Boston Katzer powered Lennox to its first state football championship since 1982, and was honored for it today.

The Joe Robbie MVP was the Class 11A all-state football team quarterback, as selected by the South Dakota High School Football Coaches Association. 

Class 11A

OFFENSE

QUARTERBACK: Boston Katzer, Sr., Lennox (6-3, 210)

Katzer had a legendary year for the Class 11A champion Orioles. The senior quarterback passed for 3,085 yards and 33 touchdowns, along with rushing for 463 rushing yards and five rushing scores as well. He also tallied 30 tackles and three interceptions on defense. The two-time All-Stater has thrown for nearly 7,500 career passing yards and over 70 passing touchdowns. “Boston is a tremendous athlete and leader. Competes and never wants to be taken out of the game,” said Lennox coach Shawn Flanagan. “Plays with a great motor. Was 9th in the 100 meter as a junior at state track.”

TIGHT END/FULLBACK/H-BACK: Cain Wallner, Sr., Canton (6-4, 220)

Wallner did it all for the C-Hawks. He rushed for 809 yards and five touchdowns, passed for 62 yards on eight completions, and caught 28 passes for 348 yards and 12 touchdowns. Defensively, Wallner recorded 71 tackles, three forced fumbles and one interception. He was Canton’s leading rusher, receiver and tackler in 2024. “Cain is one of the best all around players we've ever had. He could do (and did) everything we asked him to do,” said Canton coach Rich Lundstrom. “We put a lot on his plate and he handled it well. He is a great leader and teammate.  Cain is the type of player that every coach dreams of having, an absolute stud who is humble and respectful.”

TIGHT END/FULLBACK/H-BACK: Karsen Wilde, Sr., West Central (5-10, 225)

Wilde recorded 534 yards and five touchdowns for the Trojans in his senior season. The two-time All-Conference selection helped with an offense that averaged 296 rushing yards a game. “Karsen is truly what our Team Above Self motto stands for.  He will play any position to make us a better team,” said West Central coach Barry Mattheis. “We moved him around to where we needed someone to block for our main runners.”

TIGHT END/FULLBACK/H-BACK: Nicholas Popkes, Jr., Sioux Falls Christian (6-2, 215)

Popkes caught eight passes for 105 yards and a touchdown for Sioux Falls Christian. He moved from an offensive lineman to tight end this season, contributing to the 11-1 Class 11A runners-up. “Nick has been a great blocking TE for us this season, after starting at tackle for us as a sophomore,” said Sioux Falls Christian coach Jared Smith. “He has good size, strength and hands that made him an effective TE in our system.”

RUNNING BACK: Cole Ruesink, Sr., Dell Rapids (5-11, 185)

Reusink was Dell Rapids’ workhorse back. He recorded 165 carries for 1,208 yards and 14 touchdowns, as well as catching 21 passes for 261 yards and a touchdown. A 2023 All-State selection, he ended his career with 1,925 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns, recorded 708 receiving yards and seven touchdown catches. “Cole has been the anchor of our offense this year and is a two year starter on that side of the ball as well as a 3 year starter on defense. Cole also plays a big role on special teams for us with 4 return TD's this year,” said Dell Rapids coach Derek Genzlinger. “A dynamic athlete that is also the leader of our team, Cole has made a lasting impact on Dell Rapids football. We couldn't be more proud to have Cole in our program.”

RUNNING BACK: Brayden Witte, Sr., Sioux Falls Christian (6-2, 205)

Witte capped off an outstanding career for the Chargers. He recorded 16 total touchdowns in his senior season, ending his career with 34 rushing touchdowns and four receiving touchdowns, tallying 2,737 rushing yards. “Brayden has been a hard nosed RB for us the last three seasons,” said Sioux Falls Christian coach Jared Smith. “He played hurt throughout the entire year as a junior and never complained. Brayden will be playing football at Dordt University next fall.”

RUNNING BACK: Tate Gerdes, Jr., Lennox (6-3, 190)

Gerdes racked up 907 rushing yards and 346 receiving yards as a junior for the Orioles. The three-sport athlete averaged six yards a carry for the Class 11A champions. “Tate is a very dynamic playmaker with the ball,” said Lennox coach Shawn Flanagan. “Has two more touchdowns, one on special teams and another on defense.”

WIDE RECEIVER: Cole Snyder, Sr., Sioux Falls Christian (6-0, 170)

Snyder was a beast for Sioux Falls Christian. He caught 39 passes for 889 yards and 14 touchdowns in just eight games this season. The two-time All-State selection ended his career with 30 touchdowns and over 1,500 receiving yards. “Cole has been a dynamic player for us on both sides of the ball over the last three seasons,” said Sioux Falls Christian coach Jared Smith.

