Football
Honorable Mention
Johnathan Riesselman- Ar-We-Va
Riesselman played several different roles for the Rockets this season catching passes as a wide receiver, finishing with 15 catches for 143-yards with a pair of touchdowns. He added quarterback to that stat line for a little over a game. He threw four touchdown passes while rushing for 103-yards on 16 carries. His rushing touchdown came on a 63-yard run. Defensively he added 48 tackles with 4 interceptions.
Collin Sturm- Glidden Ralston
He had a strong season on the defensive side of the ball, finishing with 30.5 tackles with 20 of them solo. He was part of a strong defensive front for the Wildcats and spent time in opponents backfields. Sturm added 3 receptions on offense and helped the Wildcats produce a strong run game, finishing with 1,832 yards on the ground.
Treynor Cose-Glidden Ralston
Cose was a strong linebacker for the Wildcats, finishing with 49 tackles, 30 of them were solo. He was physical against the run game but could also cover in the pass game. Cose had one interception, returning it for 20-yards.
Ben Ramsey- IKM-Manning
Ramsey was at his best on the defensive side of the ball. He wrapped up the season with 43 tackles, 26 of them solo. Ramsey added 5 touchdown passes while rushing for 4 more touchdowns. He led the Wolves offense to 2, 468-yards of total offense and 26 touchdowns.
Carson Perdew- IKM-Manning
Perdew finished third on the Wolves in tackles with 44. He made 24 solo tackles with 2.5 tackles for loss. Perdew gives the Wolves a physical presence at linebacker, who is good at stuffing the run. He recovered one fumble this season.
Carter Essick- Carroll
Esscik gave the Tigers the perfect quarterback for what they wanted to do. He understood their checks and adjustments and helped the Tigers with his legs and his arm. His steading presence in the huddle was a key for Carroll and his ability to converse with Head Coach Craig Rowedder was invaluable. Essick threw for 1,044-yards and 13 touchdowns. He added 317-yards and 3 rushing touchdowns.
Edrick Heisterkamp- Carroll
Heisterkamp gave the Tigers a strong defensive player at the back of their defense. He was good in coverage and was more than capable of coming up in run support. He finished with 48.5 tackles with 26 solo.
Carson Wessel- Audubon
He was one of the top players offensively, helping Audubon have an amazing season. They ran for 2,760-yards with 46 touchdowns. He had 900-yards with 12 rushing touchdowns though he missed a few games due to injuries. Wessel passed for 621-yards and 11 touchdowns while completing 53.6% of his passes.
Jack Gullett- East Sac
Gullett was one of the top receivers and defensive players for East Sac this season. He finished with 25 catches for 284-yards and 3 touchdowns. His longest touchdown catch was for 40-yards. Gullett added 46.5 tackles with 37 solo tackles. He made a pair of interceptions and recovered a fumble.
Calvin Chedester- East Sac
He was one of the top defensive players for East Sac this season. He did a nice job eating up blocks while also making 47 tackles with 41 of them solo. Chedester added 3 tackles for loss and a half a sack.
Sam Julin- East Sac
Julin grew as a quarterback in his first season in the position. He finished the season with 15 touchdowns while completing 59.8% of his passes. Julin added another 322-yards on the ground with 5 more touchdowns. His long was a 35-yard touchdown scramble. He made 40.5 tackles with 35 of them solo.
Andrew Anderson- South Central Calhoun
Anderson battled injuries during his senior campaign, playing a few games with a cast on his hand. He threw for 1,090-yards with 5 touchdowns while rushing for 4 more touchdowns. He helped the defense on the backend with 33 tackles with 27 solo tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss.
Hayden Stickrod- South Central Calhoun
Stickrod helped the Titans on both sides of the ball, finishing with 43 tackles, including 35 solo tackles. He added 188-yards rushing for a touchdown and caught 12 passes for 72-yards including a touchdown.
Caleb Juhl- South Central Calhoun
He was one of the top players for the Titans this season, finishing with 255-yards rushing and 4 touchdowns while catching 17 passes for 156-yards. He may have been at his best on defense, making 43.5 tackles with 34 solo and 2.5 tackles for loss. He made 1 interception.
