Football
Honorable Mention
Cole Higgins- South Central Calhoun- Junior
Higgins helped the Titans on both sides of the ball, rushing for 282 and 3 touchdowns on 66 carries along with making 13 catches on offense. Defensively he had 57 tackles, with 46 solo. He added a pair of fumble recoveries.
Zach Trott- South Central Calhoun- Senior
Trott was effective on both sides of the ball for South Central Calhoun. He was 2nd in rushing yards with 304 to go with 5 touchdowns. Zach added 19 catches for 178-yards. On defense, he had 52 tackles with 40 of them solo.
Lane Sams- IKM-Manning- Senior
Sams helped the Wolves in both the passing game and running game, finishing 2nd on receptions with 29 for a pair of touchdowns and 338-yards. He added 142-yards on the ground and a pair of touchdowns. Lane was strong defensively, ending the year with 31 tackles, 20 solo. Lane also ran cross country, qualifying for State!
Davis Rasmussen- IKM-Manning- Sophomore
The Sophomore continued to show he’s got a strong future, ending the season with 467-yards rushing and 6 touchdowns. He added 16 catches with a touchdown and 205-yards. Davis added 39.5 tackles with 30 solo. He returned a kickoff 85-yards for a touchdown.
Noah Hinners- Carroll- Junior
Hinners helped the Tigers through a banged up season, helping pave the way for 1,265-yards rushing and 13 touchdowns. He was strong up front, allowing them to run inside and establish the edges. Carroll passed for 1,317-yards and 10 more touchdowns. Hinners added 9.5 tackles with 2.5 sacks and 4.5 TFL.
Logan Menken- Carroll- Junior
Menken put together a strong season up front for Carroll as the Tigers ran the ball 307 times with four players toting the ball 43 times or more. He was a big reason they finished with 13-rushing touchdowns while adding 10 touchdowns passes on 80 completions. Menken will team with Hinners to help Carroll grow next season.
Kieran Polking- Carroll- Sophomore
Polking is a strong kicker, with an accurate leg. He finished with 4 touchbacks on 36 kickoffs while going 6-8 on field goals with a long of 37-yards. Polking added 14 PAT’s, going 14-17.
Edrik Heisterkamp- Carroll- Junior
Edrik was a bright spot in the Tigers secondary this season, doing a nice job in coverage and as a run stopper. He finished the season with 36.5 tackles, 23 of them were solo, He added 1.5 TFL. He added a pair of catches for 38-yards on limited offensive snaps.
Tate Schleisman- Carroll- Senior
Schleisman had a solid season for the Tigers, helping them on both sides of the ball. He had 19.5 tackles with 13 solo and 3 for a loss. He added 12 catches on offense, averaging 21.7 yards per reception, scoring twice with 260-yards receiving.
Kyle Sundrup- Kuemper- Senior
Sundrup had a strong year for the Knights up front on both sides of the ball. He had 28 tackles on defense with 6 TFL and 5 sacks. 24 of those were solo. He was a strong player on the offensive line, helping them rush for 1,284-yards and 17 touchdowns and pass for 2,086-yards and 31 touchdowns.
Bryce Wiskus- Kuemper- Senior
Wiskus was a force for Kuemper on defense, finishing the season with 33.5 tackles with 30 of them solo. He added 3 TFL and a sack. One of his strengths was eating up blocks allowing his linebackers to roam free and make plays, which they did.
Mason Betts- Coon Rapids Bayard- Senior
Betts had a strong year on the offensive line, as the Crusaders grew on that side of the ball, getting their running game going as the season went on. Coon Rapids Bayard finished the year, averaging 5.3-yards per carry and 1,545-yards rushing. They had 18 rushing touchdowns while throwing for 10 touchdowns and 780-yards.
Ely Booth- Coon Rapids Bayard- Junior
Booth helped the Crusaders defense keep them in almost every game this season. He did a nice job up front, keeping blockers busy, allowing the linebackers to flow to the football. Booth ended the season with 20 tackles with 9 of those solo and 2 TFL.
