State champion Sioux Falls Jefferson landed 11 players on the Class 11AAA all-state team, which was selected by the South Dakota Football Coaches Association. Semifinalist Sioux Falls O’Gorman landed seven players, while runner-up Harrisburg and semifinalist Sioux Falls Lincoln landed five players apiece.

Sioux Falls Jefferson, which defeated Harrisburg 48-21 in the state championship, landed Taylen Ashley, Sam Siegfried, Nelson Wright, Griffin Wilde, Sawyer Huntimer, David Grabow, Thomas Heiberger, Dashawn Rohlik, Dawson Sechser, London Kolb, and Beau Giblin. Sioux Falls O’Gorman’s Bennett Dannenbring, Ryland Satter, Maverick Jones, Aden Scott, Nate Ratzlaff, Henry Theobald, and Peyton Hage landed on the all-state team.

Harrisburg’s Evan Vesely, Caiden Mason, Max Carlson, Jack Detert and Tim Bishop were selected for the Tigers. Sioux Falls Lincoln’s Sam Hindbjorgen, Jack Smith, Tate Schafer, Brycen Mitchell, and Gabe Gutierrez were all-state selections for the Patriots.

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

QUARTERBACK: Taylen Ashley, Sr., Sioux Falls Jefferson (6-0, 185)

Ashley passed for 2,279 yards and 30 touchdowns, against just three interceptions, while rushing for 385 yards and five touchdown runs. An all-stater last season, Ashley finished his Cavalier career with 4,129 yards passing and 45 touchdown passes. He is committed to play basketball at the University of Sioux Falls.

“Incredible, efficient quarterback for us this season. Improved by leaps and bounds from his junior season to his senior season,” Sioux Falls Jefferson coach Vince Benedetto said. “Taylen is the definition of team first; we were so blessed to have Taylen as the first quarterback in Jefferson history. He has set the standard and set it high.”

QUARTERBACK: Bennett Dannenbring, Sr., Sioux Falls O’Gorman (6-1, 195)

Dannenbring led the Sioux Falls O’Gorman offense with 2,694 yards passing and 30 touchdowns, while adding 280 rushing yards and four touchdowns. An All-Metro and All-State selection last year, Dannenbring finished his career with 5,169 yards and 52 touchdowns, while rushing for 646 yards and 11 touchdowns.

“(Bennett) holds almost every QB record at OG,” Sioux Falls O’Gorman coach Jayson Poppinga said. “ (He) accomplished this with only one O-lineman over 225 pounds.”

FULLBACK/H-BACK: Ryland Satter, Jr., Sioux Falls O’Gorman (6-0, 200)

Satter was an all-around back for the Knights, but did most of his damage in the receiving game. He recorded 1,001 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns, and in his career thus far has 1,518 receiving yards and 20 touchdowns. The two-way starter was an all-state fullback last year.

“Very versatile and best finisher on our team every time he touches the ball,” Sioux Falls O’Gorman coach Jayson Poppinga said.

RUNNING BACK: Nelson Wright, Sr., Sioux Falls Jefferson (5-8, 195)

Wright used a dynamic running style to rush for 1,311 yards and 19 touchdowns this season. The two-time All-State selection also added a receiving touchdown.

“Nelson brought great work ethic to our team; he made his teammates better every day,” Sioux Falls Jefferson coach Vince Benedetto said. “A workhorse of a running back- got better as the game went on and wore down defenses. Nelson averaged 185 yards on 22 carries in our three playoff games. He is a complete back.”

RUNNING BACK: Jaxsen Grevengoed, Jr., Sioux Falls Roosevelt (5-10, 195)

Grevengoed was a versatile playmaker for the Rough Riders this season, rushing for 745 yards and seven touchdowns, while adding 586 yards receiving and six touchdowns. He totaled 1,329 yards of offense and 14 touchdowns and was named a first team all-conference selection.

“Our best player. Leading receiver, leading rusher, leading scorer,” Sioux Falls Roosevelt coach Kim Nelson said. “Should have done all our kicking as well. Strong and quick, very hard to bring down, very determined, but also had great hands and was a big play threat as a receiver.”

RUNNING BACK: Maverick Jones, Jr., Sioux Falls O’Gorman (5-10, 155)

Jones was a major playmaker in the running game for the Knights, rushing for 1,093 yards and 15 touchdowns this season. So far in his career, Jones has rushed for 1,905 yards and 25 touchdowns.