2nd Team Defense
Punter
Mason Stitz- Carroll
Stitz was one of the top punters in the area this season, punting 14 times but averaging 36.9 yards per punt. He did a nice job of helping the Tigers win the field position battle.
Defensive Backs
Alex Daniel- Glidden Ralston
Daniel was terrific this season, leading the Wildcats with 65 tackles and making most of those with authority. He had 51 solo tackles with 1 sack. He flew in on run support and was a sure tackler. Alex added a fumble recovery.
Jack Stanerson- Audubon
Stanerson was one of the reasons the Wheelers had the best secondary in the area this season. He made 4 interceptions, returning 1 of them for a touchdown. Stanerson added 32 tackles with 26 solo tackles and 2.5 tackles for loss.
Carson Schmitt- East Sac
Schmitt had a strong season for the Raiders, making 70.5 tackles with 62 of them solo along with 3 tackles for loss. He added a pair of interceptions, returning them for 23-yards. He added a fumble recovery.
Asher Lawler- East Sac
Lawler was good on both sides of the ball, helping the Raiders in the secondary, making 65.5 tackles with 52 solo tackles. He had an interception, helping the Raiders intercept 7 passes this season.
Linebackers
Quinten Polking- Carroll
Polking helped the Tigers have a strong linebacking crew, finishing with 52.5 tackles and 17 solo tackles. He is strong against the run and can fill holes quickly, adding 1.5 tackles for loss. The Tigers created 14 turnovers with Polking adding an interception and recovering a fumble.
Davis Rasmussen- IKM-Manning
Rasmussen was a strength on both sides of the ball for IKM-Manning, finishing with 48 tackles, making 32 of them solo, including 5 tackles for loss. Rasmussen uses great speed to get to ball carries in a hurry and is a sure tackler. He added a fumble recovery.
Wade Ragaller- Ar-We-Va
Ragaller is a physical linebacker that runs well and flows to the football. He was second on the team with 77.5 tackles, 47 of them solo and 9 tackles for loss. Ragaller added 4 fumble recoveries, helping Ar-We-Va force 11 fumbles.
Defensive Line
Waylon Hein- Glidden Ralston
Hein was a terrific defensive lineman for the Wildcats this season, getting into the backfield on a regular basis, making a team leading 5 tackles for loss and leading them with 5 sacks. He made 23 solo tackles, finishing with 31 overall tackles. Hein recovered a pair of fumbles.
Ben Langel- IKM-Manning
Langel was physical at the point-of-attack for IKM-Manning, making it tough for opponents to run against him. He had 44.5 tackles with 6 tackles for a loss and 24 solo tackles. He returned a fumble 29-yards for a touchdown.
Colton Hansen- Audubon
Hansen was one of the big reasons the Wheeleres have an elite defense. He was terrific up front, manhandling offensive lineman and chewing up blocks. Hansen had 12 tackles for loss with 4 sacks, finishing with 36 tackles, including 21 solo tackles. He recovered a pair of fumbles, returning 1 for a touchdown.
Ely Jorgensen- Audubon
Jorgensen teamed with Hansen in the most dominant defensive line in the area. He made 43 tackles, with 7 tackles for a loss and a sack. 23 of his tackles were solo. His length and athleticism made it impossible for teams to get the edge on him.
2nd Team Offense
Kicker
Charlie Mayhall- Kuemper
Mayhall was one of the most accurate kickers in the area, finishing 40 of 44 extra-points and going 2-2 in field goals. His season long was 37-yards. Mayhall made 10 kickoffs this season.
Wide Receivers
Owen Klocke- Carroll
Klocke had one of the best stretches of the season, catching a string of touchdown passes in a row over several games. He finished with 7 touchdowns receptions, including a 65-yarder. His 23 catches were tops among area tight ends, going for 456-yards. Klocke was also an outstanding blocker, helping the Tigers have an elite season running the ball.
Reece Ziegmann- Carroll
Ziegmann was explosive for Carroll in the pass game, while helping them have a strong running game. He finished the season with a team high 24 receptions for 406-yards, scoring 6 touchdowns. Ziegmann is an explosive runner in the run game as well, averaging 7.2-yards per carry. He ran for 362-yards and 6 touchdowns.