Kolby Culbertson- Coon Rapids Bayard- Senior
Culbertson was important for Coon Rapids Bayard on both sides of the ball, finishing with 43.5 tackles with 23 solo. Kolby finished the year with a pair of interceptions. Culbertson added 19 catches for 197-yards with a touchdown.
Caden Oswald- Coon Rapids Bayard- Freshman
Oswald became a focal point of the Crusaders running game as the season went on. He finished the season with 62 carries for 528-yards and 11 touchdowns, including a 71-yard scamper. The freshman was strong on defense with 40 tackles, 22 of them solo with a sack and TFL.
Edward Miller- Audubon- Senior
Miller helped the Wheelers in all three phases of the game, being one of the top punters in the area with a 34.2-yard average. He added 4 TFL and 1.5 sacks. As a part of the offensive line, playing tight end, he helped the Wheelers rush for 2,783-yards and 44 touchdowns while adding 11 catches for 223-yards and a pair of touchdowns.
Sam Julin- East Sac- Junior
Julin had a strong year on defense, finishing with 33 tackles, with 29 of those solo, 3 TFL and a sack. He was also part of a defense that ball-hawked, creating 28 turnovers. Julin had one of the Raiders 17 interceptions. He is also a strong punter, averaging 35.8-yards on 36 punts.
Brett Thayer- East Sac- Senior
Thayer was a part of the top defense in the area, finishing with 38 tackles with 31 of them solo. He added 3.5 tackles for a loss and a sack. Thayer added a fumble recovery as the Raiders defense force 11-fumbles.
3rd Team
Quinten Polking- Carroll- Sophomore
Polking didn’t start at the beginning of the season but battled to get on the field and eventually became a force for Carroll on defense. He finished the year with a team high 44 tackles with 24 solo, 3-5 TFL and 1 sack. Polking is strong against the run. He added an interception.
Naylan Gulbranson- South Central Calhoun- Senior
Gulbranson was a strong player on defense for South Central Calhoun, finishing 2nd on the team in tackles with 56.5, with 45 of them solo. He was also in the backfield a lot with 7 tackles for a loss and a sack.
Emmett Neumann- Ar-We-Va- Senior
Neumann finished a strong career with a good season, helping the Rockets to their best finish in a few years. He was really good up front on offense, clearing the way for 1,091-yards rushing and 1,561-yards passing. They scored 37 touchdowns. He added 23.5 tackles with 13 solo, 6.5 TFL and 2.5 sacks.
Devon Ehlers- Ar-We-Va- Sophomore
Ehlers continues a really strong career as the sophomore had 62.5 tackles, with 38 solo. He added 14 TFL and 3.5 sacks. Offensively he caught 17 passes for 142-yards for a touchdown. He recovered a fumble this season, scoring a touchdown and kicked off 19 times with 2 going for a touchback.
Johnathan Riesselman- Ar-We-Va- Sophomore
Riesselman is another talented member of the Rockets sophomore class. He tied for the team lead in interceptions with 4 as part of a productive season on defense. He had 34.5 tackles with 22 of those solo. He is just as important on offense, catching 13 passes for 250-yards and 3 touchdowns.
Jake Irlbeck- Kuemper- Junior
Irlbeck was one of three terrific linebackers for the Knights, finishing the year with 43 tackles. He is really good at finding the football and flying to make the tackle. That helped him collect 41 solo tackles, 9 TFL and 4 sacks. He added a fumble recovery.
Carson Kanne- Kuemper- Junior
Kanne had a strong season in every phase, making his biggest splash on special teams with an 80-yard touchdown on a kickoff return against Cherokee. He averaged 32.9-yards per return. He added a 63-yard punt return touchdown. Kanne made 10 catches for 134-yards, made 29.5 tackles with 27 solo and 2 TFL. He added an interception.
