Howard won the 2024 Class 9A state championship, and headlines the all-state football team.

The Tigers won their first state championship since 2021. 

Howard’s Luke Koepsell was the Joe Robbie MVP and Outstanding Lineman, a rare feat for any football player.

Class 9A

OFFENSE

QUARTERBACK: Caleb Richmond, Jr., Wolsey-Wessington (6-1, 170)

Richmond had a year to remember for Wolsey-Wessington. The Warbirds’ quarterback made the most of his junior season completing 78% of his passes for 1,806 yards, 22 touchdowns and three interceptions, along with pounding 1,229 rushing yards and 18 rushing scores. So far in his career, Richmond has 3,126 passing yards and 38 touchdowns, rushing for 1,816 yards and 26 touchdown runs.

FULLBACK/H-BACK: Colin Hughes, Sr., Wolsey-Wessington (6-0, 205)

Hughes played a big role for the Warbirds in 2024. The senior played both tight end and linebacker for the Class 9A runners-up that finished 10-2 this season.

RUNNING BACK: Rylee Veal, Sr., Harding County/Bison (6-0, 210)

Veal capped off a productive career with the Ranchers this season. Veal rushed for 1,973 yards on 209 carries and scored 26 rushing touchdowns this season. He added nine receptions for 105 yards and another score. For his career, Veal finished with 5,325 yards and 73 rushing touchdowns. He racked up 6,777 all-purpose yards and 86 total touchdowns. Veal was a three-time all-conference player and a three-time all-state running back. 

“He was the focal point of our offense and is a complete running back,” Harding County/Bison coach Jay Wammen said. “Rylee is a back that gets stronger as the game goes on and he has excellent vision to go along with his big frame and cut back abilities. He holds every Rancher rushing record for season and career.”  

RUNNING BACK: Tate Miller, Sr., Howard (5-10, 180)

Miller capped off an excellent career for the Tigers. Miller collected 1,091 yards and 18 touchdowns on just 94 carries, averaging over 11 yards per rush. Miller finished his career for Howard with 2,395 yards and 34 touchdowns rushing, while catching 14 passes for 211 yards and two touchdowns. “Tate is a 2 year starter at running back and fullback,” said Howard coach Pat Ruml. “He is a great leader and finishes runs with some conviction.”

RUNNING BACK: Braydon Terveen-Smith, Sr., Dupree (6-1, 200)

Terveen-Smith had an all-time great season for Dupree. The senior ended his 2024 season with 1,794 rushing yards and 24 touchdowns, averaging 10.7 yards per attempt. The two-time Little Moreau All-Conference player and two-year captain also returned two kickoffs for scores as well. “Braydon has been our starting running back all 4 years of high school,” said Dupree coach Cody Eaton. “He got stronger as a runner as the season went on, rushing for 298 yards the last game of the season and 334 yards in the 1st round of the playoffs. He is a strong runner who runs through arm tackles but is always looking for green grass. He has the size and speed to be a true lead back.”

WIDE RECEIVER: Moshe Richmond, Sr., Wolsey-Wessington (6-3, 205)

Another Richmond with another great season. Moshe Richmond collected 72 receptions for 920 yards and 10 touchdown catches in his senior season, adding 446 yards and eight touchdowns on the ground. For his career, Richmond tallied 132 catches for 1,889 yards and 18 touchdowns, totaling 635 yards and 11 touchdowns rushing.

WIDE RECEIVER: Miles Eide, Sr., Centerville (6-0, 145)

Eide was unguardable for the Tornadoes. The senior totaled 70 catches for 1,132 yards and 13 touchdowns, rushing 40 times for 278 yards and three touchdowns. Eide ended his career with 81 catches for 1,348 yards as well. “Playmaker, able to elevate and high point the pass,” said Centerville coach Kyle Braun. “Appreciates the game and enjoys playing and being competitive.”

