SportStars™ Magazine

Star of the week

In our second issue, on June 24, we highlighted the Alameda/Contra Costa All-Star Classic football game. In it, we pegged Donovan Henderson as one of five players to watch.

What'd he do? He scored three touchdowns. He caught two TD passes and was the Contra Costa Defensive MVP after returning an interception for a TD. It was a fitting wrap to an excellent senior year for the Pinole Valley High grad. He will continue his playing career at Arizona Western College, a junior college located in Yuma, Ariz.

SportStars: So what led you to Arizona Western?

Donovan Henderson: I had a teacher at my school who knew one of the coaches (at AWC). I went to check out the school in March and discovered it was a pretty good program.

SportStars: Which do you enjoy more, playing offense or defense? 

DH: I like playing defense more. When you play on defense it’s more of a team effort...I’ll be playing cornerback (at AWC).

SportStars: What are your thoughts about your high school coach, Steve Alameda, comparing you to former Pinole Valley standout (and current Atlanta Falcon), Thomas DeCoud?

DH: I actually met Thomas when he came out to one of our practices. We raced in the 40-yard dash and I beat him. He was a really good guy, and told me that college would be tough, but to stick with it.

Donovan’s Quick Hits 

- (Better burger) Nation’s or Red Onion: Nation’s 

- Best place to relax: Home 

- Toughest player you’ve faced so far: Oakland Tech’s DiAndre Campbell