Colby Wallace- Glidden Ralston- Junior
Wallace was one of the best running quarterbacks in the state and a big reason the Wildcats were able to have an outstanding season. He ran for 1,226-yards and 26 touchdowns with a long of 65-yards. He added 490-yards passing with 4 more touchdowns. He added 42 tackles on defense with 11.5 TFL and 3.5 sacks.
Lucas Christian- Glidden Ralston- Junior
Christian helped the Wildcats have a strong defense, finishing with a pair of interceptions and a pair of fumble recoveries. He added 42.5 tackles with 33 of them solo and a pair of TFL. Christian added 21 carries for 79-yards rushing. Christian also had a 70-yard kick return for a touchdown.
Emmett Snyder- Glidden Ralston- Senior
Snyder became the second threat for Glidden Ralston in the ground game, finishing with 122 carries for 665-yards with 6 rushing touchdowns. His long TD run is 42-yards. He added 13 catches for 180-yards and a pair of touchdowns. Snyder added 42.5 tackles with 26 solo and 3.5 TFL.
Ely Jorgensen- Audubon- Junior
Jorgensen was active on defense, recovering 3 fumbles for 36-yards while making 49 tackles. 26 of his tackles were solo, 7.5 were for a loss and he made a pair of sacks.
2nd Team Defense
Punter
Gavin Batta- South Central Calhoun- Senior
Batta was crucial to the Titans special teams this season handling punting and kicking duties. He had the second best average for area punters at 37.9 yards per punt on 20 punts this season while kicking off 25 times. He 41 tackles on defense and passed for 1,644-yards with 14 touchdowns.
Defensive Backs
Jake Hausman- Kuemper- Seniors
Jake had a knack for being around the football, recovering two fumbles that he returned for touchdowns against Greene County and Clarinda, both changed the momentum of the game. He added 37.5 tackles with 33 of them solo. Hausman made 20 catches on offense for 308-yards and a pair of touchdowns.
Wyatt Ragaller- Ar-We-Va- Sophomore
The sophomore is on the list twice as he will be honored on the offensive side of the ball as well. Defensively, he finished with 53 tackles with 36 solo tackles and 5.5 tackles for loss. He added a pair of interceptions, returning one 57-yards for a touchdown.
Charlie Veit- East Sac- Senior
Veit had a terrific season, even missing a few games. He had 28.5 tackles with 24 of those solo and was the glue for a tremendous defense early in the season. He added a fumble recovery and picked off three passes this season.
Linebackers
Alex Daniel- Glidden Ralston- Sophomore
Daniel was extremely solid in both stopping the run and defending the pass. He had a pair of interceptions, returning one for a touchdown, added a pair of fumble recoveries, helping the Wildcats create 18 turnovers. His 68 tackles were a team high with 52 solo and 3.5 TFL.
Kent Sanders- Kuemper- Junior
Sanders was one of the elite defenders on an outstanding defense, making 71 tackles this season, 2nd most on the team. 66 of those were solo tackles with 7 TFL and 3 sacks. He is really good at reading the play and getting through the hole before the offensive lineman can get to him,often playing in the opponent’s backfield.
Wyatt Oswald- Coon Rapids Bayard- Junior
Oswald was one of the top defenders all season long, getting off to a great start in their opener at Valley Stadium and continuing all season long. He led the Crusaders with 66.5 tackles with 32 solo and 3 TFL. He added a fumble recovery.
Ben Ramsey- IKM-Manning- Sophomore
Ramsey had an outstanding defensive season, picking off 5 passes to lead a team that had 11 interceptions. He averaged over 10-yards per interception return. He is also physical against the run, ending the season with 43 tackles with 26 solo tackles and 2 TFL.
Nolan Kerkhoff- IKM-Manning- Senior
Nolan Kerkhoff wrapped up a great defensive career with a team high 64.5 tackles with 39 solo. He added 9 TFL as he often played in the opponent’s backfield. He made 1 sack as the Wolves had 4 as a team.
