MANNY SABALZA

 Meridian – Senior – #61

5’6” 190 lbs – OL/LB

 1 interception – 22 yards

The true heart and soul of this year’s Meridian football team. So smart, so strong, so good on both sides of the ball. He usually played center, but he was put at right guard in week one to take care of the Utah State-bound Jacob South. South is a foot taller, and had 100 pounds on Sabalza, but Manny’s strength neutralized him. He was also the best defensive player in the strong 1A Northwest Conference. If they had voted for defensive MVP, he would have won it. Such a hard worker, and I’ll really miss watching him play. He was named All-Conference 1st Team at offensive line and linebacker. He was also named All-State 1st Team at linebacker, and All-State 2nd Team at offensive line.