Hamlin won its first state championship since 2014 and it was honored for it today.

The Chargers won the Class 9AA state championship, ending a 10-year championship drought this season.

Class 9AA

OFFENSE

QUARTERBACK: Jackson Wadsworth, Jr., Hamlin (6-2, 195)

Wadsworth was a gunslinger for the Chargers. In 2024, Wadsworth completed 74% of his passes for 1,847 yards, 34 touchdowns to just two interceptions. He also tallied 245 yards and seven touchdowns on the ground for the Class 9AA champs. “Jackson is as smart of a player as you will find. He works hard at everything he does and works to be a perfectionist,” said Hamlin coach Jeff Sheehan. “He is a leader in every sense of the word and leads vocally and with his work ethic. Great competitor and teammate.”

FULLBACK/H-BACK: Stetson Riggs, Jr., Hanson (5-10, 190)

Riggs collected 448 rushing yards and seven touchdowns on the ground for the Beavers, adding seven catches for 103 yards and two receiving touchdowns. Defensively, Riggs totaled 90 tackles, seven sacks and three forced fumbles in 2024. “Stetson runs hard, and he is a hard kid to bring down. He is also equally effective blocking- especially in the passing game,” said Hanson coach Jacob Giles. “He called all our pass protections, and it really helped us throw the ball knowing he could pick up any blitzer or DLineman without any help.”

RUNNING BACK: Iden Myers, Sr., Kimball/White Lake (5-9, 170)

Myers was a workhorse back for the WiLdKats. The senior tallied 1,530 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns, averaging 8.95 yards per attempt, while catching 10 passes for 123 yards as well. Myers' career 3,641 rushing yards is a school record. “A returning All State athlete. Star RB and Strong Safety. Leader of the team on both sides of the ball. He is a young man of tremendous character and determination,” said Kimball/White Lake coach Ryan Skluzak. “On offense he had a great season carrying the ball and was a viable receiving threat in the short passing game as well. Iden has tremendous vision as an RB and busted off big runs all season but also picked up tough yards in crucial short yardage situations. Iden is a back that is the full package of speed, quickness, and power. His stats speak for themselves.”

RUNNING BACK: Kolter Kramer, Sr., Parkston (5-10, 180)

Kramer was the bellcow back for the Trojans. The three-year starter totaled 1,214 rushing yards and 14 rushing touchdowns, catching eight passes for 188 yards and five touchdowns. Kramer also returned a kickoff and three punt returns for scores as well. The two-time All-Missouri Valley Football Conference selection was part of the Trojans 2023 Class 9AA championship as well. “Kolter is lightning in a bottle. He is a tremendous athlete that is very versatile in all phases of the game,” said Parkston coach Matt Grave. “He has the ability to change the game on any given snap.”

RUNNING BACK: Blake De Vries, Sr., Elkton-Lake Benton (5-11, 185)

De Vries had a shortened, yet excellent season for the Elks. De Vries tallied 611 rushing yards and six touchdowns in just five games this season, averaging 9.26 yards per attempt. He ends his career with 1,493 yards and 22 touchdowns. De Vries is also a two-time All-Dakota Valley Conference selection. “Blake is one of the best kids I have ever coached. He played RB and LB for us and started playing defense as a freshman. Unfortunately this season Blake broke his collarbone 4.5 games into the season -- in those 4.5 games Blake ran the ball 58 times for 580 yards - 5, 100 yard games,” said Elkton-Lake Benton coach Ethan Pearson. “He worked his way back and played in our semi-final game, during that game he rebroke the bone that was growing back, but never quit and continued to stay in the game playing both running back and middle linebacker. He is a tough and determined kid that loves the sport of football.”

WIDE RECEIVER: Evan Stormo, Sr., Hamlin (6-3, 191)

Stormo filled up the stat sheet for Hamlin in 2024. The three-time All-Conference player posted 35 catches for 842 yards and 16 receiving touchdowns, rushing 36 times for 249 yards and eight more touchdowns. Stormo was also an Elite 45 member, boasting a career stat line of 117 catches for 2,321 yards and 34 touchdowns, adding 580 rushing yards and 16 rushing scores. “Evan is a game changing player.  He is dynamic with the ball in his hands,” said Hamlin coach Jeff Sheehan. “When the pressure is on and we need a big play we look at him.  He has been a four-year starter and he has all of the receiving records at Hamlin School.  He will do whatever is asked of him and do it at the highest level.”