Defensive Line
Waylon Hein- Glidden Ralston- Junior
Hein did a good job of eating up blocks so his linebackers and defensive backs could make tackles. That doesn’t mean that he didn’t make plays himself. He had 15.5 TFL out of the 26 tackles he made. 17 of his tackles were solo. He added a fumble recovery.
Gabe Jensen- Audubon- Junior
Jensen was one of the strengths for the Wheelers on defense, making 48.5 tackles with 10 TFL and 5 sacks as he spent a lot of time in the opponent’s backfield. He made 19 solo tackles and was able to recover a fumble as the Wheelers forced 6 fumbles this season.
William Smith- East Sac- Senior
Smith had a tremendous year up front for the top defense in the area, oftentimes going unnoticed by the casual fan. He was a force that gave offensive lines fits, finishing with 31 tackles with 26 of those solo. Smith was able to get pressure in the backfield, making 4 TFL. He helped force fumbles, recovering two of them.
2nd Team Offense
Kicker
Tommy Fitzsimmons- Kuemper- Senior
Fitzsimmons is an elite kicker that closed out a tremendous career as the all-time PAT leader for Kuemper. He finished this season making 39-43 extra points, adding a 35-yard field goal. His strong leg helped him have 23 touchbacks on 63 kickoffs. He also punted twice this season, averaging 49-yards.
Offensive Line
Caleb Vanderheiden- Carroll- Senior
The Tigers running game improved as the season went on and a big part of that was the play of Vanderheiden up front. He moved defenders off the line of scrimmage, helping Carroll run for 1,265-yards, averaging 4.1-yards per attempt. He was equally strong as a pass blocker as the Tigers added 1,317 yards through the air.
Shawn Wittrock- Kuemper- Junior
Wittrock was a force up front for the Knights helping their offensive become explosive. His ability to pass protect helped give Brock Badding time to throw as the Knights passed for 2,086-yards with 31 touchdowns. They were also strong running the football, coming on strong as the season went on. Wittrock helped open holes for an offense that ran for 1,284-yards and 17 touchdowns.
Jace Starman- IKM-Manning- Sophomore
Starman is young and gives the Wolves a strong guy to build their offensive line around. He was constantly mentioned by coaches for his play up front, helping the Wolves become a multifaceted offense. They ran for 1,524-yards and 22 touchdowns, averaging 4.5-yards per attempt. They also passed for 1,245-yards through the air.
Nolan Kerkhoff- IKM-Manning- Senior
Kerkhoff was a rock up front for an offense that opened things up this season, throwing the ball more than they have in the past. He showed the ability to run block and pass block helping the Wolves combine for 33 touchdowns. They averaged 4.5-yards per rushing attempt and 12-yards per passing attempt.
Wade Hunter- Glidden Ralston- Senior
Hunter was a huge part of the reason that the Wildcats were able to play the physical football that Head Coach Kreg Lensch thrives on. Hunter helped open holes for Colby Wallace and Emmett Snyder as the Wildcats ran for 2,194-yards while averaging 5.2-yards per attempt.
Wide Receivers
Cal Heydon- Coon Rapids Bayard- Sophomore
Heydon started the season with a bang, catching 3 touchdown passes in their season opener. He finished the season with 33 catches for 494-yards with 9 touchdowns, including a 53-yard score. He helped in the run game, carrying the ball 7 times and completed one pass for 24-yards.
DJ Vonnahme- Kuemper- Senior
Vonnahme made the transition to wide receiver after the first couple of games and became a dominant player on the outside. His speed and athleticism gave defenses fits. He made 21 catches for 462-yards, averaging 22-yards per catch. Vonnahme added 10 touchdown catches with a long of 55-yards. He used his legs to run the ball 17 times for 93-yards and a touchdown.
