Molnar, Swigert, Waldron on All-CIF defensive team

Corona del Mar High senior Noah Molnar and junior Alex Swigert, along with Costa Mesa junior Brian Waldron were named to the All-CIF Southern Section Southern Division defensive team, presented by the LA84 Foundation.

Molnar, a Daily Pilot Dream Team selection, helped CdM reach the semifinals of the CIF Southern Section playoffs for the first time since 1995. The 6-foot-2, 205-pounder shifted from cornerback and safety because of late-season injuries. Molnar, who also excelled as a receiver, earned first-team All-Pacific Coast League honors.

As a receiver, he had 10 catches for 153 yards and one touchdown in the postseason, when he also came up big for the defensive unit.

He recovered a fumble in the Sea Kings’ 26-15 win over La Mirada in the first round of the playoffs, and recorded an interception in a 41-0 quarterfinal win at Laguna Beach.

Swigert, also an All-Newport Mesa honoree, played a key role in the Sea Kings winning 10 games for only the third time in the program’s history. He led Corona del Mar (10-3, 3-1 in league) in tackles. The 6-8, 185-pound linebacker was also named to the All-Pacific Coast League first team. Swigert also contributed on offense as a running back, compiling 548 rushing yards and five touchdowns.

Waldron, a 5-9, 155-pound defensive back, was named the Orange Coast League’s Defensive MVP after leading the Mustangs to their first outright league championship since 2002. He was also a Daily Pilot Dream Team selection. He led Costa Mesa with 96 tackles. He also recorded two interceptions and had one sack.

Though he is listed as a defensive back on the All-CIF team, Waldron moved to linebacker because of his standout tackling ability. He also contributed to the Mustangs as a quarterback. He rushed for two touchdowns in the fourth quarter to lead Costa Mesa to a 38-30 win over Laguna Beach in the league championship game.

Laguna Hills senior Robert Refsnyder was named the division’s Offensive Player of the Year, while Mayfair senior Robert Kennedy was awarded Defensive Player of the Year.

— From staff reports