“(Maverick) holds the single game rushing record at (O’Gorman),” Sioux Falls O’Gorman coach Jayson Poppinga said. “Missed 2 games with injury. Does all this behind a very poor O-line.”

WIDE RECEIVER: Griffin Wilde, Sr., Sioux Falls Jefferson (6-2, 180)

Wilde was one of the Cavaliers top targets this season, racking up 946 yards receiving on 46 receptions and 10 touchdowns. On defense, Wilde recorded 22 tackles and two interceptions and is a two-time all-state selection. He will play college football at South Dakota State University. 

“The impact that Griffin had on every one of our football games cannot be understated. As a receiver he either demanded a double team and opened up opportunities for his teammate or made teams pay for playing base coverage on him,” Sioux Falls Jefferson coach Vince Benedetto said. “Defensively he worked his way to being one of the best corners in the state, coming up huge in critical situations. On special teams, he guaranteed us field position past the 35-yard line because teams would not kick to him. On top of this, Griffin just wants to win- catches, stats, recognition, none of that matters to Griffin.”

WIDE RECEIVER: Jack Smith, Jr., Sioux Falls Lincoln (5-11, 190)

Smith put up some impressive numbers this season at Sioux Falls Lincoln, logging 89 receptions for 1,346 yards (both Class 11AAA records) and 15 touchdowns. For his career, Smith has 145 receptions for 2,071 yards and 21 touchdowns. It was a record-breaking year for Smith, who set Class 11AAA single-game records for most receptions (20) and receiving yards (367), and tied the single-game record with four touchdown receptions.

“Off the field, Jack is an outstanding kid. Very quiet and unassuming,” Sioux Falls Lincoln coach Jared Fredenburg said. “He just goes out there and does his job without all the antics many times found with kids accomplishing record setting performances.”

WIDE RECEIVER: Dylan Langerock, Sr., Brandon Valley (6-3, 180)

Langerock was a big-play receiver for the Lynx this season, recording 67 catches for 1,125 yards and nine touchdowns.

“Matchup nightmare. Homecoming king. Total stud. Great blocker. Amazing teammate. Special talent. Difference maker. Game changer,” Brandon Valley coach Matt Christensen said.

TIGHT END: Sam Hindbjorgen, Sr., Sioux Falls Lincoln (6-4, 240)

Hindbjorgen made an impact all over the field, especially on defense. The senior logged 22 tackles, seven tackles-for-loss, six sacks, and one interception. In his career, he totaled 61 tackles, 13 tackles-for-loss, 17 sacks, and one interception. 

“Sam was a three year starter for Lincoln. Sam ended his career with 17 sacks which is tied for 4th all time in AAA,” Sioux Falls Lincoln coach Jared Fredenburg said. “Total team player that has been a two-way starter for the last two years. He has a 4.03 GPA and committed to play Division I football at the University of North Dakota.”

TIGHT END: Sam Siegfried, Sr., Sioux Falls Jefferson (6-4, 215)

Siegfried was a dynamic playmaker for the Cavaliers, totaling 216 yards receiving and five touchdowns. He also had 14 tackles, three sacks, six tackles-for-loss, one interception of a touchdown, and one fumble recovery on defense.

“Huge in our run game blocking from the TE position. True two way player throughout the entire regular season,” Sioux Falls Jefferson coach Vince Benedetto said. “Effective receiver when we used him there, extremely valuable to an offense that is heavy 11 and 12 personnel.”

OFFENSIVE LINE: Sawyer Huntimer, Sr., Sioux Falls Jefferson (6-1, 265)

Huntimer blocked for an offense that averaged 201 rushing yards per game, 210 passing yards per game, and 44 points per game. 

“Best offensive lineman for us. Could do it all for us from a scheme standpoint,” Sioux Falls Jefferson coach Vince Benedetto said. “Really good football player and deserving of all state.”

OFFENSIVE LINE: David Grabow, Sr., Sioux Falls Jefferson (6-1, 275)

Grabow blocked for a Sioux Falls Jefferson offense that averaged 201 rushing yards per game, 210 passing yards per game, and 44 points per game.

“Second year ever playing OL. Worked extremely hard in the weight room and on his technique year around,” Sioux Falls Jefferson coach Vince Benedetto said. “Humble kid, but a leader by example. Down blocks were great all year, super physical.”