WIDE RECEIVER: Drake Mikkelson, Soph., Lennox (6-5, 190)

Mikkelson is a deep threat for Lennox. He tallied 923 receiving yards and 12 touchdown receptions as a sophomore. Mikkelson was also an All-Conference selection. “Often double teamed and always brought the team's best cover corner,” said Lennox coach Shawn Flanagan. “Can run all the routes and is a very difficult match up in terms of size, speed, strength and being able to double move and stem defensive backs.”

WIDE RECEIVER: Connor Peterson, Sr., Vermillion (6-0, 175)

Peterson was a standout receiver for the Tanagers. He caught 43 passes for 596 yards and seven touchdowns in his senior year. Peterson is also a two-time All-Conference nominee. “Smart wide receiver, good route runner, and catches very well,” said Vermillion coach Tom O’Boyle.

OFFENSIVE LINEMAN: Lincoln Semchenko, Sr., Sioux Falls Christian (6-5, 300)

Semchenko is a force for Sioux Falls Christian. The future South Dakota State Jackrabbit football player is an Elite 45 selection, two-time All-Conference bid, and was an anchor for the runner-up Chargers. “Lincoln is a captain and a great leader for our team. He is a dominant offensive lineman that makes our entire team better on both sides of the ball,” said Sioux Falls Christian coach Jared Smith. “Lincoln will be playing at SDSU in the fall.”

OFFENSIVE LINEMAN: Carson Maeschen, Jr., Dell Rapids (5-10, 200)

Maeschen was part of an o-line that helped produce 3,400 yards of offense, averaging 243 rushing yards a game. The two-year starter and 2023 All-Conference selection was the left guard for the 2023 undefeated state champion Dell Rapids Quarriers. “Carson is our leader upfront and a great leader for us. A great young man who is the first one in and last one out mentality,” said Dell Rapids coach Derek Genzlinger. “Carson is the hardest worker on our team and brings a lot of energy for us upfront. He sets the tone for our team.”

OFFENSIVE LINEMAN: Emory Lefers, Sr.,  Lennox (6-2, 240)

Lefers was the Orioles’ ironman. He didn’t miss a single snap in 11 games this season for Lennox, powering them to a Class 11A championship. Lefers is a three-year starter and two-time All-Conference pick. “Emory did a great job in terms of being a run block and protecting the quarterback's blind side,” said Lennox coach Shawn Flanagan. “Can down block reach and block in space. Size and strength is tremendous with athletic ability to get out in the screen game.”

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

Sandholm assisted an offense that produced nearly 300 rushing yards a game. An All-State o-lineman in 2023, Sandholm played a big role in West Central’s run to the state semifinals. “Creighton has been our best offensive lineman the last two years.  He is the leader of our line,” said West Central coach Barry Mattheis. “Creighton has played every offensive snap the last two years.”

OFFENSIVE LINEMAN: Easton Van Scoyk, Sr., Dakota Valley (6-3, 240)

Van Scoyk set the tone for the Panthers in 2024. The three-year starter powered Dakota Valley to a 5-5 record in 2024. Van Scoyk also tallied 55 tackles (17.5 tackles for loss) this season. “One of our key leaders on the field and off the field. Started O-Line and D-Line the last three years,” said Dakota Valley coach Carl Reinhardt. “Was a real force on the line on both sides of the ball.”

OFFENSIVE LINEMAN: Paul Hoekman, Sr., Sioux Falls Christian (6-1, 261)

Hoekman was a brick wall for opposing defenses. He didn’t allow a sack during Sioux Falls Christian’s trip to the Class 11A championship. Hoekman is a two-time All-Conference nominee and part of the preseason Elite 45 team. “As a captain and our center Paul was the anchor of our offensive lineman,” said Sioux Falls Christian coach Jared Smith. “He made our calls and was dominant in both run blocking and pass pro.”

DEFENSE

DEFENSIVE LINEMAN: Jacob Congdon, Sr., Sioux Falls Christian (6-4, 214)

Congdon racked up 70 tackles, three sacks and three pass breakups as a senior for the Chargers. The two-time All-Conference selection finished his career with 120 tackles, 11.5 sacks and two forced fumbles. “As a captain Jacob has been a great leader on and off the field for our program,” said Sioux Falls Christian coach Jared Smith. “Teammates of all ages respect him for his work ethic, character and the relationships he's built.”

