Interview: Banning 2018 ATH Sultan Moala Preparing to be Featured Back in 2017
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @HogManInLA
Few high school head coaches could be as fortunate as John Aponte was during the 2016 season. Banning High School had two feature running backs the offense could lean on in senior Joe Villarreal and junior Sultan Moala. Aponte and staff rode his talents to a 9-3 mark in 2016.
The Pilots were a punishing team on offense in 2016 averaging 213 yards per game on the ground. Villarreal was the focal point carrying the rock 153 times for 1,086 yards with 17 scores. A good problem for any coach to have, getting snaps to all of his talented players. When his senior was grabbing a breather, Aponte could rely on Moala to get the job done. Moala had 83 carries for 575 yards with eight scores on the ground. The Pilots also worked Moala into the passing attack with 17 receptions for 119 yards. In addition to his eight rushing touchdowns, Moala was a beast on two-point attempts converting eight in 2016.
The Pilots did not hold their budding junior talent to an all-purpose role out of the backfield. Moala also retuned 13 kicks for 320 yards and three punts for 62 yards. If Moala’s all-around athletic talents did not grab enough attention on offense, the 5-11, 200 pound, playmaker also was among the team leaders in tackles with 66 hunting down ball carriers as a safety. In addition to his 66 total tackles, Moala had three tackles for a loss, two forced fumbles, and an interception.
With Villarreal graduating, the Pilots will turn to Moala as their featured back in 2017 setting up a big breakout offensive season. In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, Moala and I sat down for a season wrap up interview covering his off-season workouts and recruitment to date.
Interview
Sultan, how did your junior season go overall?
“It went well. I expected more of myself. I think our team did well. We fell a little short but overall we had a great season.”
You split snaps with Class of 2017 running back Jose Villarreal (153/1,086/17), will you be the primary back next season?
“Yeah, that’s the plan for me to start at running back, but maybe not on defense. My dad wanted me to take on that role.”
You will still play defense some though, right?
“Yes, I’ll be in the rotation and used as needed.”
You had such a great season on both sides of the ball, did you get any post-season honors?
“I was second team All-City at running back and first team All-Marine League at safety. I heard rumors that I made All-Area but I’m not sure yet.”
With a bigger tilt towards running back, what are your off-season goals?
“One of my off-season goals is to get my 40-yard dash better. That is where I want to get better. The rest is working on getting stronger, stuff like that. I want to make myself into a monster for my senior year.”
Where are you with your weight room max totals?
“My bench is around 285 now. My squat is still around 415 and my clean is at 240. We have not maxed out since this summer.”
Which schools were showing recruiting interest in you before the dead period?
“Washington State – they have been in contact with their coaches, Nevada, and I’m getting a lot of letters from Colorado. Those three are showing the most interest right now.”
Which school do you have an offer from right now?
“Kentucky Christian.”
Did you get to take any visits for game days this season?
“I went to UCLA for the Arizona game.”
How did that visit go?
“It was really cool, a really cool atmosphere.”
Was there anything that you learned during the visit that opened your eyes to the game at the next level?
“When we went into the locker room after the game, it looked like everyone was enjoying their time there. That is what I liked most about it.”
Where is your cumulative GPA after your first junior semester?
“I have a 3.4 GPA.”
Have you taken the ACT or SAT yet?
“No. I have not taken them yet. I start taking test in February.”
Are you playing any winter or spring sports?
“I’m playing rugby right now to keep myself active and to stay in shape. I was going to play baseball but I’m going to focus on training for football. I am planning on running track this spring.”
Which events?
“The 100 and 200.”
Sultan, thanks for your time today and good luck out there on the rugby field.
“Thank you.”
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Photo credit: Moala family; No. 5 Sultan Moala.
Photo credit: Moala family; Sultan and family at UCLA.
Photo credit: hudl.com; No. 5 Sultan Moala chopping down a ball carrier.