Chase Ragaller- Carroll- Senior
His speed helps set him apart from most offensive threats as he can run away from defenders. He became the Tigers focal point on offense, due to his explosiveness. He made 24 catches for 502-yards and 4 touchdowns. He was also used well in the running game, carrying the ball 80 times for 493-yards with 4 more touchdowns. He averaged 20.9 yards per reception and 6.2-yards per carry.
Running Backs
Ben Langel- IKM-Manning- Junior
Langel was the focal point of the Wolves running game, carrying the ball 165 times for 873-yards and a 5.3 average per carry. He scored 13 rushing touchdowns with a long of 34-yards. When the Wolves needed a tough yard, they knew they could lean on him. He added 5 receptions for 28-yards.
Brock Nattress- South Central Calhoun- Senior
Nattress shared carries in the Titans Full House T offense with four other guys, leading the team in rushing with 564-yards. He averaged 7.7-yards per attempt with 8 touchdowns. He broke off a 94-yard touchdown run this season, showing his burst once he crossed the line of scrimmage. Brock added 26 catches for 317-yards with 3 touchdowns and a long of 71-yards.
Quarterbacks
Blayne Smith- Ar-We-Va- Junior
Smith showed great growth in his second year as a starter. He passed for 19 touchdowns with only 7 interceptions while throwing for 1,387-yards. He completed 64.6% of his passes even having missed some time, due to an injury. Smith added 48 carries for 124-yards and 6 rushing touchdowns, doing a great job closing drives inside the 3-yard line.
1st Team Defense
Punter and Defensive Back
Ben Gerken- Kuemper- Senior
Gerken made the list twice on the defensive side of the ball as a defensive back and punter. He led the area in average yards per punt, with 38.2-yards on 20 punts. He was also an elite cornerback, shutting down opposing receivers while grabbing 4 interceptions. He is really good at breaking on the ball when it gets in the air, using his receiver skills. Gerken added 27 tackles with 26 of them solo.
Defensive Backs
Aaron Olsen- Audubon- Junior
Olsen had more interceptions as a defensive back then any other defender in our area. He finished the season with 6 interceptions, highlighting an outstanding year on the defensive side of the ball. He wasn’t only strong against the pass, closing in on the running game from his safety position, making 50 tackles. Olsen finished the season with 37 solo tackles.
Bradyn Burns- East Sac- Senior
Burns is a terrific cover corner, helping the Raiders secondary shut down most teams passing games this season. Burns led a ball-hawking defense with 4 of the team’s 17 interceptions. He returned them for a total of 67-yards. Teams quit throwing at him as the season went on. He was strong in closing in against the run, finishing with 30 tackles with 27 of those solo.
Linebackers
Wade Ragaller- Ar-We-Va- Junior
He is the leader of a defense that is extremely talented and works well with his defensive line. Wade paced the Rockets with 70 tackles with 46 of them solo. He finished with 8 tackles for loss, using his closing speed and physicality to get into the backfield. Wade also tied for the team lead with 4 interceptions, returning one for a touchdown.
Luke Wernimont- East Sac- Senior
Wernimont was elite this season for the Raiders, finishing second on the team in tackles with 70. Oftentimes those tackles came in the open field, with 64 solo and 6.5 TFL. His nose for the football was noticeable when you watched the team play. He recovered a pair of fumbles, returning them for 50-yards, helping set up the offense.
Austin Christensen- Audubon- Sophomore
Christensen always seems to be around the ball, leading the area with 90.5 tackles, including 12 for a loss. He has a great nose for the ball, using his long reach to get away from blockers, then runs down ball carriers. He made 52 solo tackles and brought the thunder when he got there. He made 40 more tackles than anyone else on the team, demonstrating his importance to the team. He will be a fun player to watch grow over the next two years.
Tate Bieret- Kuemper- Junior
Bieret seemed like he lived in the opposing teams backfield. His ability to read a play and explode through the line of scrimmage was fun to watch as he wreaked havoc on opponents. He ended the year with 73 tackles, 65 of them solo. He made 12 tackles for loss along with 6 sacks. Oftentimes he was in the quarterback’s face before they had time to react, helping the team make 12 interceptions.
