicked and punted for the Gauchos, was the North Bay League Specialist of the Year. He scored 53 points for Casa Grande, connecting on 10 of 12 field-goal attempts and 23 of 24 PAT kicks. He routinely kicked off into the end zone, forcing touchbacks.

Longaker has accepted a scholarship from Sacramento State.

He was one of the best linebackers in the Redwood Empire, and an easy all-league selection. Longaker was Casa Grande’s leading tackler, participating in 117 stops and making 84 by himself. He had 24 tackles for loss. He also played fullback on offense. Although primarily a blocker, he gained 287 yards on just 42 carries and led the team with nine rushing touchdowns.

Jackson (6-3, 280), Poteracke (6-3, 275) and Parrick (6-4, 280) were the mainstays of a Casa Grande line that, by season’s end, ranked with the best in the league. All three also excelled on defense when needed.

Jackson has scholarship offers from Humboldt State, Western Oregon, Southern Oregon, College of Idaho and Menlo College. He also is considering Santa Rosa Junior College. Poteracke has received scholarship offers from Humboldt State, Western Oregon, Chadron College in Nebraska, Menlo College and Southern Oregon.

Parrick has scholarship offers from Menlo, Lindenwood in Missouri and College of Idaho. He is also considering Santa Rosa Junior College.