Asher Lawler- East Sac
Lawler was one of top receivers in the area, leading East Sac with 37 catches, going for 621-yards. He scored 7 touchdowns, highlighted by an 81-yarder. He did a nice job finding the weakness in the secondary and exploiting it. He finished with nearly half of the Raiders receiving yards.
Offensive Line
Devon Ehlers- Ar-We-Va
He is one of the best players on both sides of the line of scrimmage, playing a physical style upfront. He is very athletic and plays with great hustle. Ehlers helped the Rockets have one of the top offenses in the area, rushing for 1,813-yards while throwing for 1,188-yards. They scored 46 touchdowns.
Tyson Von Glan- Ar-We-Va
Von Glan teamed up with Ehlers to create one of the best offensive lines in the area. He is a physical at the point-of-attack but is great out on the perimeter. The Rockets averaged 5.8-yards per carry and 11.1-yards per catch. He helped them score on big plays in both the running and passing game.
Jace Starman- IKM-Manning
Starman had a strong season up front for the Wolves against one of the toughest schedules in the area. He did a nice job creating holes for the run game, helping them finish with 1,428-yards and 21 rushing touchdowns. He was also a strength protecting them quarterback, helping them throw for 1,040-yards and 5 touchdowns.
Daniel Thooft- Glidden Ralston
Thooft was the captain of the offensive line, knowing what everyone’s responsibilities were. He was a big part of their success in the running game, helping them run for 1,832-yards and 28 touchdowns. Thooft was physical at the point of attack.
Tyler Mohr- Coon Rapids Bayard
He wrapped a tremendous career with another strong season, helping a young offensive line learn what it takes to play at the varsity level. Mohr is physical and has good feet at the point of attack, allowing him to run or pass block well. The Crusaders had success running the ball, going for 1,633-yards and 20 rushing touchdowns.
Running Backs
Caden Oswald- Coon Rapids Bayard
Oswald is one of the top athletes in the area and had a strong sophomore season, rushing for 6-yards per carry. He scored 7 touchdowns, highlighted by a 44-yard run. He finished with 781-yards rushing along with 37-yards receiving on 9 receptions. He added 7 completions, throwing for a touchdown.
Davis Rasmussen- IKM-Manning
Rasmussen led the Wolves in yards per- carry on the ground, averaging 6.2-yards every time he ran the ball. He finished with 573-yards and 8 touchdowns with a long of 59-yards. Rasmussen caught 22 passes for 203-yards with a pair of touchdowns. He led the Wolves in total offense.
Quarterback
Brock Badding- Kuemper
Badding had a strong junior season, throwing for 2,150-yards and 19 touchdowns. He completed 54.1% of his passes, having his best games late in the season as the Knights won their last 7 regular season games. As good as he was in the regular season, he was stronger in the playoffs, helping Kuemper advance to the Quarterfinals. He added 4 rushing touchdowns.
1st Team Defense
Punter
Connor Kanealy- Kuemper
The Kuemper offense was really strong so Kanealy didn’t have to punt often, but he had an outstanding season punting the football. He averaged 41..0-yards per punt on 21 punts, leading the area in average.
Defensive Backs
Aaron Olsen- Audubon
Olsen was fantastic at safety, closing quickly against the run game and defending the pass as well as anyone. He finished with 8 interceptions, returning them for 132-yards. He was the captain of the best secondary in the area. Olsen made 27-tackles with 22 of them solo.
Adam Obrecht- Audubon
Obrecht was excellent this season, picking off 7 passes and returning 1 for a touchdown. He was able to lock down receivers, making it tough for offenses to throw his way. He added a fumble recovery, while finishing with 8 turnovers. His 72 tackles ranked tops on the team with 52 solo tackles and 4 tackles for loss. Obrecht was a huge part of the Wheelers’ dominating defense.
Griffin Glynn- Kuemper
Glynn made a huge splash on the defense, earning a starting job early in the season. He became their lock down corner and was outstanding reading passing lanes and jumping passes. His athleticism allowed him to run with receivers and make a play on the ball. He had 6 interceptions to lead a team that finished with 14 picks. Glynn made 21 tackles with 18 solo tackles.