Defensive Line
Mark Lensch- Glidden Ralston – Senior
Lensch was outstanding on the edge for the Wildcats, getting pressure in the backfield against the run and pass. He finished the season with 18.5 tackles for loss, though defenses tried to run away from him. He tracked the ball well, making 22 solo tackles with 33 overall tackles.
Will Simons- Kuemper- Senior
Simons played both linebacker and defensive end and was effective in both roles. He closed down the edge, forcing runners back inside, helping his linebackers rack up tackles. Simons is long and athletic along with being extremely physical. He ended the season with 46.5 tackles with 43 solo. He added 5 TFL and 3 sacks. Simons recovered a fumble.
Tyson VonGlan- Ar-We-Va- Sophomore
VonGlan was as good as you are going to find upfront this season. He was dominant against the run and did a nice job getting pressure on quarterbacks against the pass. Tyson ended the season with 66.5 tackles with 40 of those solo with 11.5 TFL and 4 sacks. VonGlad had two of the team’s 5 fumbles recoveries.
Defensive Player of the Year and 1st Team Linebacker
Karter Ludwig- East Sac- Senior
Ludwig closed out a tremendous career with a dominant senior season. He has the uncanny ability to find the ball carrier and make plays. He reads seams in the defensive line and hits the hole with an aggressiveness or can track the ball carries from side-to-side. Ludwig at one point this season had nearly as many solo tackles as other defensive players had total tackles. He finished the season with 85.5 tackles with 70 of them solo. He added 9 TFL. Karter was also the leader of the top defense in the area as the Raiders shut down nearly every team they played, forcing 4 turnovers against Underwood in the playoffs. He had one of the Raiders 17 interceptions.
1st Team Offense
Kicker
Luke Wright- East Sac- Senior
Wright had one of the best kicking years in recent memory, being the key factor in several Raider victories this season. He was 10-12 on field goals alone, including a game winner against OABCIG, who advanced to the Quarterfinals in Class 1A. His longest was 46-yards but he had range to make them from 50 or beyond. He made 7 of 10 PAT and had 5 touchbacks on 28 kickoffs.
Offensive Line
Hayden Vonnahme- Kuemper- Junior
Vonnahme was the most consistent of the Kuemper offensive lineman, having a terrific season at center. He was the captain of the line that helped the Knights rebound from an 0-2 start to win the district and become a dominant offensive unit. The Knights ran for 4.6-yards per carry with 1.284-yards and 17 touchdowns but their passing game was the focal point. Vonnahme helped keep Brock Badding from being under pressure, allowing them to throw for 2,086-yards and 31 touchdowns.
Tyler Mohr- Coon Rapids Bayard- Junior
Mohr was the solidifying force for the Crusaders up front this season as the team had to replace a good chunk of their lineman from last season. He helped the Crusaders ground game improve as the season went on, finishing with 1,545-yards along with 18 touchdowns. They averaged 5.3-yards per carry, even after struggling early in the season. The Crusaders added 780-yards passing with 10 touchdowns.
Colton Hansen- Audubon- Junior
Hansen caught the attention of several people that followed the Wheelers this season and was mentioned as a guy that was really good up front. He helped their offense tear apart defenses with a strong running game that could break off a big play at any moment. The Wheelers averaged 6.4-yards per carry, scoring 44 rushing touchdowns. They were able to become a team that didn’t need to throw often but still passed for 566-yards.
Logan Schmidt- Audubon- Senior
Schmidt teamed with Hansen to give the Wheelers the top offensive line in the area. He was a physical force in the run game that could also get to the second level of the defense to help break big plays. The Wheelers ran for 2,783 yards and 44 touchdowns with two players with 16 or more touchdowns. Schmidt was strong in pass blocking, helping the Wheelers add 4 more touchdown passes.