DEFENSIVE LINEMAN: Quinn Carr, Sr., Dell Rapids (6-2, 220)

Carr was a tough matchup for offenses. He totaled 36 tackles (10 tackles for loss), five sacks, a fumble recovery and a defensive touchdown. He ends his high school career with 93 tackles (23 tackles for loss), 11 sacks, and four fumble recoveries. Car is a two-time All-State selection, starting on two state championship teams for Dell Rapids. “Quinn has been the anchor of our defensive front for 3 years now,” said Dell Rapids coach Derek Genzlinger. “A quiet hard working young man who leads by example for us upfront. Quinn has left a lasting impact on Dell Rapids Football.”

DEFENSIVE LINEMAN: Keaton Vessells, Sr., West Central (6-0, 165)

Vessels had an unreal year for West Central. He recorded 56 tackles (16 tackles for loss), five sacks and two forced fumbles. A now two-time All-State defensive line selection, Vessells totaled 108 tackles (31 tackles for loss) and 11 sacks the last two seasons. “Keaton is the anchor of our Defensive lineman - he commands a double team which keeps lineman off our backers.  Keaton is almost always giving up 50-100 lbs to guys trying to block him,” said West Central coach Barry Mattheis. “He has a non-stop motor and represents the characteristics of West Central Football.”

DEFENSIVE LINEMAN: Cole Klingbile, Sr., Madison (5-11, 220)

Klingbile was a nightmare for offensive lineman. He recorded 63 tackles (8.5 tackles for loss) and 2.5 sacks as a senior for the Bulldogs. He ends his career with 130 tackles (21 tackles for loss) and five sacks in two seasons. “Cole plays with great effort and passion every game. He has a motor that doesn't stop and he makes big plays for our defense,” said Madison coach Joe Bundy. “He has started for 2 years and has been a big part of what we do on defense.”

LINEBACKER: Rollie French, Sr., Vermillion (5-10, 190)

French filled up the stat sheet for the Tanager defense. He finished the year with 132 tackles, three sacks and two interceptions. French is a three-time All-Conference selection and a two-time All-State selection. “Tremendous player, physical, very good tackler,” said Vermillion coach Tom O’Boyle.

LINEBACKER: Jensen Pixler, Jr., Sioux Falls Christian (6-1, 210)

Despite playing in six games, Pixler’s presence was felt in each game tallying 44 tackles (5.5 tackles for loss) and a sack. Through his junior year, Pixler has 120 career tackles (18 tackles for loss), six sacks, two fumble recoveries and one forced fumble. “Jensen's speed, toughness, and instincts make him one of the best linebackers I've ever coached. After the first six games Jensen suffered a burst appendix and missed the next four games,” said Sioux Falls Christian coach Jared Smith. “His return to our linebacker core in the semifinal brought great confidence to our team.”

LINEBACKER: Preston Konopasek, Sr., Dakota Valley (5-11, 190)

Konopasek was a versatile player for the Panthers. He recorded 56 tackles, three sacks and an interception defensively, while rushing 36 times for 241 yards and two touchdowns for Dakota Valley. Konopasek is an Academic All-State selection. “Played both sides of the ball, started out at corner and worked into the Mike backer halfway through season,” said Sioux Falls Christian coach Jared Smith. “Big run stopper for us.”

LINEBACKER: Kenny Swanson, Jr., Dell Rapids (5-11, 185)

Swanson recorded 68 tackles, four tackles for loss and two sacks for the Quarriers. He has 78 career tackles through his junior season. “Kenny has stepped in at Mike linebacker for us and does a great job at making sure we are aligned correctly at all times,” said Dell Rapids coach Derek Genzlinger. “Kenny is the leading tackler of our defense that is giving up 13 points per game.”

LINEBACKER: Jevyn Lefers, Soph., Lennox (6-0, 205)

Lefers had an excellent sophomore year for the Class 11A champs. He recorded 80 tackles (eight tackles for loss, two sacks, a forced fumble and three fumble recoveries. Lefers started as a freshman for Lennox last season and recorded over 50 tackles in his first year. “Jevyn is a force and linebacker making plays from sideline-to-sideline filling gaps, and a great reader with the ability to cover in the pass game and also blitz the quarterback,” said Lennox coach Shawn Flanagan.

DEFENSIVE BACK: Tate Connell, Jr., Sioux Falls Christian (5-10, 175)

Connell was a lockdown cornerback this season. He recorded 67 tackles, two interceptions, three pass break-ups and a sack as a junior. Connell is also an All-Conference selection. “This offseason Tate worked as hard as any player I've ever coached,” said Sioux Falls Christian coach Jared Smith. “His commitment to the weight room and nutrition allowed him to add over 20 lbs of muscle. The transformation carried over to the field this fall.”