TIGHT END: Luke Koepsell, Sr., Howard (6-4, 220)

Koepsell was a force for the Class 9A champs. The senior collected 22 receptions for 278 yards and seven touchdowns in the Tigers undefeated season. An All-State defensive end in 2023, Koepsell ends his illustrious career with 51 catches for 899 yards and 23 touchdowns. “Great TE as a blocker and catches pretty much every ball thrown to him,” said Howard coach Pat Ruml.

OFFENSIVE LINEMAN: Calvin Halverson, Sr., Howard (5-11, 220)

Halverson helped lead the Howard Tigers and their signature power-running offense to 4,365 yards and 68 touchdowns. The senior was a two-year starter to help compile 9,268 yards and 133 touchdowns over the last two seasons. “Calvin is a 2 year starter and our best lineman,” said Howard coach Pat Ruml. “Hits like a truck and pulls as good as anyone I've seen.”

OFFENSIVE LINEMAN: Riley Kerner, Jr., Wall (6-4, 260)

Kerner was part of an offensive line that helped produce over 4,000 yards of offense in 2024. The Western Great Plains All-Conference selection averaged over five pancake blocks a game, allowing 0 sacks. “Riley is the best offensive lineman I have coached in my career,” said Wall coach Lex Heathershaw. “Great footwork, gets to the second level, and finishes the block. Didn't give up one sack all season.”

OFFENSIVE LINEMAN: Preston Cavalier, Sr., Warner (6-0, 255)

Cavalier anchored a Warner offense that grounded out 2,069 rushing yards, averaging 37.9 points per game. Cavalier was a two-year starter and a two-time Lake Region All-Conference player. “Preston is a force in the trenches,” said Warner coach Derek Hoellein. “When we needed yardage, we ran behind No. 55.”

OFFENSIVE LINEMAN: Jensen Fitch, Sr., Phillip (6-2, 215)

Fitch played a big role on the Scotties offensive scheme, gaining over 2,000 rushing yards and over 2,500 yards of offense. Fitch also caught four passes for 52 yards and a touchdown, rallying 43 tackles (16 for loss), 11 sacks and one interception. “Jensen has been one of the only 4 year starters that I have had the privilege to coach. He has not only been a great player for us but he has been dominant for all four years. He is a great leader on the field, always looking to better his teammates,” said Phillip coach Chandlier Sudbeck. “He was an all-state HM kid last year as a Junior. There has not been a kid that I have nominated in my 6 years of coaching for Philip that deserves an All-state spot more than Jensen Fitch.”

DEFENSE

DEFENSIVE LINEMAN: Nayati Bickerdyke, Sr., Harding County/Bison (6-1, 200)

Bickerdyke totaled 57 tackles, five sacks, an interception, and three fumble recoveries as a senior for Harding County/Bison. The two-time All-Conference selection finished his career with 145 tackles and 12 sacks as a Rancher. “Nayati was one of the better Defensive Ends we’ve coached. He spent the majority of the time at D-Line but was athletic/versatile enough to play outside linebacker and cornerback in some of our defensive packages,” said Rancher coach Jay Wammen. “His speed and power combo made him an all-state caliber player.”

DEFENSIVE LINEMAN: Justin Rohrbach, Sr., Ipswich (5-8, 190)

Rohrbach collected 42.5 tackles (15 tackles for loss), five sacks and four fumble recoveries as a senior for the Tigers. Rohrbach, a one-time All-Conference player totaled 128 tackles, nine sacks and six fumble recoveries for his career. “High motor defensive player. Moved him all around between defensive end, defensive tackle, and linebacker,” said Ipswich coach Brian Hogie. “Brought a physicality to our defense.”

