Sioux Falls Lincoln, which won back-to-back Class 11AAA all-state football championships, headlines this season’s all-state football team.

Class 11AAA Joe Robbie MVP Brody Schafer headlines the Class 11AAA all-state football team.

Class 11AAA

Offense

QUARTERBACK: Brody Schafer, Soph., Sioux Falls Lincoln (6-0, 170)

A first-year starter, Schafer piloted Lincoln to its second straight Class 11AAA state championship. The sophomore quarterback completed 144-of-216 passes for 1,754 yards and 22 passing touchdowns, to just five interceptions. He added 78 carries for 694 yards and 13 more scores. “I don't know of any other QB I would trade for Brody,” Lincoln Jared Fredenburg said. “He is a gym rat that is the first one there and the last to leave. He watches a ton of film and is the true leader of our offense. He has been totally accepted by all upperclassmen in our program. He's a great student with a 4.02 GPA.”

TIGHT END/FULLBACK/H-BACK: Eddie Whiting, Jr., Sioux Falls Jefferson (6-6, 230)

A major college football prospect, Whiting burst onto the scene this season for the Cavaliers. Whiting, a 6-foot-6, 230-pound tight end, hauled in 29 catches for 383 yards and six touchdown receptions. “Eddie is a difference maker for us, not just in the pass game but his blocking all year was phenomenal,” Jefferson coach Vince Benedetto said. “He is a P4 football player.”

TIGHT END/FULLBACK/H-BACK: Madden Timmer, Sr., Brandon Valley (6-0, 230)

Timmer was instrumental in Brandon Valley’s run to the DakotaDome. He helped the Lynx pass for 1,368 yards and rush for 1,978 yards. He finished with one rushing touchdown and one receiving touchdown. “Timmer blocked for a great rushing attack last year, too,” Brandon Valley coach Matt Christensen said. “The most pancake blocks a fullback has had for us in years.”

TIGHT END/FULLBACK/H-BACK: Weiland Benbo, Jr., Rapid City Central (5-11, 200)

Wenbo was a productive piece for the Cobblers. He recorded 437 yards rushing on 103 carries and one touchdown, while averaging 4.2 yards per carry. He also caught nine passes for 74 yards and another score. He posted 73 tackles (34 solo), 4.5 tackles for loss and one sack on defense. “In our offense he is asked to be the ultimate utility player,” Rapid City Central coach Brandon Colpitts said. “Blocking, catching, running, kicking, you name it, and the kid can do it well.”

RUNNING BACK: Josiah Heinz, Jr., Harrisburg (5-11, 185)

Heinz was a threat out of the backfield for the Tigers. He rushed for 1,408 yards on 201 carries and scored 21 rushing touchdowns. He added 218 yards receiving on 17 catches and scored three more scores. For his career, he has 1,943 yards rushing and 24 touchdowns. “Josiah is an unbelievable RB,” Harrisburg coach Brandon White said. “He is very explosive; he has 7 TD's of over 40yds this year. We are thankful he is a junior.” 

RUNNING BACK: Levi Veskrna, Jr., Brandon Valley (5-10, 180)

A dynamic running back, Veskrna powered the Class 11AAA runner-ups. He rushed for 928 yards and scored 15 rushing touchdowns, while averaging 5.8 yards per carry. For his career, he has 1,700 rushing yards and 24 touchdowns. “Rugged, unselfish, tough,” Brandon Valley coach Matt Christensen said. “Great balance and vision; hits like a brick; split carries with a senior.”

RUNNING BACK: Daevion Simonsen, Jr., Sioux Falls Jefferson (5-9, 205)

A speedster, Simonsen was a dangerous weapon out of the backfield for the Cavaliers. He rushed for 760 yards on 168 carries and scored 13 touchdowns this season. He added 14 receptions for 82 yards. Team Captain as a junior,” Jefferson coach Vince Benedetto said. “A tough runner, really hurt us when he went down early in the season. Didn't feel like he was the same back until the last two games of the year.” 

WIDE RECEIVER: Landon Dulaney, Sr., Brandon Valley (6-2, 185)

A future Jackrabbit, Dulaney capped off a productive career for the Lynx this season. He finished with 70 catches for 945 yards and 18 touchdown receptions. He added a rushing touchdown. For his career, Dulaney logged 100 catches for 1,400 yards and 25 touchdown receptions. “SDSU Jackrabbit commit,” Brandon Valley coach Matt Christensen said. “Big, strong, fast with exceptional hands.”