WIDE RECEIVER: Tanner Stein, Sr., Elkton-Lake Benton (5-11, 180)

Stein was an excellent receiver for the Elks. Stein produced 31 catches for 603 yards and seven touchdowns, adding 743 yards and 14 rushing scores as a senior. He ends his career with 103 catches for 1,977 yards and 23 touchdowns, rushing 80 times for 808 yards and 16 touchdowns. “Tanner is one of the most athletic players that I have coached. He has been starting varsity since halfway through his 8th grade season defensively, and started as a freshman offensively. He has made a huge impact on our team the past 5 years,” said Elkton/Lake Benton coach Ethan Pearson. “He battled through multiple injuries this year, and was limited in a couple of the games midway through the season as he was banged up. He was our go-to guy when we needed something big to happen offensively in the run game or the pass game. We tried to move him to different spots to get him the ball and use his athleticism in space.”

TIGHT END: Brensen Veneklasen, Jr., Hill City (6-4, 180)

The Rangers tight end collected 26 catches for 606 yards and seven touchdowns as a junior. In his sophomore season, Veneklasen had four catches for 137 yards and three touchdowns. “Brensen is a big-play tight end. He moved between wide receiver and tight end throughout the year,” said Hill City coach Blake Gardner. “Quality big target for pass but also does a great job with getting to second level on our run game.”

OFFENSIVE LINEMAN: Dawson Noem, Sr., Hamlin (6-4, 206)

Noem was a big block for an offense totaling 3,536 yards of offense and 537 points in 2024. The senior is also a 2024 All-Conference selection. “He is a workhorse for us.  He is very good at getting to all of the blocks and he is an excellent pulling guard,” said Hamlin coach Jeff Sheehan. “He is a leader of our team and the team voted him as one of our captains. When we need a play he is usually the one that opens the hole for our guys to run through.”

OFFENSIVE LINEMAN: Grant Wilkinson, Jr., De Smet (6-8, 320)

Wilkinson played a massive role for the Bulldog offense. As a junior, helped block for an offense rushing for 2,381 yards in nine games, adding 34 tackles and two sacks on defense. Wilkinson is a Dakota Valley Conference selection as well. “Grant was a big reason we rushed for 2,381 yards in 9 games this season. When we needed yards, we were able to confidently run behind him with success. On the defensive side of the ball, Grant oftentimes would get double teamed to try and slow him down,” said De Smet coach Brendon Pitts. “Aside from his ability to play the game at a high level, Grant is also very knowledgeable of the game and understands what needs to be done. Grant is one of the most coachable kids I have had the privilege to coach, and he also does a great job serving as a leader for our team.”

OFFENSIVE LINEMAN: Taiton Boersma, Jr., Elkton-Lake Benton (6-0, 220)

Boersma played a pivotal role in the Elkton-Lake Benton offense, breaking open holes for an offense amassing 3,165 rushing yards, 1,586 passing yards, and 68 total touchdowns. Boersma is also an All-Dakota Valley Conference player. “Tait was our starting Center this year, with center he took on the long-snapping duties for our special teams. He was a huge part of our success offensively this season,” said Elkton-Lake Benton coach Ethan Pearson. “As the season went on, we started to utilize him in our run game as a puller. He is the guy we relied on to communicate to the other offensive linemen before the snap.”

OFFENSIVE LINEMAN: Kash Neugebauer, Sr., Parkston (6-0, 185)

Neugebauer was a ruthless offensive lineman for the Trojans. As a senior, Neugebauer directed traffic for an offense tallying 3,771 yards and 58 total touchdowns. Neugebauer is a 2024 Missouri Valley Football All-Conference member as well. “Kash has been a vital piece of our team.  He may not be the biggest body, but his athleticism, heart, effort, attitude and work ethic separate him from the rest,” said Parkston coach Matt Grave. “He's able to make plays with his feet to maintain blocks and ability to finish through blocks.”

DEFENSE

DEFENSIVE LINEMAN: Zac VanMeeteren, Sr., Hamlin (6-6, 206)

VanMeeteren set the edge for the Hamlin defense, tallying 33 tackles (16 tackles for loss) and 10 sacks in the Chargers’ 2024 undefeated season. VanMeeteren is a two-time All-Conference selection, tallying 122 tackles (43 tackles for loss) and 23 career sacks. “Zac is a dynamic player. He puts pressure on other offenses and has the ability to make big plays at big times,” said Hamlin coach Jeff Sheehan. “He is an awesome leader and worker. He has a bright future in the game of football. Great all around kid.”