Linebackers
Gabe King- East Sac
King was a tackling machine for the Raiders this season, leading the team and the area with 93 tackles. He had nearly 25 more tackles than anyone else on the team. He was a force against the run with 80 of his 93 tackles solo. King made 9 tackles for loss. His ability to read plays and react was impressive and he was strong going sideline to sideline or down hill.
Devon Ehlers- Ar-We-Va
Ehlers continues to be an elite defender in the local area and seemed like he was all over the field this season. He diagnosis plays quickly and breaks hard to the football. Once he gets there he is a sure tackler. Ehlers led the Rockets this season with 86.5 tackles, 55 of them solo with 12.5 tackles for a loss. He made a pair of interceptions.
Kent Sanders- Kuemper
Sanders is one of the best linebackers in the area and has been for several years. He is a strong tackler and is physical in the hole and makes plays behind the line of scrimmage. Sanders finished with 72 tackles with 6 tackles for a loss and 2 sacks. He made 61 solo tackles. Sanders recovered a fumble and made an interception that he returned 44-yards.
Austin Christensen- Audubon
Christensen is one of the top defensive players in the state and is easily noticeable on the field. He is strong against the run game and is really good in pass defense. There were games this season where he was the best player on the field. He missed the last five games of the season due to an injury, still finishing with 44 tackles, 33 solo tackles, 6 tackles for a loss and a pair of sacks. He intercepted three passes, returning one for a touchdown.
Defensive Line
Tyson Von Glan- Ar-We-Va
Von Glan is a dominant defensive lineman, making plays all over the field. He closes hard on the run game while being able to drop back into coverage. Von Glan led the Rockets in tackles for loss with 17, making 4 sacks and 27 of his 60 tackles were for loss. He does a nice job keeping blockers busy to allow the Rockets linebackers to make plays. He made 1 interception, returning it 8-yards.
Ryan Sundrup- Kuemper
Sundrup consistently put pressure on the opposing teams offensive backfield, oftentimes flushing the quarterback or chasing running backs into the middle of the Knights defense. His quickness of the line allowed him to control one-side of the field. He finished with 26.5 tackles with 4 tackles for a loss and 18 solo tackles. Sundrup added a pair of sacks, helping the Knights have one of the top defenses in Class 2A.
Jeisson Avilez- Carroll
Avilez was a huge factor up front for Carroll, collapsing the pocket up the middle. The Tigers defense was noticeably better when he was in the game. His power and quickness off the line were key factors in his success. Avilez ended the season with 23.5 tackles with 7.5 tackles for loss with a pair of sacks. 10 of his tackles were solo.
1st Team Offense
Kicker
Cole Higgins- South Central Calhoun
Higgins had a strong year kicking the ball for the Titans, knocking in his only field goal attempt. He made it from 32-yards, splitting the uprights. Higgins made 20 of his 24 PAT’s. He did a nice job kicking to a spot for the Titans this season, making 25 kickoffs. Higgins was the Titans best offensive player this season and one of their top defensive players as well.
Offensive Line
Hayden Vonnahme- Kuemper
Vonnahme was the leader of the most balanced offense in the area. His ability to handle the nose or defensive tackle allowed the Knights to have success right up the middle or between the tackles. The Knights ran for 1,686-yards with 28 rushing touchdowns. They passed for 2,363-yards and threw for 20 touchdowns.
Colton Hansen- Audubon
Hanson was elite this season as the Wheelers offense was the most explosive offense in the area. They were so good that most of their starters didn’t play much in the 2nd half of most games. Hansen is physical at the point of attack but is also athletic and gets out on the perimeter and can lead guys downfield. He helped the Wheelers run for 2,760-yards with 46 rushing touchdowns. They averaged 6.7-yards per carry. His ability to pass block, helped them throw for 16 touchdowns and 808-yards.
Noah Hinners- Carroll
Hinners was a huge part of the Tigers having a great year. He was part of the best offensive line in the area. They were physical and wanted the challenge of running the football. Hinners was tough for defensive lineman to handle and was just as good at locking on a linebacker or defensive back in the secondary.
Logan Menken- Carroll
Menken had an incredible season for the Tigers, dominating up front and getting a chance to carry the ball in the backfield. He carried the ball 4 times this season, rushing for 16-yards and a touchdown, nearly scoring twice. Menken may be the most physical lineman in the area. He helped the Tigers rush for 2,352-yards with 26 rushing touchdowns. They added 1,080-yards through the air with 13 tackles.