Charles Schon- Glidden Ralston- Senior
Schon is the exact type of offensive lineman that Head Coach Kreg Lensch loves to have and Schon was a huge reason the Wildcats finished with 6 wins, taking 2nd place in the district. He helped the offense thrive in the run game with 2,194-yards and 34 rushing touchdowns. They averaged 5.2-yards per carry. Schon isn’t just a run blocker, he is solid in pass blocking as well. Charles was frequently brought up by coaches in the district and on the Wildcats schedule as a guy they had to prepare for.
Wide Receivers
Keegan Soard- South Central Calhoun- Senior
Soard had a target on his back after having an explosive junior season, but that didn’t hinder him as he finished his career with the Titans with another tremendous season. Keegan made 35 catches for 653-yards with 10 of those going for touchdowns. His speed and route running made him tough to defend, helping him score on a 68-yard pass. Soard was also used in the running game, trying to get the ball in his hands, finishing with 38-yards on 3 carries.
Michael Kasperbauer- Kuemper- Senior
Kasperbauer became a big play threat for the Knights, leading them with 37 catches and in yards with 596. He averaged 16.1-yards per catch with a long touchdown catch of 77-yards. His 9 touchdowns ranked second on the team. Michael was really good finding a crease in the defense or out running a defender on a pattern down the sidelines.
Ross Kusel- IKM-Manning- Senior
Kusel made a smooth transition from quarterback to wide receiver and led the area with 46 catches. He was a force for the Wolves in their passing game, giving them a target across the middle, on short routes or he could get behind the defense for the deep ball. He ended the year with 614-yards and 8 touchdowns, including a 32-yarder.
Running Backs
Wyatt Ragaller- Ar-We-Va- Sophomore
Ragaller is the focal point of a strong Rockets offense, touching the ball nearly half of their plays. He led them in carries with 91 and catches with 46, helping in leading them in yards with 607-yards rushing and 597-yards receiving. The combined 1,204-yards ranked him 9th in 8-Man in all-purpose yards. He is so explosive once he gets the ball in his hands. He scored 9 rushing touchdowns with a long of 50-yards and had 7 more receiving touchdowns with a long of 50-yards.
Evan Alt- Audubon- Senior
Alt exploded on the scene in the Wheelers third game of the season when he ran for 281-yards and 7 touchdowns. He didn’t slow down much the rest of the season, finishing with 1,139-yards rushing on 160 carries, averaging 7.1-yards per carry. Alt finished the season with 17 touchdowns, to lead the team. He added 15 catches for 92 more yards, helping him finish with 1,232-yards, thanks to 1 passing yard as well. That figure ranked him 7th in the state in 8-man in all-purpose yards.
1st Team Quarterback and Offensive Player of the Year
Brock Badding- Kuemper- Sophomore
Badding took over the quarterback role in the second game of the season against 3rd ranked Underwood and had a few growing pains. He grew up quickly, helping the Knights knock off ranked AHSTW the next week and then cruise through their next 8 games, including an undefeated run through the district season. Badding passed for 1,809-yards, completing 67% of his passes. He threw for 27 touchdowns while only being intercepted 6 times. He led Class 2A in passing touchdowns and ranked 4th with 31 touchdowns overall, having run for 4 touchdowns. His 1,809-yards passing is 4th in Class 2A and he ranked 4th in Class 2A in offensive touchdowns. His 161.3 quarterback rating was 3rd in Class 2A.
Coach of the Year
Ryan Steinkamp- Kuemper
Coach Steinkamp kept the Knights focused on one game at a time all season and that mantra worked well as the Knights played a very strong non-district schedule going 1-2. They never lost confidence in what this team could do and a big win over AHSTW sparked a run of 8 straight wins, including an undefeated district title. Steinkamp also called the defensive sets and helped the Knights finish 2nd in Class 2A with 29 sacks, 3rd in total tackles with 550.5, 4th in interceptions with 12, tied for the Class lead in defensive touchdowns with 3, 2nd in solo tackles with 499, and tops in fumble returns yards with 136.