DEFENSIVE LINEMAN: Lucas Lenz, Sr., Kimball-White Lake (5-11, 175)

Lenz was a stout lineman for Kimball-White Lake. The senior tallied 45 tackles (seven tackles for loss) and two sacks for the WiLdKats. Lenz is also an All-Conference member this season. “Lucas lined up mostly as an interior Defensive lineman and was a huge part of our success as a unit. Lucas used his leverage, quickness and strength to his advantage, and was able to make plays no matter what gap he was assigned,” said Kimball-White Lake coach Ryan Skluzak. “Throughout the year he consistently made big plays in the opponents' backfield and disrupted what the offenses were trying to do. Lucas has a tremendous motor and played with great effort on defense despite being undersized for his position. Lucas was also elected team captain and provided strong leadership throughout the year.”

DEFENSIVE LINEMAN: Quintin Westley, Jr., Elkton-Lake Benton (5-11, 190)

Westley had 40 tackles (12 tackles for loss), 6.5 sacks, a fumble recovery and one pass breakup as a junior for the Elks. So far in his career, Westley has recorded 128 tackles (22.5 tackles for loss, 11 sacks, an interception, two forced fumbles and recoveries, and one defensive touchdown. “Quintin has a motor on him. He is a non stop pass rusher, and has turned himself into a really good run defender as well. He gets a lot of pressure on opposing QB's for us,” said Elkton-Lake Benton coach Ethan Pearson. “He has started both on the offensive and defensive line since he was a freshman and has continually improved. He is a smaller lineman, but his strength and motor make up for his size and he works hard on and off the field to be the best that he can be.”

DEFENSIVE LINEMAN: Ty Archambeau, Sr., Tripp-Delmont/Armour/Andes Central/Dakota Christian (6-3, 270)

Archambeau played a huge role in the best season for the Tripp-Delmont/Armour/Andes Central/Dakota Christian Thunderhawks season. The senior played both offensive and defensive line for the 7-2 Thunderhawks. “Ty was dominant in the middle of our defense. Ty was double teamed on a majority of the offensive plays and still had very good sack and tackles-for-loss numbers.”

LINEBACKER: Sutton DeWald, Sr., Hanson (5-10, 165)

DeWald capped off an illustrious career with the Beavers. The senior recorded 82 tackles and two interceptions in 10 games for Hanson, adding 386 rushing yards and 433 receiving yards, combining for 14 total touchdowns. The three-year starter and two-time All-Conference player ends his career with 1,610 all-purpose yards, 26 touchdowns, 170 tackles and three interceptions. “Sutton was our best player this year both in terms of ability and leadership,” said Hanson coach Jacob Giles. “Our defense kept us in a lot of games this year and a big reason was Sutton getting everyone in the right spot and his ability to play both the pass and the run on defense.”

LINEBACKER: Sawyer Wipf, Sr., Freeman/Marion/Freeman Academy (6-0, 190)

Wipf filled up the stat sheet for the Phoenix in 2024. The senior linebacker tallied 115 tackles (10 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks this season. Wipf ends his career with 240 tackles (25.5 tackles for loss), 4.5 sacks and an interception. “Sawyer was a 3 year starter, he was the leader of our defense and was all over the field making plays for us,” said Phoenix coach Dustin Tschetter.

LINEBACKER: Jacob Graves, Sr., Viborg-Hurley (5-11, 180)

Graves played a big role for the Viborg-Hurley football team. The senior linebacker and running back helped power the Cougars to a 7-3 record, and a trip to the Class 9AA quarterfinals.

LINEBACKER: Westyn Thorpe, Jr., Leola-Frederick Area (5-11, 170)

Thorpe collected 83 tackles, five interceptions and a sack this season for the Titans. The junior also tallied 88 carries for 442 yards and seven rushing touchdowns, adding 171 receiving yards and two more touchdowns through the air. Thorpe adds to his totals of 139 career tackles, 811 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns, along with 276 receiving yards and two touchdowns. “Westyn was our most valuable defensive player this past year, leading our team in tackles and interceptions,” said Leola-Frederick Area coach Jeff Kosters. “He has lettered the past three years, was voted most improved last year as a sophomore, and was an All-Conference selection this season.”