Gavin Holt- Carroll
Holt was a big part of the reason Carroll was able to run the ball with so much success this season. He is athletic up front and likes to be challenged with defenses that want to crowd the box. Holt is athletic enough to get downfield in front of his running backs. He helped them average 6.1-yards per rush and 16.6-yards per pass.
Wide Receivers
Wyatt Ragaller- Ar-We-Va
Ragaller is one of the most explosive athletes in the area and was the focal point for opposing defenses. He ran for 7 touchdowns in a playoff win at Fremont Mills, helping the Rockets earn a big road win. He finished the season with 1,173-yards with 18 touchdowns. He showed his explosiveness with a 55-yard touchdown run. He added a team high 41 catches for 469-yards and 7 touchdowns.
Carson Kanne- Kuemper
Kanne led the Knights with 67 catches, making catches downfield or across the middle. He is a tough receiver that takes a hit and isn’t afraid to make the initial contact. Kanne scored 8 touchdowns, averaging 13.3-yards per catch, including an 85-yard touchdown against AHSTW. He added 2-2 in the passing game for 112-yards.
Running Backs
Jarin Hoffman- Kuemper
Hoffman became a focal point of the Knights offense after getting implemented into the lineup. He is a strong physical back that can run away from people in the secondary. He became a patient runner, allowing the creases to open and then exploded into them. He finished with 1,294-yards and 17 touchdowns with a long of 36-yards.
Taidyn Peterson- Carroll
Peterson was a perfect running back for the Tigers this season. He is a strong physical runner with speed in the open field. Carroll leaned on him to keep the clock moving by moving the chains. He did a great job reading the blocks from the Tigers offensive line and tight ends. He ran for 1,383-yards and 15 touchdowns, averaging 7.6-yards per carry.
Quarterback
Colby Wallace- Glidden Ralston
Wallace was the Wildcats’ offense this season, carrying the ball 192 times with 1,260-yards with 23 touchdowns on the ground, including a 74-yard run. Though opposing defenses focused on him, he still had several games of 4 or more scores. The Wildcats didn’t have to throw much but Wallace was good in the pass game, throwing for 538-yards and 4 touchdowns.
Defensive Player of the Year- 1st Team Linebacker
Tate Bieret- Kuemper
Bieret had an incredible senior season but it came as no surprise. He saw in previous seasons that he was a unique player. He had an uncanny ability to read a play before it developed and quickly react. His speed into the backfield is special. That allows him to get offenses completely out-of-sync. He led the Knights with 68.5 tackles with 59 of them solo. He is outstanding at wrapping up ball carriers or quarterbacks and getting them to the ground with ease. He made 10 tackles for loss and 7 sacks. Bieret did all this while being undersized. He will be tough to replace next season.
Offensive Player of the Year- 1st Team Running Back
Aaron Olsen- Audubon
Olsen had an impressive senior season, doing everything to help the Wheelers advance to the Quarterfinals with an undefeated season. He routinely broke off big plays, setting up short touchdowns runs or catches for teammates. That doesn’t mean he didn’t score often. He had 21 touchdowns on the ground, starting the year at running back, but having to play quarterback a couple of games, due to injuries for the Wheelers. He had 1,153-yards rushing, averaging 8.0-yards per carry. He added 2 touchdown passes while filling in at quarterback. Olsen was the second leading receiver for the Wheelers, catching 17 passes for 255-yards with 4 touchdowns. He was a big play waiting to happen, every time he touched the ball.
Coach of the Year
Sean Birks- Audubon
Birks continues to be the head of a program that is one of the top programs in 8-man football and the most consistent team in the area. Their offense is always explosive no matter who is in the game. He gets younger players plenty of playing time in game situations, helping the development process. The Wheelers rolled through their district, winning another title, going 6-0 in district play. They scored 36 or more points in every game this season, topping 60 twice and 70 once. Their defense is just as good as their offense as this team is so well prepared on both sides of the ball. Opposing coaches have often said they win a lot of games by out-coaching the other team. They battled injuries this season, losing their best defensive player but didn’t lose a beat. The Wheelers have won 8 or more games in 8 of the last 10 seasons.