DEFENSIVE LINEMAN: Carson Reitz, Sr., Estelline-Hendricks (6-1, 200)

Reitz was a warrior for the Redhawks. Reitz totaled 81 tackles this season for Estelline-Hendricks, bringing his career total to 137. Reitz also has six career sacks. Offensively, the three-year starter totaled 1,083 passing yards and 11 touchdowns, rushing for 175 yards and three touchdowns as well. “Carson is another one of those versatile players that could play and has played about every position on the field over the course of his career.  He spent most of his time at strong side defensive end for us but did play some linebacker and defensive back,” said Estelline-Hendricks coach Tim Cass. “He’s smart and tough, making many big plays for us on defense.  Because of his hard work in the off season, he really came on the past 2 years and was our Team MVP this year.”

DEFENSIVE LINEMAN: Eli Peterson, Jr., Lemmon-McIntosh (6-0, 225)

Peterson cracked 46 tackles (nine tackles for loss), two sacks and three forced fumbles as a junior for the Cowboys. Peterson is also a one-time LMC All-Conference player. “Eli was our key interior lineman, the one we trusted when we needed tough yards. As a junior, he put in serious time in the weight room and made strides in his mental approach to the game,” said Lemmon-McIntosh coach Michael Uthe. “Despite dealing with a hamstring and knee issue for much of the season, he played almost every snap. On defense, he enabled us to switch to a three-man front when needed, using his size and strength to clog the middle and disrupt plays. He’ll be a crucial returning player for us next season.”

LINEBACKER: Jace Blasius, Sr., Wall (5-10, 175)

Blasius totaled 84 tackles (15.5 tackles for loss), a sack, two interceptions, a fumble recovery, and two defensive touchdowns for the semifinal Eagles. Blasius ended his career with 202 tackles (25 tackles for loss), three sacks, four interceptions and three forced fumbles. “Jace was a captain for us this year,” said Wall coach Lex Heathershaw. “He was the leader of our team and is a big reason for us getting to our 2nd semi-final in three years. WGP All-Conference, All-Conference Defensive MVP. He plays in all three phases as our LB, RB, and kicker.”

LINEBACKER: Weston Remmers, Sr., Howard (6-0, 195)

Remmers was a leader for the 9A champs. Remmers concluded the 2024 championship season with 47 tackles, two sacks and an interception, adding to his career stats of 115 tackles, three sacks, three interceptions, and a fumble recovery. “Wes has been a 2 year starter for me at linebacker,” said Howard coach Pat Ruml. Helped lead us to a 9AA state runner up in 2023.”

LINEBACKER: Cameron Eng, Sr., Castlewood (5-9, 165)

Eng was a cornerstone for the Warriors. The senior had 54 tackles, three sacks, a fumble and a fumble recovery in 2024. The two-time All-Conference and 2023 All-State selection ends his career with 126 tackles, nine sacks, two forced fumbles and recoveries, and three interceptions. “Camron had a knack for hitting people on defense. His stats may not jump off the page, but he was all over the place making plays,” said Castlewood coach Dan Haug. “He could identify offenses and put himself in position to make a play or help his teammates make a play. He brought passion and fire to each and every snap and comes from a line of 3 older brothers who have also excelled on the gridiron.”

LINEBACKER: Blair Ham, Sr., Lemmon-McIntosh (6-1, 195)

Ham was all over the field for the Cowboy defense. The senior tallied 61 tackles, four forced fumbles, three tackles for loss, a sack, and a defensive touchdown in 2024. A three-time All-Conference player, Ham ends his career with 241 tackles, four sacks, three interceptions and five forced fumbles. “Blair spent the majority of his time at linebacker this year but also played defensive tackle, defensive end, and even some defensive back. In the past, it was the same way. He was a kid that was multi-dimensional and versatile which allowed us to move him around to almost any position on the field,” said Lemmon-McIntosh coach Michael Uthe. “The best part about Blair was the fact he was capable of not only physically but mentally being able to play all around through schemes.”

DEFENSIVE BACK: Carson Hinker, Sr., Howard (6-2, 185)

Hinker was a force on both sides of the ball for the Tigers. Playing both quarterback and defensive back, the 6-foot-2, 185 senior led Howard back to the DakotaDome, capping off an undefeated season with the Class 9A championship.