OFFENSIVE LINE: Isaac Johnson, Sr., Brandon Valley (6-1, 300)

Isaac Johnson led the way for a Lynx offense that rushed for 1,150 yards and passed for 2,450 yards this season.

“Isaac is a road grader. The dude squats 600 pounds. Excellent leader. Vocal, happy, invested. Fortunate to have him,” Brandon Valley coach Matt Christensen said. “He gave up playing nose guard when the team really, really needed him to play offensive line.”

OFFENSIVE LINE: Aden Scott, Sr., Sioux Falls O’Gorman (6-0, 270)

Scott led an offensive line that blocked for an offense that passed for 2,867 yards and rushed for 1,586 yards, while averaging 38 points per game.

“Only legitimate O-lineman on our team,” Sioux Falls O’Gorman coach Jayson Poppinga said.

OFFENSIVE LINE: Evan Vesely, Sr., Harrisburg (6-3, 240)

Vesely earned 2022 All-ESD & Metro Conference honors after blocking for the runner-up Tigers this season.

“Evan is a big athletic OL. He is very multidimensional,” Harrisburg coach Brandon White said. “He plays with a little nastiness. He is our best OL this year.”

OFFENSIVE LINE: Caiden Mason, Sr., Harrisburg (6-5, 245)

Mason was awarded 2022 All-ESD honors after leading the way for the runner-up Tigers on the offensive line.

“Caiden is a big long athletic RT. He has gotten better each week,” Harrisburg coach Brandon White said. “His pass protection ability is as good as we have seen at HHS. He is going to be a big time player at the next level. He hasn't even scratched the surface of his potential.”

ATHLETE: Tate Schafer, Jr., Sioux Falls Lincoln (6-0, 180)

Schafer was a dynamic quarterback for the Patriots this season. The junior passed for 3,108 yards and 35 touchdown passes on 236 completions. For his career so far, Schafer has thrown for 5,394 yards and 56 touchdowns.

“Tate threw for 35 TD's, which ranks 1st for TD’s thrown in a season for Class AAA,” Sioux Falls Lincoln coach Jared Fredenburg said. “His 3,108 yards ranks 2nd all time for passing yards in a season, he threw for 444 yds in a single game which ranks 2nd in AAA for single passing yards in a game and he also threw 5 TD’s in a game twice this year which is tied for 2nd in AAA single game TD’s. Tate's 56 career TD’s ranks him 3rd all time in AAA. In addition to the career TD’s his 5,394 career passing yards ranks him 3rd all-time in AAA.”

Harrisburg's Max Carlson, right, carries the ball in the Class 11AAA state championship game against Sioux Falls Jefferson. (Rodney Haas / 605 Sports)

ATHLETE: Max Carlson, Jr., Harrisburg (6-1, 185)

Carlson was a do-it-all player for the Tigers, as the 2022 All-ESD and Metro performer recorded 753 yards receiving and seven touchdowns, 268 yards rushing and nine touchdowns, and 109 yards passing and three touchdowns.

“Max is an unbelievable athlete. He is a do it all type player,” Harrisburg coach Brandon White said. “His ability to score from anywhere on the field makes him really special. Again we are very fortunate he is only a junior.”

ATHLETE: Julian Scott, Sr., Rapid City Stevens (6-0, 170)

An All-ESD Conference selection, Scott logged 801 receiving yards on 43 receptions, while adding 115 rushing yards and seven total touchdowns. He also had eight kick returns for an average of 26.5 yards per return.

ATHLETE: Mason DeSchepper, Sr., Sioux Falls Roosevelt (6-0, 190)

DeSchepper was a two-way player for the Rough Riders. On defense, he averaged 7.3 tackles per game, had two interceptions, two forced fumbles, and was a field general, calling out coverages, fronts, and stunts. On offense, he had eight catches for 110 yards and one touchdown. DeSchepper has also won the Rough Rider Award and is a two year starter.

“I always went to Mason for advice and information about how the team was doing,” Sioux Falls Roosevelt coach Kim Nelson said. “He was our only vocal leader and the team listened when he talked.”

