By Jacob Wuertz and Ryan Deal 

605 Sports

Class 11A finalists — Dell Rapids and West Central — are largely represented on this year’s Class 11A all-state team, which was selected by the South Dakota Football Coaches Association.

Dell Rapids, which defeated West Central in the state championship, landed seven total players on the team. Mason Stubbe, Ryler Evans, Carter Traill, Jack Henry, Treyse Eastman, Aiden Geraets and Brayden Pankonen were all-state honorees. West Central’s Justin Zirpel, Owen Heath, Andrew Zimmer, Crew Heier and Dylan Stromer were selected for the Trojans. 

Semifinalists Sioux Falls Christian (five selections) and Beresford (three selections) were also well represented on the all-state squad.

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

QUARTERBACK: Justin Zirpel, Sr., West Central (5-8, 170)

Zirpel was a dual-threat quarterback in every sense of the term. The speedster signal caller threw for 1,761 yards and 22 touchdowns, while rushing for 848 yards and 11 touchdowns. He added a touchdown reception. He was a three-time all-conference pick and 17-5 as West Central’s starting quarterback. 

“Our offense was productive this year because of his ability to make plays running,” West Central coach Chris Hernandez said. “But he also came up big throwing in many of our games.  With 34 total TDs this year, he is one of the most explosive offensive players in 11A.”

West Central's Justin Zirpel carries the ball against Dell Rapids in the Class 11A state championship game. (Rodney Haas / 605 Sports)

FULLBACK/H-BACK: Jaxson Tadlock, Sr., Beresford (5-11, 215)

Tadlock showed his versatility with a midseason switch from offensive guard to fullback this season. He rushed for 139 yards and three touchdowns in his first game as a fullback. This season, he posted 488 rushing yards on 80 carries and scored eight touchdowns. He’s an all-conference selection. 

“Jaxson is a tremendous leader for us - as physical of a football player as they come - and even a better kid,” Beresford coach Scott Ebert said. “We are very proud of Jaxson and will miss not having him on the field next season.”

FULLBACK/H-BACK: Noah Hutmacher, Sr., Chamberlain (6-4, 240)

Hutmacher plowed his way through defenders this season. Hutmacher finished with 630 rushing yards on 101 carries and scored six touchdowns. He added 11 receptions for 147 yards. In the past two seasons, he rushed for 1,156 yards on 229 carries, while he hauled in 202 receiving yards. A four-year starter, Hutmacher was an all-conference pick and an honorable mention all-stater last season. 

“Noah was influential in our run game as a fullback,” Chamberlain coach Jeff Rademacher said. “Noah had a better year this past season behind an inexperienced offensive line versus last season. He also is a versatile player as he is a two-way player starting as a DE and did play some LB.”

RUNNING BACK: Mason Stubbe, Jr., Dell Rapids (5-11, 175)

Stubbe was a fast and physical ball carrier for the state champs. Stubbe registered 1,077 rushing yards on 142 carries and scored 21 touchdowns. He added eight catches for 108 yards and another score. He’s an all-Dak XII Conference selection. 

“Mason has had a great year for our football team,” Dell Rapids coach Jordan Huska said. “One of the toughest and hardest working players I have had the opportunity to coach. He is a fast, strong, and physical runner who is also a great teammate and willing blocker. He makes plays that are pretty special to get to watch from the sideline.”

RUNNING BACK: Peyton Fridrich, Sr., Beresford (6-2, 180)

Fridrich capped off a productive season and career for the Watchdogs. Fridrich rushed for 945 yards on 166 carries and scored 12 touchdowns. He posted 1,677 rushing yards and rushed for 20 touchdowns the past two seasons.

“Peyton had a tremendous season and career for Beresford at his RB position,” Beresford coach Scott Ebert said. “He is as tough as they come and just does not have any quit in him.”

RUNNING BACK: Kale Ask, Sr., Canton (5-10, 155)

Ask shined out of Canton’s backfield this season. He finished with 478 rushing yards and seven touchdowns this season. He finished with 716 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns in his career. 

“Kale was an exceptional running back for us,” Canton coach Rich Lundstrom said. “He had very good field vision and great balance. Most important for our offense, he was a solid blocker.”

WIDE RECEIVER: Porter Ihnen, Jr., Lennox (6-4, 205)

Ihnen developed into Lennox’s primary target in the passing game this season. Ihnen, who is also an all-state basketball player, hauled in 764 receiving yards and 13 touchdown receptions. He’s posted 954 receiving yards and 13 touchdown catches so far in his career. 

“Porter really came into his own this year,” Lennox coach Matt Luze said. “His ability to make high point catches and shield off defenders as the ball is in the air was very impressive this year.”

WIDE RECEIVER: Carter Van Donge, Sr., Sioux Falls Christian (6-0, 170)

Van Donge capped off a record-breaking career for the Chargers. This season, Van Donge hauled in 521 receiving yards and five touchdown catches, while rushing for 127 yards and a touchdown. For his career, he posted 1,680 receiving yards on 116 catches and scored 17 touchdowns. 

“Carter is the best WR in SF Christian history,” Sioux Falls Christian coach Jared Smith said. “Carter leads our record books in the following categories: TDs in a career, catches in a game and career, receiving yards in a season and career.”

WIDE RECEIVER: Jaxon Hennies, Sr., Dakota Valley (6-0, 165)

Hennies was Dakota Valley’s primary receiver in the passing attack. He finished with 38 catches for 574 yards and six touchdown receptions. For his career, he recorded 66 catches for 883 receiving yards and 11 touchdown catches. He was an all-conference pick. 

“Great athlete, great person,” Dakota Valley coach Jeff Vandenhul said. “Set multiple receiving records at Dakota Valley career and season.”

TIGHT END: Owen Heath, Sr., West Central (6-4, 220)

Heath was a big target in the Trojans’ aerial attack. Heath hauled in 33 catches for 520 yards and caught 12 touchdowns. Heath was also key in West Central rushing for 1,836 yards on 391 carries this season. He was an all-conference selection. 

“Owen was a huge part of our offense this year at tight end,” West Central coach Chris Hernandez said. “Owen had a big part of that in our blocking schemes. He also demanded a lot of double and triple coverage defenses that helped run the ball better, not to mention his five-touchdown game earlier this year.” 

OFFENSIVE LINE: Andrew Zimmer, Sr., West Central (6-2, 230)

Zimmer paved the way for West Central’s ground game this season. Zimmer helped the Trojans rack up 1,836 rushing yards and 21 rushing touchdowns. 

“Andrew was our best linemen in a group that has really improved,” West Central coach Chris Hernandez said. “He played both ways, but was really a consistent force on offense. We were able to pull him at tackle and he did a great job as a leader on the line.” 

OFFENSIVE LINE: Landon Schurch, Sr., Beresford (6-0, 215)

Schurch anchored an offensive line racked up nearly 3,000 yards of total offense. The Watchdogs rushed for 2,236 yards and 30 touchdowns, while they passed for 710 yards and seven touchdowns. The two-year starter helped the Watchdogs reach back-to-back semifinal appearances from his left guard spot. 

“Landon had a tremendous career for Beresford,” Beresford coach Scott Ebert said. “He is one of the most physical offensive lineman that I have had the privilege to coach. His speed and physicality was a huge help for our offense when pulling him.”

OFFENSIVE LINE: Tucker Kooiman, Sr., Sioux Falls Christian (6-5, 225)

Kooiman was instrumental in creating a clean pocket in Sioux Falls Christian’s passing game. Kooiman allowed zero sacks on 171 passing attempts and the offense rushed for nearly 2,000 yards. He was a team captain and all-conference selection. 

“Tucker is a great leader, a captain of our team, and an amazing young man,” Sioux Falls Christian coach Jared Smith said. “His work ethic is second to none.”

OFFENSIVE LINE: Ryler Evans, Sr., Dell Rapids (6-0, 195)

Evans was key in blocking for Dell Rapids’ stable of skill players. Evans was largely responsible for the Quarriers rushing for 250 yards per game and passing for 100 yards per game. The offense also averaged 35 points per game. A three-year starter, he was a two-time all-conference selection and team captain.

“Hardworker and has been a leader by example for us on the field and in the weight room,” Dell Rapids coach Jordan Huska said. “Instrumental in our season this year.”

OFFENSIVE LINE: Cody Peterson, Sr., Lennox (6-1, 240)

Peterson anchored Lennox’s offensive front from his left tackle position. He led the offensive line in pancake blocks and did not allow a sack this season. A three-year-starter, Peterson was the team’s lineman MVP and was an all-conference selection. 

“His knowledge of the game allowed him to make line calls from his left tackle position and he gave consistent guidance to our younger O-lineman throughout the season,” Lennox coach Matt Luze said. “Cody is the definition of a gutsy football player. He battled injuries all year and never would miss a practice or playing time.”

OFFENSIVE LINE: Carter Traill, Sr., Dell Rapids (6-2, 235)

Traill paved running alleys and passing lanes for the state champs this season. Traill was key in the Quarriers rushing for 250 yards per game, throwing for 100 yards per game and averaging 35 points per contest.

“We were very fortunate to get Carter out for football last year as a junior,” Dell Rapids coach Jordan Huska said. “He had been a golfer for a few years and came back out for football. He has been vital to our run game this year.”

ATHLETE: Jack Henry, Jr., Dell Rapids (6-3, 180)

Henry piloted the state champs at the quarterback position. He threw for 740 yards and nine touchdowns, while rushing for 562 yards and two touchdowns. Henry was the Class 11A Joe Robbie MVP and outstanding back of the state championship game. He’s a two-year starter in the defensive secondary. 

“Jack has been big for our offense this year,” Dell Rapids coach Jordan Huska said. “He brings a dynamic playmaker to the quarterback position for us. He missed a few games this year due to injury but has been electric for us in big games.”

ATHLETE: Braeden Wulf, Sr., Lennox (6-2, 190)

Wulf produced big plays during his career for the Orioles. This season, he rushed for 333 yards and four touchdowns, while he passed for 1,752 yards and 22 touchdowns. For his career, he passed for 3,526 yards and 31 touchdowns, while rushing for 715 yards and 12 touchdowns. 

“Braeden has been a great quarterback for us these last two years,” Lennox coach Matt Luze said. “His effort and desire to win are obvious in everything he did on the field. His ability to turn bad plays into great plays was second to no one in my opinion.”

DEFENSIVE LINE: Crew Heier, Jr., West Central (6-3, 200)

Heier wreaked havoc along West Central’s defensive front this season. He posted 29 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks and one fumble recovery. He was an all-conference selection this season. 

“Crew is a fast and long defensive end,” West Central coach Chris Hernandez said. “He creates match up issues with teams, and has done a great job causing havoc in the backfield.”

DEFENSIVE LINE: Avery Herting, Sr., Canton (6-0, 220)

Herting was a regular in the opposing team’s backfield. Herting registered 34 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, seven sacks, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. For his career, he posted 169 tackles, along with school records in tackles for loss (57.5) and sacks (36.5). He added five fumble recoveries and three forced fumbles. 

“Avery has been a sack artist for us for all four years of his high school career,” Canton coach Rich Lundstrom said. “He broke our career sack record his sophomore year and has more than doubled that total the past two years. This year he put together another solid season while playing with both shoulders popping out several times a game.”

DEFENSIVE LINE: Riley Zomermaand, Sr., Sioux Falls Christian (6-1, 290)

Zomermaand constantly drew double teams and still produced along the Chargers’ defensive front. Zomermaand posted 58 tackles and one tackle for loss this season. An all-conference selection, he finished with 102 tackles and 3.5 sacks in his career. 

“Riley has been the anchor of our defense for the last two seasons,” Sioux Falls Christian coach Jared Smith said. “He consistently commands a double team, allowing other DL to have one on one blocks, and keeping LBs clean and free to make tackles.”

DEFENSIVE LINE: Treyse Eastman, Jr., Dell Rapids (5-11, 170)

Eastman was a matchup problem along the Quarriers’ defensive line. He posted 57 tackles, 14 tackles for loss and one sack. He was an all-conference selection this season. Eastman was selected as the Class 11A championship game’s most outstanding lineman. 

“Treyse has been a key part to our defensive unit giving up less than 10 points per game,” 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.”

LINEBACKER: Caden DeVries, Sr., Madison (5-9, 200)

DeVries was a productive linebacker in Madison’s defensive scheme. He posted 102 tackles (11.3 tackles per game), 10.5 tackles for loss, one sack and one interception this season. For his career, he recorded 177 tackles, 25.5 tackles for loss, three interceptions and one sack. 

“Caden is our defensive leader,” Madison coach Joe Bundy said. “He is all over the field and made a lot of plays for us.”

LINEBACKER: Josh Merkle, Sr., Canton (6-0, 195)

Merkle was Canton’s defensive leader, both on the field and in pre-game preparations. He logged 89 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, three forced fumbles, one sack and one fumble recovery. He finished his career with 167 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, four forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. 

“Josh has been our defensive signal caller for the past two years,” Canton coach Rich Lundstrom said. “He worked his tail off studying our opponent's formations so he could get our defense lined up in the right spots every play.”

LINEBACKER: Max Kaarre, Sr., Sioux Falls Christian (5-10, 190)

Kaare was a tackling machine for the Chargers. This season, he posted 124 tackles, three forced fumbles, three tackles for loss, two interceptions, two pass breakups and one sack. A team captain and all-conference performer, Kaare racked up 264 career tackles. He also had four forced fumbles, five tackles for loss, three sacks and two interceptions. 

“Max is an outstanding leader and a coach's dream,” Sioux Falls Christian coach Jared Smith said. “For the last three years Max has been like a coach on the field, with the game plan and scouting report memorized every week.”

LINEBACKER: Aiden Geraets, Jr., Dell Rapids (6-1, 185)

Geraets manned the middle of Dell Rapids’ defensive unit. He posted 87 tackles, five tackles for loss, one sack, one forced fumble and one safety. He’s an all-conference selection. 

“Aiden is our middle linebacker and the anchor for our defensive unit,” Dell Rapids coach Jordan Huska said. “Aiden is a big reason for our defense having a good year. He makes all of our calls and sets the tone for our defense each day.”

DEFENSIVE BACK: Brayden Pankonen, Sr., Dell Rapids (5-10, 155)

Pankonen showcased his speed and quickness in the Dell Rapids defensive secondary. Pankonen finished with 42 tackles and three interceptions for the state champs. He’s a repeat all-state defensive back selection, while he earned all-conference honors two years in a row. 

“Brayden is a great football player, teammate and person,” Dell Rapids coach Jordan Huska said. “He is one of three captains and the energy he brings each day is just as important as his athletic abilities. He has had a great year and been vital to our success this year. He had a few less interceptions and defensive TDs for us this year but has still been a key piece to our defense following his all-state DB junior year.”

DEFENSIVE BACK: Randy Rosenquist, Sr., Dakota Valley (5-11, 160)

Rosenquist was a defensive menace in Dakota Valley’s secondary. He finished with 86 total tackles, five tackles for loss, seven pass breakups, one sack and three interceptions. Offensively, he racked up 637 receiving yards and six touchdowns. For his career, Rosenquist recorded 141 total tackles, 10 pass breakups and five interceptions. He added 1,108 receiving yards. Rosenquist, who was also a return specialist, was an all-conference performer. 

“Great athlete, great person,” Dakota Valley coach Jeff Vandenhul said. “Set multiple receiving records at Dakota Valley career and season.”

DEFENSIVE BACK: Dylan Stromer, Sr., West Central (6-0, 150)

Stromer played centerfield in West Central’s defensive secondary. The free safety finished with 39 total tackles, three tackles for loss, three interceptions and two pass deflections. 

“Dylan was the leader in our coverage this year,” West Central coach Chris Hernandez said. “As our free safety he had three interceptions and was responsible for the success of our pass defense. He also is a great tackler, coming from depth and making tackles at the line of scrimmage and even three tackles in the backfield. His speed and football IQ make him one of the best in 11A.”

DEFENSIVE BACK: Cole Snyder, So., Sioux Falls Christian (5-11, 155)

Just a sophomore, Snyder has already produced big plays for the Chargers. This season, he recorded 42 tackles, nine pass breakups, eight interceptions (three returned for touchdowns) and one forced fumble. Through two seasons, he’s logged 81 tackles, 11 pass breakups and nine interceptions. 

“Cole is a special athlete, he has a very high football IQ and athletic ability,” Sioux Falls Christian coach Jared Smith said. “When he's around the ball good things happen, whether it's an INT, PBU or a fumble recovery, Cole is making plays.”

SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER: Matt Anderson, Jr., Canton (6-6, 185)

Anderson was a regular in Canton’s special teams units. He averaged 21.2 yards per kickoff return and returned one for a touchdown. He averaged 36.9 yards per punt and hit five inside the 20-yard line. He also averaged 17 yards per punt return.

“Matt excels at any spot we put him,” Canton coach Rich Lundstrom said. “He picked up punting this year and did an outstanding job. He's always a threat to break one in our return game.”

SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER: Jacob Docter, Jr., Sioux Falls Christian (5-10, 160)

Docter booted four field goals, while converting 37 of 41 PATs this season. He averaged 35 yards per punt and had a 32% touchback rate. He added six tackles and one forced fumble on kickoffs. For his career, he’s hit five total field goals and is 49 of 54 on PAT attempts. 

“Jacob has been a tremendous asset to our team,” Sioux Falls Christian coach Jared Smith said. “He's been a reliable part of our special teams for the last two seasons.”

HONORABLE MENTION: Ethan Anema, Sr., Dakota Valley; Tate VanOtterloo, Sr., Beresford; James Woodward, Sr., Sioux Falls Christian; Canyon Burkard, Jr., Chamberlain; Parker Johnson, Jr., Madison; Ethan Eli, Sr., Lennox; Eli Johnson, Sr., Milbank; Beau Williams, Sr., Canton.