DEFENSIVE BACK: Ethan Bovill, Sr., Alcester-Hudson (6-1, 175)

Bovill collected 51 tackles and three interceptions as a senior for Alcester-Hudson, on top catching 39 passes for 593 yards and 10 touchdowns on offense. A two-time All-Conference player, Bovill returned 24 kickoffs and punts, returning three for touchdowns. “Ethan is a great student, athlete, and person. As a receiver, he did a great job of adjusting to the ball and making many difficult catches,” said Alcester-Hudson coach Brian Haak. “At safety, he was consistently in the right place making tackles and defending the pass.  It was a pleasure to coach and teach Ethan.”

DEFENSIVE BACK: Jesiah Baum, Jr., Warner (5-9, 165)

Baum was a workhorse defensive back for the Monarchs. The junior totaled 45 tackles this season, adding to a career total of 93 tackles. The two-year starter is also a two-time Lake Region All-Conference selection. “Jesiah does a great job identifying plays and getting to the ball,” said Warner coach Derek Hollein. “With his quickness, he can play the pass and also come up in run support.”

SPECIAL TEAMS: Peyton Rainford, Sr., Wolsey-Wessington (5-9, 165)

Rainford collected 979 yards and 12 touchdowns as a senior for the Wolsey-Wessington Warbirds. The senior ended his career at the DakotaDome with 1,336 total yards and 16 touchdowns.

SPECIAL TEAMS: Roper Eaton, Sr., Dupree (5-9, 175)

Eaton was a cornerstone player for the Dupree Tigers. The senior long snapper is a two-time Little Moreau All-Conference selection, two-year captain, and a one-time All-Conference honorable mention member.

ATHLETE: Kale Crowser, Sr., Wall (5-11, 180)

Crowser was a versatile player for the Eagles. Crowser collected 11 receptions for 172 yards and three touchdowns, including a rushing touchdown offensively, while also tallying 72 tackles (7.5 tackles for loss), two sacks, an interception, two forced fumbles and a kick return touchdown in 2024. He finished his career with nine touchdowns and 132 tackles (10.5 tackles for loss). “Kale plays in every phase for us. He starts at tight end, linebacker, punt returner, kick returner, and is the starting kickoff,” said Wall coach Lex Heathershaw. “Kale is our tone setter. We didn't have the need to throw the ball a ton this year, but Kale was a key piece of our offensive line at tight end. We were able to run outside his way most of the time.”

ATHLETE: Wyat James, Sr., Estelline-Hendricks (6-2, 205)

James left a lasting impact on the Redhawks football team. The four-year starter collected 64 tackles and three interceptions as a senior. For his career, James has totaled 58 catches for 809 yards and seven touchdown receptions, adding a rushing touchdown, punt return touchdown, kick return touchdown, 168 tackles, 12 interceptions and four fumble recoveries. “With his unique combination of size and athletic ability Wyat could have played any position on defense. He played some defensive end and linebacker over his career but spent the vast majority of his time at safety.  He covers a lot of ground in pass defense and his ability to make open field tackles was outstanding. He has led the team in solo tackles the past 4 years,” said Estelline-Hendricks coach Tim Cass. “As a 4-year starter, he has played a massive role in our team’s success. I believe he has started every game over the past 4 years. Our seniors have won more games in their careers than any class going back to 2009.”

HONORABLE MENTION: Alec Austin, Centerville; Max Kulesa and Kyle Hettich, Ipswich; Tanner Volmer, Dawson Handcock and Brayden Lange, Wall; Tyce Gropper, Philip; Matthew McAninch, Estelline-Hendricks; Cole Kieffer, Lyman; Noah Little Wounded, Dupree; Chays Mansfield, Alec Mikkelsen and Devon Fischbach, Warner; and Cole Ducheneaux, Timber Lake.