DEFENSIVE LINE: Abraham Myers, Sr., Sioux Falls Washington (6-3, 230)

“Abraham's impact on each game is immense. He is a powerful edge rusher and his overall speed is exceptional,” Sioux Falls Washington coach Ryan Evans said. “He is a tremendous leader and is a player that plays within the scheme of a defense in order to make sure that the team-defense has overall success.”

DEFENSIVE LINE: Jack Detert, Sr., Harrisburg (6-3, 220)

Detert anchored the defensive line for the runner-up Tigers. This season, he recorded 79 tackles, 10 sacks, and three forced fumbles. He is an All-ESD and Metro Conference selection, and is approaching the school record for career sacks.

“Jack is our MVP. He is an absolute beast of a playmaker,” Harrisburg coach Brandon White said. “Whenever we need a big play he seems to be the one to do so. His motor and physicality is very commendable. Again he is one of our very few two year starters we have.”

DEFENSIVE LINE: Thomas Heiberger, Jr., Sioux Falls Jefferson (6-5, 220)

Heiberg wreaked havoc for the Cavaliers along the defensive line this season. He posted 44 tackles, 19 solo tackles, 10 tackles for loss, six sacks and one interception. Last season, he finished with 40 tackles as a sophomore. He’s played a number of positions and already has scholarship offers from North Dakota State University and South Dakota State University. 

“Our most dynamic defensive player — linebacker, defensive end, even safety at times,” Jefferson coach Vince Benedetto said. “Created havoc off the edge rushing and made a lot of plays for us.” 

DEFENSIVE LINE: Brycen Mitchell, Jr., Sioux Falls Lincoln (6-0, 250)

Mitchell was a productive defensive lineman for the Patriots. He finished with 41 tackles, eight sacks and five tackles for loss this season. 

“Actually the guy with the best stats on our DL,” Lincoln coach Jared Fredenburg said. “We moved him around in pass rush situations and he was a hard handle for bigger OL.”

DEFENSIVE LINE: Dashawn Rohlik, Jr., Sioux Falls Jefferson (6-0, 260)

Rohlik anchored the defensive front for the state champs. He posted 40 tackles, including 17 solo stops. He added six tackles for loss and one forced fumble. He’s a two-year starter. 

“Our most physical presence on the DL,” Jefferson coach Vince Benedetto said. “Made a lot happen for our linebackers eating up double teams and penetrating.”

LINEBACKER: Gabe Gutierrez, Sr., Sioux Falls Lincoln (6-2, 228)

Gutierrez was a menace in the middle of Lincoln’s defensive unit. He posted 61 tackles, nine tackles for loss, five sacks and three forced fumbles. He added two touchdowns on offense. For his career, he racked up 191 career tackles, 25 tackles for loss, seven sacks and seven forced fumbles. 

“Gabe Gutierrez was the heart and soul of our defense and team,” Sioux Falls Lincoln coach Jared Fredenburg said. “Gabe is a vocal leader that backs it up with his work ethic. He's a squeaky clean kid that is good in the classroom (3.3) and leads by example in our hallways and classrooms. He is going to be dearly missed on the Lincoln team.”

LINEBACKER: Nate Ratzlaff, Sr., Sioux Falls O’Gorman (5-11, 210)

Ratzlaff capped off a productive linebacking career for the Knights. He finished with 83 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, seven pass breakups, two fumble recoveries and one interception this season. A three-year starter, he logged 164 career tackles and played a number of positions in his career. 

“Toughest Football player on our team,” O’Gorman coach Jayson Poppinga said. “Played O-Line/ TE/ RB etc whenever we had an injury.”

LINEBACKER: Dawson Sechser, Jr., Sioux Falls Jefferson (6-0, 190)

Sechser helped anchor Jefferson’s defense from his linebacker position. He recorded 64 tackles, including 25 solo tackles. He added two interceptions, two defensive touchdowns and one sack. 

“Dawson had an impact for our defense in the run game and pass game,” Jefferson coach Vince Benedetto said. “He has the athleticism to play man on any receiver along with the physicality to fit the run and make plays in the box. Dawson leads by example every day.”

LINEBACKER: Tayden Nave, Jr., Sioux Falls Roosevelt (6-2, 195)

Nave manned the defensive unit for the Rough Riders. He averaged 8.3 tackles per game, while forcing one fumble and recovering two more. He added an interception and scored two touchdowns from his tight end position. He was the team’s second-leading tackler this season. He is a two-year starter. 

