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Dell Rapids headlines Class 11A all-state team with eight selections
Dell Rapids quarterback Jack Henry makes a throw in the Class 11A state championship game in Vermillion.
(Trey Kaul / 605 Sports)
Nov 20, 2023
 

By Ryan Deal

605 Sports

Dell Rapids, which won its second straight Class 11A state championship, landed eight players on the all-state team, which was selected by the South Dakota Football Coaches Association.

Jack Henry, Mason Stubbe, Kale Evans, Ryan McDaniel, Treyse Eastman, Quinn Carr, Aiden Geraets and Cole Ruesink were selected for the Quarriers.

West Central, which finished as the state runners-up, were represented by Crew Heier, Chet Carda, Creighton Sandholm, Gavin Pischke and Keaton Vessells on the all-state team. 

 

Here is the complete Class 11A all-state team:


QUARTERBACK, Jack Henry, Sr., Dell Rapids (6-3, 205)

Henry piloted the state champs to back-to-back titles. Henry, a future South Dakota State University Jackrabbit quarterback, threw for 856 yards and eight touchdowns this season. He added 292 rushing yards and three touchdowns. He was the Joe Robbie MVP the past two Class 11AA state championships. “Jack is a gifted athlete and football player we have been blessed to have on our team the last three years,” Dell Rapids coach Jordan Huska said. “He has been an impact player for us on both sides of the ball. Not only is he a great football player but just as important for our program has been his leadership. I am blessed to have been able to work with Jack the last four years.”


TE/FULLBACK/H-BACK: Cain Wallner, Jr., Canton (6-3, 215)

A rising junior, Wallner did it all for Canton. He posted 1,070 rushing yards on 123 carries and hauled in 397 receiving yards. He scored 18 total touchdowns and 1,759 all-purpose yards. On defense, he posted 80 tackles and 5.5 sacks. He has 2,389 all-purpose yards for his career and 165 career tackles. He’s being recruited by Iowa State, Iowa, Kansas State, Washington, Minnesota, Nebraska, NDSU, USD, and SDSU.  “Cain is a freak of nature,” Canton coach Rich Lundstrom said. “He's a threat to score from anywhere on the field. Defensively, Cain is our signal caller at MLB. He started at DE as a freshman and SS last year. To further show his versatility, Cain is also our punt returner and one of our kick returners.” 


TE/FULLBACK/H-BACK: Crew Heier, Sr., West Central (6-3, 215)

Heier hauled in 207 receiving yards and a touchdown for the state runner-ups. He was an all-conference performer and was all-state defensive end last season. “Crew is our best run blocker on the team,” West Central coach Barry Matthies said. “His blocking has allowed us to rush for 3,057 yards this season and in the last four games 398 yds per game.”


TE/FULLBACK/H-BACK: Kade Van Egdom, Sr., Sioux Falls Christian (6-2, 210)

Van Egdom posted 15 receptions for 161 yards and one touchdown for the Chargers. Van Egdom was a three-year starter and all-conference performer. “Kade has been a three-year starter for us on defense,” Sioux Falls Christian coach Jeff Smith said. “In his first year as a TE, Kade was a great blocker in our run game and a very solid receiver in our pass game.”

Dell Rapids running back Mason Stubbe carries the ball against West Central in the Class 11A state championship game. (Rodney Haas / 605 Sports)

RUNNING BACK: Mason Stubbe, Sr., Dell Rapids (6-0, 205)

Stubbe packed a punch for the Quarriers. The compact running back logged 126 carries for 1,563 yards and scored 29 touchdowns. He added 219 receiving yards and two touchdowns. He was a multiple-time all-conference player and was all-state as a junior. “Mason was an impact player for us on both sides of the ball this year,” Dell Rapids coach Jordan Huska said. “He absolutely loves football and you can see that in him everyday he shows up to practice and in the weight room. He has been a piece to this program for the last three years that we have needed on the field every week. I am blessed to have gotten the privilege to work with Mason the last four years.”


RUNNING BACK: Canaan McCracken, Sr., Canton (6-0, 230)

McCracken grinded out tough yards for Canton. He racked up 1,028 rushing yards on 160 carries and scored 12 touchdowns. On defense, he posted 7.5 sacks and 53 tackles. He posted 232 carries and 1,542 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns during his career. He had 128 career tackles and 10.5 career sacks. He’s an all-conference performer. “Canaan is as hard-nosed as you can get,” Canton coach Rich Lundstrom said. “He is a three-year starter on offense, the last 2 years at RB and his sophomore year at G. On defense Canaan is a 2-year starter at LB. He is being recruited by almost every area NAIA school.”