DEFENSIVE BACK: Easton Neuendorf, Sr., Hamlin (5-10, 161)

Neuendorf was a dominant corner for the Chargers. The senior collected 19 tackles, two interceptions, returning one for a touchdown. He allowed just six completions in 11 games when being targeted. The All-Conference selection ends his football career with 39 tackles, four interceptions and 28 passes defended. “Easton is a pure athlete. He has been on many of the opposing teams number 1 receivers. He has only played football for 2 years and has developed into a top notch DB,” said Hamlin coach Jeff Sheehan. “He is explosive out of breaks and does a great job of playing the ball when thrown at him. He is a true leader and hard worker.”

DEFENSIVE BACK: Kaden Holzbauer, Sr., Parkston (5-10, 160)

Holzbauer was a stud defensive back for the Trojans. Tallying 28 tackles, two forced fumbles, two interceptions, and five pass breakups, Holzbauer is a two-time All-Conference player. He also racked up nine touchdowns on offense. “He's a very knowledgeable and instinctive student-athlete that is a tremendous leader on and off the field,” said Parkston coach Matt Grave. “He may not be the fastest or strongest, but always finds a way to be in position to make game changing plays.”

DEFENSIVE BACK: Gavin Nickelson, Sr., Leola/Frederick Area (6-1, 150)

Nickelson was a workhorse for the Titans. Nickelson recorded 64 tackles, a sack, forced fumble and recovery, as well as an interception for the Leola//Frederick Area defense. Offensively, Nickelson recorded 816 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns, adding another 285 yards and five touchdowns through the air. “Gavin was our most valuable offensive player and our second leading tackler on defense this past season,” said Leola/Frederick Area coach Jeff Kosters. “He is a 3-yr letter winner, All-Conference selection twice, Academic All-State recipient, and a captain for us this past season.”

SPECIAL TEAMS: Brooks Dolen, Sr., Waubay-Summit 6-0, 250)

Dolen tallied 541 rushing yards and 152 receiving yards, totaling 11 touchdowns, all while adding 35 tackles, three fumble recoveries and a sack on defense. Dolen is a three-time All-Conference player as well. “Very good leader blocker. Runs very hard, defensive end on defense, and our third leading tackler,” said Waubay-Summit coach Sonny Rumpza. “Had a kickoff average of 51 yards and punt average of 34.5. Kicked two field goals and four extra points  Never missed a field goal or extra points.”

SPECIAL TEAMS: Logan Street, Fr., Hill City (5-9, 135)

Street has a boot for the Rangers. The freshman kicked 87% on 55 point-after-attempts, kicking 25 of 74 kickoffs for touchbacks. “Logan is a quality kicker for being a freshman.  He continued to improve throughout the season as most of his later season kicks were touchbacks,” said Hill City coach Blake Gardner. “He is a very hard worker and is committed to being a great kicker.”

ATHLETE: Brady Schroedermeier, Jr., Viborg-Hurley (6-3, 185)

Schroedermeier was a force for the Cougars on both sides of the football. The 6-foot-3 senior guided Viborg-Hurley to a 7-3 record in 2024.

ATHLETE: Colt Beck, Jr., Elkton-Lake Benton (5-10, 170)

Beck was a do-it-all quarterback for the Elks. Beck completed 59% of his passes for 1,468 yards and 16 touchdowns. Beck also rushed for 936 yards and 19 touchdowns. For his career, Beck has passed for 2,619 yards and 23 touchdowns, rushing for 1,931 yards and 38 touchdowns. “Colt is the leader for our team offensively. He is a dual threat guy that can hurt teams with his arm or his legs. He has great vision, and understands concepts in both the run and passing games. He was a captain for us this past season which was voted on by his teammates. He is also a huge reason for our success the past two seasons,” said Elkton-Lake Benton coach Ethan Pearson. “He is not the biggest player on the field, but he is hard nosed and tough to bring down when he gets out in the open. He is a joy to coach and will bring ideas to each practice and game planning.”

HONORABLE MENTION — Devin Buehler and Nick Schroeder, Hill City; Garth Maas and Dalton Westendorf, Tripp-Delmont/Armour-Andes Central-Dakota Christian; Bryce Hawkinson, Britton-Hecla; Ethan Petrich, Leola/Frederick Area; Christopher Aasen and Riley Tschetter, Freeman-Marion/Freeman Academy; Colt Keiser, Gregory; Bryce Sattler, Scotland-Menno; Gage Jodozi, Parkston; and Aiden Abraham, Hamlin