“He was our difference maker inside,” Sioux Falls Roosevelt coach Kim Nelson said. “When he was out, we weren't the same. He played inside LB this season and gave us a presence there.”

LINEBACKER: Tate Crosswait, Jr., Rapid City Stevens (6-3, 205)

Crosswait was a productive linebacker in Stevens’ defensive unit. He posted 122 tackles, including 41 solo stops. He added 6.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, one interception and one defensive touchdown. 

DEFENSIVE BACK: Tim Bishop, Sr., Harrisburg (6-3, 180)

Bishop was Harrisburg’s cover corner and excelled at it. The rangy corner logged 39 tackles and three interceptions for the state runner-ups. He was an all-ESD and all-Metro Conference selection this season. 

“Tim is a true man coverage corner,” Harrisburg coach Brandon White said. “He is so long and athletic that he is very tough to throw the ball on. He is not afraid of contact whatsoever. He has battled through some injuries all season and kept grinding.”

DEFENSIVE BACK: London Kolb, Sr., Sioux Falls Jefferson (6-0, 175)

Kolb brought a physical presence to Jefferson’s defensive secondary. The safety logged 56 tackles, including 29 solo stops. He added one sack and one forced fumble. He was a repeat all-state selection.

“London plays football with an edge,” Jefferson coach Vince Benedetto said. “He is a hammer at safety and set the physical tone for our football team in each game we played.”

DEFENSIVE BACK: Mandala Mohamed, Sr., Sioux Falls Washington (6-2, 175)

Mohamed was Washington’s lockdown defender in the secondary. He posted 41.5 tackles, six interceptions, 2.5 tackles for loss and two pass breakups. For his career, he finished with 57.5 tackles, seven interceptions, five tackles for loss and four pass breakups. He was a team captain this past season. 

“Mandalla is a lockdown defender for us,” Washington coach Ryan Evans said. “He needed to play safety throughout the season because of team need. Corner is his natural position. He is a tremendous leader and has been since his sophomore year in the program. He leads both by example and vocally.”

DEFENSIVE BACK: Beau Giblin, Sr., Sioux Falls Jefferson (6-1, 195)

Giblin was the leader of Jefferson’s defensive unit. He recorded 54 tackles, including 31 solo stops. He added five interceptions, three tackles for loss and two defensive touchdowns. 

“Beau is the leader of our defense,” Jefferson coach Vince Benedetto said. “He acted as the quarterback of our defense and has an incredibly high football IQ. Beau made an impact every game and seemed to make big time plays in situations that we needed them.”

DEFENSIVE BACK: Henry Theobald, Jr., Sioux Falls O’Gorman (6-0, 170)

Theobald was a solid contributor in the defensive back end for O’Gorman. He posted 30 tackles, eight pass breakups, two tackles for loss and one fumble recovery. On special teams, he recorded a school-record four blocked kicks. A two-year starter, he’s logged 45 career tackles. 

“Best cover player on our team,” O’Gorman coach Jayson Poppinga said. “Played WR after injury and returner.”

SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER: Ryder Haas, Jr., Brandon Valley (5-8, 175)

Haas finished 4 of 4 on field goals and 34 of 39 on PAT attempts, while logging a 67% touchback rate.

“He had cancer in his kicking foot and defeated it,” Brandon Valley coach Matthew Christensen said. “A real craftsman, Ryder is our punter and kicker. He loves the game. He can bomb away, too.”

SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER: Peyton Hage, Sr., Sioux Falls O’Gorman (6-0, 175)

Hage averaged 36 yards per punt and placed five inside the 20-yard line. He also kicked extra points for the Knights. He posted 565 receiving yards on 38 receptions and hauled in seven touchdown receptions. He added 39 tackles and two interceptions on defense. He was a two-year starter.

“Versatile player that never came off the field,” O’Gorman coach Jayson Poppinga said. “Strongest part was punting.”

HONORABLE MENTION: Camdyn Frederes, Sr., Sioux Falls Jefferson; Tytan Tryon, Jr., Harrisburg; Ty Naaktgeboren, Sr., Sioux Falls Roosevelt; Cohen Henry, Sr., Sioux Falls Jefferson; Tyler Horner, Sr., Sioux Falls Jefferson; Anthony Erickson, Sr., Sioux Falls Jefferson; Richard Benenge, Sr., Harrisburg