RUNNING BACK: Chet Carda, Sr., West Central (6-1, 195)

Carda was a key performer in the Trojan backfield. He rushed for 686 yards on 93 carries and scored nine touchdowns. He was a three-time all-conference pick. 

“Chet is vital to our offense - rather it's running or blocking,” West Central coach Barry Matthies said. “His average per rush for the season is good but over the last four games has jumped up to 12 yards per carry to help our team in the last four games rush for 398 yds per game (3,057 rushing yards for the season).”


WIDE RECEIVER: Zoan Robinson, Sr., Vermillion (6-3, 185) 

Robinson logged 35 catches for 445 yards and hauled in six touchdowns for Vermillion. He’s a four-year starter and a three-time all-conference pick. Robinson has committed to play college football at NAIA power Morningside College. 


WIDE RECEIVER: Porter Ihnen, Sr., Lennox (6-5, 205)

A big target, Ihnen hauled in 1,059 receiving yards on 70 catches and scored 13 touchdowns. A repeat all-stater and all-conference selection, Ihnen posted 1,951 receiving yards and 26 touchdowns during his career. He will play college basketball at the University of South Dakota. “Porter was a threat anywhere in the field,” Lennox coach Shawn Flanagan said. “Tremendous ball skills could high point a ball and catch in traffic. Was often doubled teamed and still could not be stopped. He could run any route, footwork and his ability to get open was excellent.”


WIDE RECEIVER: Cole Snyder, Jr., Sioux Falls Christian (6-0, 165)

Snyder was a dynamic weapon for the Chargers. He posted 699 receiving yards on 32 receptions and scored 16 touchdowns. He has 1,204 receiving yards and 19 touchdowns after his junior season. He was an all-stater last season and a two-time all-conference pick.  “Cole is the most dynamic athlete we’ve had at Sioux Falls Christian,” Sioux Falls Christian coach Jeff Smith said. “Cole set records this year for TDs in a game (4) and TDs in a season (16).”


OFFENSIVE LINE: Kale Evans, Sr., Dell Rapids (5-11, 240)

An all-conference player, Evans was a key cog in Dell Rapids’ back-to-back state championships. “Kale is a hard-working kid,” Dell Rapids coach Jordan Huska said. “Does not alway say a lot but always does the right thing whether that is in the weight room, in the hallways, or at practice. A great kid to have in the program and who we will surely miss.


OFFENSIVE LINE: Ryan McDaniel, Sr., Dell Rapids (6-3, 230)

McDaniel was instrumental in helping the Quarriers win back-to-back state titles. A two-year starter, McDaniel was an all-conference performer. “Ryan has grown so much as a person and as a football player in the last four years,” Dell Rapids coach Jordan Huska said. “He did not miss one workout from December of last year through today. He is naturally gifted and has now begun to put a work ethic with it. Blessed to have Ryan on our team and will miss getting to see him everyday next year. Could not be more proud of what he has overcome and accomplished as a person and football player.”


OFFENSIVE LINE: Creighton Sandholm, Sr., West Central (5-8, 165)

An all-conference player, Sandholm anchored West Central’s offensive attack up front. The Trojans tallied a total of 3,678 yards (3,057 rushing yards). “Creighton is our best lineman,” West Central coach Barry Matthies said. “In our offense we have to have athletic guards to be able to pull and trap block and with his athletic ability gives us great flexibility.”


OFFENSIVE LINE: Gavin Pischke, Sr., West Central (6-3, 295)

Pischke was a big piece for the state runners-up. He helped the Trojans tally 3,678 total yards on the season 3,678 (3,057 rushing yards). “Gavin is an outstanding lineman for us,” West Central coach Barry Matthies said. 


OFFENSIVE LINE: Canyon Burkard, Sr., Chamberlain (6-5, 300)

Burkard powered the Cubs at the line of scrimmage. An all-conference player, Burkhard did not allow a sack in his career and posted 144 career pancake blocks. He’s also a three-sport athlete, performing also in track and field and wrestling. He helped the Cubs break team record in yards per game (524) and most yards in a season (3,167). “Canyon has been an anchor and leader on the offensive line for us the past two seasons,” Chamberlain coach Jeff Rademacher said. “Some of the biggest gains we had running the ball were to Canyon’s side. He has spent countless hours watching film, learning his opponents’ strengths/weaknesses, as well as working on his technique and footwork.”


OFFENSIVE LINE: Lincoln Semchenko, Jr., Sioux Falls Christian (6-4, 290)

Semchenko recorded 67 pancake blocks and allowed zero sacks this season. “Lincoln is one of the best lineman I've ever coached,” Sioux Falls Christian coach Jeff Smith said. “He is everything a coach could ask for, blocking to the whistle and leading his teammates by example as well as vocally.”