WIDE RECEIVER: Braeden Feeldy, Sr., Harrisburg (6-0, 170)

Feeldy was a threat to score from anywhere on the field. He recorded 822 receiving yards on 50 receptions and 12 touchdowns. He added 232 kickoff return yards and one touchdown. He also scored a rushing touchdown and a punt return for a score. For his career, he posted 76 receptions for 1,209 yards and 15 touchdown receptions. “Braeden is about as explosive of an athlete you can have,” Harrisburg coach Brandon White said. “He is a do-it-all type of player. His versatility is what sets him apart from a lot of other football players. He played a huge role all season in all three phases.” 

WIDE RECEIVER: Mikey Roche, Jr, Sioux Falls Lincoln (5-10, 170)

Roche was a dynamic player for the Class 11AAA state champs. He finished with 45 receptions for 515 yards and six touchdowns. He added 41 yards rushing. For his career, he has 69 catches for 922 yards and 10 touchdown catches. “He has one of the greatest work ethics I have ever seen,” Lincoln coach Jared Fredenburg said. “Mickey comes to practice everyday and simply outworks everybody. He was a starter as a sophomore and was usually the last option but still amassed 24 receptions with 407 yards. This year he was our go-to guy.”

OFFENSIVE LINEMAN: Hudson Parliament, Jr., Brandon Valley (6-4, 300)

A major college football prospect, Parliament powered the Lynx at the line of scrimmage. He helped the team pass for 1,368 yards and rush for 1,978 yards. The Lynx averaged 35.3 points per game and he posted more than 90 pancake blocks. “Unreal player, talented but humble and hungry,” Brandon Valley coach Matt Christensen said. 

OFFENSIVE LINEMAN: Lucas Feldkamp, Sr., Brandon Valley (6-5, 295)

An Augustana University commit, Feldkamp was another big piece along the Lynx’s offensive line. He helped the Lynx pass for 1,368 yards and rush for 1,978 more yards. The Lynx posted 35.3 points per game. “Consistent and physical, excellent fundamentals, really strong, mean, beast,” Brandon Valley coach Matt Christensen said. 

OFFENSIVE LINEMAN: Cayden Van Horssen, Sr., Harrisburg (6-5, 255)

A two-year starter at left tackle, Van Horssen powered the Tigers up front. He helped the Tigers finish 8-3 and averaged 338 yards per game. “Cayden is a fantastic LT and a great all-around kid,” Harrisburg coach Brandon White said. “He was our most consistent OL all year long. When we needed a big first down we loved to run behind him.”

OFFENSIVE LINEMAN: Lincoln Schumacher, Sr., Sioux Falls Lincoln (6-1, 250)

Schumacher was the starting right tackle for the Class 11AAA state champs. He helped the Patriots average 217 rushing yards and 169 passing yards per game. “This young man waited his turn and made himself into our best OL,” Lincoln coach Jared Fredenburg said. “Work ethic through the room.”

OFFENSIVE LINEMAN: Carson Hughes, Sr., Sioux Falls Jefferson (6-2, 270)

Hughes was a four-year starter along the offensive line for the Cavaliers. He started two years at guard and two years at center. “Leader and captain on our football team,” Jefferson coach Vince Benedetto said. “ Someone that has been a staple on our OL since our school opened up. Moving to center due to injury was a tough move but a move that was best for the team and really did a fantastic job at center for us.” 

OFFENSIVE LINEMAN: Elias Gillen, Sr., Rapid City Stevens (6-6, 307)

A future Texas Tech Raider, Gillen was the starting left tackle that allowed zero sacks this season. He also recorded 65 pancake blocks. He was a three-year starter for the Raiders. “Texas Tech commit, true team leader, very humble and hungry,” Stevens coach Joe Moore said. 

Defense

DEFENSIVE LINEMAN: Austin Miller, Sr., Sioux Falls Jefferson (6-6, 220)

Miller was a disruptive force for the Cavaliers. He posted 36 tackles, eight tackles for loss, four sacks, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. “Made plays for us in his two years as a starter,” Jefferson coach Vince Benedetto said. “He was disruptive and many of the disruptions he created led to big plays for our defense.” 

DEFENSIVE LINEMAN: Mekhi Zacher, Jr., Brandon Valley (6-1, 215)

Zacher was a valuable piece along the Lynx defensive line. He posted 30 tackles, four sacks and two pass breakups. For his career, Zacher has 55 tackles and seven sacks. “Active, powerful block destruction, great technique, aware,” Brandon Valley coach Matt Christensen said. 

DEFENSIVE LINEMAN: Luke Krempges, Sr., Sioux Falls Lincoln (6-4, 247)

A future Jackrabbit, