Preps of the week

STANLEY HAVILI, Cottonwood: This junior running back seems to get better and better each week.

In a 35-19 quarterfinal win over Fremont last week, Havili rushed for 217 yards on 28 carries, in addition to a game-preserving 85-yard kickoff return after Fremont trimmed the deficit to 21-14 early in the fourth quarter.

"It's good to have someone like him on your side," said Cottonwood coach Tom Jones.

Through 12 games this year, Havili's tallied 1,733 rushing yards and 21 rushing touchdowns. He's also hauled in two receiving TDs.

If Havili keeps running hard, he might lead Cottonwood to a state title. Beyond that, he might be joining his brother, Sione Havili, as a college football player at Texas Tech.

AIRIAL SALVO, Viewmont: On the volleyball court, there isn't anything this senior can't do.

"She's just an all-around player," said her coach and mother, Lori Salvo. "She has an incredible court-sense, knowing where the ball is going to go, where the other team's holes are. She just picks apart defenses."

The future Ute led her team to a second state title in two years with scorching hits and almost flawless defense. She finished the season with 527 kills — 24 in the state title game — where she also had 12 digs and six aces from her jump serve in that win.

"She's also so receptive to me because she wants to be better," Lori Salvo said. "She's everybody's best friend on the team. She's just a fun kid.

To nominate a boy, contact James Edward at jedward@desnews.com. To nominate a girl, contact Amy Donaldson at adonaldson@desnews.com.