ATHLETE: Cruz Soulek, Sr., Chamberlain (6-4, 220)

Soulek was a record-breaking quarterback for the Cubs. A big-framed quarterback, Soulek broke school records for passing yards in a game (408), passing yards in a season (1,646), all-purpose yards in a game (473) and all-purpose yards in a season (2,756). He was responsible for 27 touchdown passes this season, including 16 passing TDs. He rushed for 1,110 yards this season. A three-year starter and all-conference performer, Soulek threw for 3,553 yards and 28 touchdown passes in his career. He has also rushed 295 times for 1,485 yards and 14 TD’s (5 yards per carry). He will play college football at Northern State University. “Without Cruz we would not have been as successful this season,” Chamberlain coach Jeff Rademacher said. “He has been starting at QB since he was a freshman. His work ethic has been evident in his success this season. He spent several hours this summer at open field, QB workouts, watching countless hours of film, and spent time in the weight room. He was someone who always pushed his teammates and encouraged them on the field.”


ATHLETE: Trey Gerdes, Sr., Lennox (6-2, 215)

Gerdes posted 34 receptions for 330 yards and three touchdowns from his tight end position. On defense, he logged 33 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, three forced fumbles, 1.5 sacks and one interception. “Trey is a two-year starter, team captain, valedictorian,” Lennox coach Shawn Flanagan said. “He does all the dirty work and stuff that does not always come up in the stat book. Smart player that can be moved around and blocks great at the point of attack. Makes great plays with the ball in his hand. Dependable and can block and catch.”


ATHLETE: Jackson Boonstra, Jr., Dakota Valley (5-6, 160)

Boonstra racked up 1,181 rushing yards on 139 carries and 20 touchdowns. He also posted 275 return yards on nine kickoffs. “Jackson is a phenomenal running back and true athlete for our program and school,” Dakota Valley coach Kenny Wilhite said. “Jackson is extremely coach able and will do whatever it takes to improve himself and the team. Jackson's explosiveness and ability to turn small gains into long plays allows our offense to stay on schedule and can shift momentum of a gain with a single carry.”


DEFENSIVE LINE: Treyse Eastman, Sr., Dell Rapids (5-11, 185)

Eastman was a key performer for the state champs. He logged 58 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, six sacks and two fumble recoveries on defense. He was an all-stater as a junior and a two-time all-conference player. “Treyse has been a key part to our defensive unit giving up less than 10 points per game (1st team D) this season,” Dell Rapids coach Jordan Huska said. “He is a matchup problem for most offensive lines most weeks and makes everyone else's job easier on defense with his speed and relentless effort. He has had a big impact on our entire defense and is a great teammate. He is a blast to have around and treats his teammates and coaches great.”


DEFENSIVE LINE: Quinn Carr, Jr., Dell Rapids (6-2, 215)

Carr tallied 46 tackles, eight tackles for loss, four sacks, one safety and one fumble recovery for Dell Rapids. Carr was a two-year starter and is an all-conference player. “Quinn is an incredible young man we are blessed to have in our school and program,” Dell Rapids coach Jordan Huska said. “He is a tireless worker who leads by example each and every day. He is a steady presence of treating teammates and coaches with respect and gives his best effort each day and in each drill. Blessed to have Quinn now and for another year.”


DEFENSIVE LINE: Keaton Vessells, Jr., West Central (6-0, 165)

Vessells logged 49 tackles (18 solo), six sacks and 15 tackles for loss for the Trojans. 


DEFENSIVE LINE: Emmett Hanson, Jr., Milbank (6-4, 205)

Hanson tallied 34 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, one interception and one fumble recovery for the Bulldogs. He was Milbank's defensive lineman of the year two seasons in a row and is an all-conference pick. “Emmett has been our best defensive lineman the past two years and has gotten better each season,” Milbank coach Brian Allmendinger said. 


LINEBACKER: Aiden Geraets, Sr., Dell Rapids (6-1, 215)

Geraets was a force in the middle of Dell Rapids defense. He posted 89 tackles, five tackles for loss, one sack, one interception and one fumble recovery. He was a three-time all-conference selection and two-time all-stater. “Aiden is our middle linebacker and the anchor for our defensive unit the last three seasons,” Dell Rapids coach Jordan Huska said. “Our first team defense is giving up under 10 points a game. Aiden is a big reason for our defense having a great year. He makes all of our calls and sets the tone for our defense each day. We are blessed to have had Aiden in our program the last four years.”


LINEBACKER: Ryder Bailey, Sr., Custer (5-10, 190)

Bailey posted 95 tackles, six tackles for loss and three sacks this season. On offense, he logged 577 yards rushing. “Went from a pudgy golfer as a freshman, to a damn good football player as a senior,” Custer coach Russ Bailey said. 


