2004 All-Conference Team

 

Northern State University Football had ten players named to the 2004 NSIC All-Conference team. Sione Tupou (DL) , Steve Espinoza (LB) and Matt Pinto (KR) were named to the first team, Clinton Arial-Ryan (K) and Victor Lauifi (OL) were named to the second team, while Toby Korrodi (QB), Travis Heitmann (WR), Josh Martin (WR), Vince Lauifi (OL), and Chad Little (OL) were named to the honorable mention squad. Full NSIC Release

Steve Espinoza (6’0, 225, Sr., LB, El Monte, Calif.) ranked 23 rd in the nation in total tackles as he finished the regular season with 11.0 tpg. He led the NSIC in tackles with 110, including 51 solos and 59 assisted stops. He was named NSIC Player of the Week on October 4 th for his 22-tackle performance against Concordia St. Paul.

 

 

Sione Tupou (5’11, 310, Sr., DL, Antelope, Calif.) started all ten games and was an anchor on the defensive line as he racked up 43 tackles, 15 solo, and nine tackles for a loss. He also had two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery and a quarterback sack.

 

 

 

Matt Pinto (6’0, 185, Sr., WR, Sonoma, Calif.) was named to the first team for his kick returns and was named honorable mention for his punt returning. Pinto ranked 14 th in the nation in kickoff returns, averaging 25.7 ypg. He led the NSIC in both kick off returns (25.7 ypr) and punt returns (15.7 ypr). Pinot also ranked ninth in the NSIC in total offense averaging 100.6 ypg.

 

 

Clinton Arial-Ryan (5’9, 180, Jr., K, Yucaipa, Calif.) ranked 19 th in the nation averaging 1.0 field goals per game. He led the NSIC in field goal percentage hitting 10 of 13 field goals (76.9%) and was seventh in the NSIC in scoring with 5.9 ppg. He was also named NSIC Special Teams Player of the Week after his performance against Southwest Minnesota State at the NSIC Metrodome Classic. He booted field goals of 40, 31 and 25 yards for the Wolves in a 44-9 victory over Southwest Minnesota State.

 

Victor Lauifi (6’3, 325, Jr., OL, Spring Valley, Calif.) started all ten games for the Wolves, part of the offensive line that provided protection which allowed the Wolves QB to lead the league in touchdown passes thrown and total offense.

 

 

 

Toby Korrodi (6’4, 220, R-So., QB, San Antonio, Texas) started eight out of ten games for the Wolves yet led the NSIC in passing yards per game (253.8) and also tied for first place in the league for touch downs thrown with 21. He ranked 26 th in the nation in total offense as he tallied 249.1 ypg. Korrodi was fourth in the NSIC in passing efficiency with a rating of 131.2.

 

 

Travis Heitmann (5’11, 185, Sr., WR, Lake City, S.D.) Travis ranks 7 th in the NSIC in average receptions per game with 4.3. He also ranked 9 th in the league in receiving yards per game (55.6). Heitmann had four touchdowns and two games of over 100 yards, including his season high 111 yards against Concordia St. Paul.

 

 

Josh Martin (5’10, 180, Sr., WR, Spearfish, S.D.) was 5 th in the NSIC in receptions per game at 5.6. He also was 6 th in the NSIC in receiving yards per game (60.9) and was 19 th in the league in all-purpose yards per game with 66.8. Martin had a standout game against nationally ranked St. Cloud State when he caught ten passes for 132 yards and a touchdown. He also caught two late touchdown passes, including the game winner against Bemidji State to help earn a bid to the Mineral Water Bowl.

 

Vince Lauifi (6’3, 325, Jr., OL, Spring Valley, Calif.) started ten games for the Wolves this season. Alongside his brother Victor, he provided protection to help the Wolves become the 26 th ranked passing attack in the nation (255.7 pypg).

 

 

 

Chad Little (6’2, 300, Sr., OL, Raymond, Wash.) started in seven games for the Wolves this year. This senior lineman played a crucial role in Northern’s run and passing attack after battling back from a mid season injury. He also made the move from tackle to center during the season, showing off his versatility.

 

 

 

 

 

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