DEFENSIVE BACK: Will Ronshaugen, Sr., Dell Rapids (6-0, 185)

Ronshaugen was a ballhawk for Dell Rapids. He reeled in four interceptions and 34 tackles in his senior season. A starter on the 2023 Dell Rapids championship team, he ends his career with seven interceptions. “Will has been a 2 year starter at DB for us and does a great job of making sure we are lined up correctly and not giving up big pass plays,” said Dell Rapids coach Derek Genzlinger. “A very high IQ player that our players lean on to make big plays in the biggest moments.”

DEFENSIVE BACK: Shane Veenhof, Jr., Madison (6-0, 160)

Veenhof is a game changer for Madison. As a junior, he recorded 21 tackles, five passes defended, six interceptions, returning one pick for a touchdown. The All-Conference selection has 11 career interceptions heading into his senior year. “Shane is a special player. He can take away a team's best option. He is a smart player that makes a lot of plays in all phases of the game,” said Madison coach Joe Bundy. He missed the first 3 games of the season and still had the stats that set him apart.”

DEFENSIVE BACK: Brody Dybvig, Jr., Tri Valley (5-9, 170)

Dybvig recorded 48 tackles (two tackles for loss), a sack, four interceptions, and two interception return touchdowns this season. He has a career of over 1,700 total yards and 20 touchdowns offensively, adding 131 tackles and seven interceptions on defense. “Brody Dybvig has started all three years of his career. He is a dynamic, physical football player. Brody is a big play waiting to happen for the Mustangs in all 3 phases of the game. He is a great team leader, leading by example on and off the field. Brody has played several positions (cornerback/safety/outside linebacker/middle linebacker/defensive end/running back/wide receiver/quarterback/punter) over his career out of necessity. He never hesitated and took on any role, no matter how difficult, to make the team better,” said Tri Valley coach Dan Snethen. “He's always willing to work with younger players before and after practice, helping them to develop. Athletically gifted, Brody excels in football, wrestling, track, & baseball. He's a pleasure to coach and teach, and the best thing is he's just a junior, so we get to coach him some more.”

SPECIAL TEAMS: Dawson Unruh, Jr., Sioux Falls Christian (6-1, 200)

Dawson Unruh played a pivotal role for the Chargers. He played both linebacker and kicker for Sioux Falls Christian and its road to an 11-1 season and Class 11A runners-up.

SPECIAL TEAMS: Cooper Frost, Sr., Dell Rapids (5-10, 180)

Frost booted 19-of-24 extra points this season, as well as kicking 2-of-3 on field goals, including a 39-yard field goal. He adds to his career total 30-of-36 on extra points. “Cooper has made a big impact in our kicking game this year,” said Dell Rapids coach Derek Genzlinger. “He is also a team captain, a two-year starter on defense, and our starting quarterback this year. Cooper's kicking has played a huge role in our success this season.”

ATHLETE: Ben Brooks, Sr., Madison (6-7, 210)

Brooks was a do-it-all athlete for Madison. In his senior year, he passed for 550 yards and three passing touchdowns, rushed for 649 yards and 10 touchdowns, adding another 334 yards and three scores in the receiving game. Brooks ends his career with 4,676 yards from scrimmage. “Ben is an awesome football player that does so much for our team. He runs routes, runs the ball, and plays quarterback. He plays multiple positions so it's hard to pin down a spot for him,” said Madison coach Joe Bundy. “He can break a run for a touchdown at any time and is a big threat as a wide receiver too. I know he doesn't fit a specific position but I also know he is an All-State caliber player.”

ATHLETE: Lincoln Prins, Sr., Sioux Falls Chistian (6-1, 185)

Prins was a standout quarterback for Sioux Falls Christian. He ends his career with 45 touchdowns, over 3,500 passing yards and eight rushing touchdowns. The two-time All-State and All-Conference selection holds every school record for passing at Sioux Falls Christian. “As a captain, Lincoln has been a great leader on our team for the last two seasons,” said Sioux Falls Christian coach Jared Smith. “He has put in a lot of time in the offseason to improve his knowledge of the game and his quarterback skills. Lincoln is committed to play next year at Dordt University.”

HONORABLE MENTION — Simon and Benson Kieffer and Wesley Schlabach, RC Christian; Aiden Bartmann and Eli Mundahl, West Central; Talon Eich and Nate Haar, Lennox; Jayce DeGeorgia, Dakota Valley; Hunter Richmond and Teague Granum, Canton; and Israel Ouverson, Madison