LINEBACKER: Kaden Van Otterloo, Sr., Sioux Falls Christian (6-2, 215)

Van Otterloo led the Chargers with 106 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks and four pass breakups. An all-conference player, Van Otterloo posted 152 tackles, 5.5 sacks, 16 tackles for loss, four pass breakups and one interception during his career. “Kaden was our best LB this year,” Sioux Falls Christian coach Jeff Smith said. “He called the defense and made adjustments upfront by knowing our game plan in and out each week.”


LINEBACKER: Rollie French, Jr., Vermillion (5-10, 185)

French finished with 90 total tackles (67 solo), seven tackles for loss and one sack for Vermillion. He was an all-conference player, a two-way player and kicker on special teams. French is also a state wrestling placer. 


DEFENSIVE BACK: Cole Ruesink, Jr., Dell Rapids (5-11, 165)

Ruesink posted 46 tackles, two interceptions and two fumble recoveries for the Quarriers. He’s a two-time all-conference player for Dell Rapids. “Cole has been an impact player for us in all three phases of the game this season and was a vital piece to our defense a year ago as a sophomore,” Dell Rapids coach Jordan Huska said. “He is a hard worker who is capable of scoring on offense, defense, and special teams which he has done this season. We are blessed to have Cole on our team now and for one more year.”


DEFENSIVE BACK: Matt Anderson, Sr., Canton (6-5, 190)

Anderson used his size and athleticism to impact things for Canton. He hauled in 395 receiving yards on 23 receptions and scored eight rushing touchdowns. On defense, he posted 43 tackles and four interceptions. He posted 996 receiving yards on 72 receptions in his career, while rushing for 15 scores. He logged 59 tackles and five interceptions on defense. “Matt was a four-year starter at WR and two-year starter at S, P, and KR,” Canton coach Rich Lundstrom said. “His combination of size and speed made him an outstanding player for us, as well as a highly sought after recruit. Matt was recruited heavily by Iowa State, NDSU, and Furman before deciding to play basketball in college. Matt has been a weapon for us at WR for four years, but he worked very hard the past two seasons to improve his blocking and move down to TE in our double tight sets.”


DEFENSIVE BACK: Johnny Skyberg, Sr., Sioux Falls Christian (5-10, 185)

Skyberg posted 75 tackles, 10 pass breakups, two interceptions and two fumble recoveries for Sioux Falls Christian. He posted 146 tackles, five forced fumbles, three interceptions and 14 pass breakups in his career. Johnny is every coach's dream with how he positively influenced our team culture,” Sioux Falls Christian coach Jeff Smith said. “Johnny was the heart and soul of our team. He did it all for us in all three phases of the game for the last two years.”


DEFENSIVE BACK: Trae Piel, Sr., Dakota Valley (6-1, 175)

Piel logged 56 tackles, four interceptions and four pass breakups this season. He added 204 rushing yards and one TD, while he had 20 catches for 283 yards and three touchdowns. He was a two-time all-conference selection. “Trae can do it all on the football field,” Dakota Valley coach Kenny Wilhite said. “Trae’s athletic ability allowed us to move him from OLB to DB this season where he excelled. On the offensive side of the ball he was a swiss army knife and we could place him anywhere to get him the ball. On special teams Trae served as our kicker/punter and returner in previous seasons.”


SPECIAL TEAMS: Jacob Docter, Sr., Sioux Falls Christian (5-11, 165)

Docter converted on 35 of 38 PAT attempts and hit six field goals, including a 39-yarder (twice). He logged 20 touchbacks this season. “Jacob has been a solid contributor to our special teams over the last three seasons and earned all-state honors last season,” Sioux Falls Christian coach Jeff Smith said.


SPECIAL TEAMS: Levi Fitzgerald, Sr., Beresford (5-10, 140)

Fitzgerald averaged 34 yards per punt this season for Beresford. He landed seven inside the 20-yard line and had a season long of 62 yards. “Levi Fitzgerald had a tremendous season punting for Beresford,” Beresford coach Scott Ebert said. “We certainly did not intend to punt 27 times throughout the season, but having Levi do what he did for us - flipping the field - helping our team out of some difficult situations was huge for us.”


HONORABLE MENTION: Levi Miller and Sawyer Donovan, Chamberlain; Boston Katzer, Lennox; Grant VanDenHul and Easton VanScoyk, Dakota Valley; Brayden Witte and Jacob Congdon, SF Christian; Jude Jarding, West Central; Hunter Richmond, Canton; and Robert Watkins, Beresford.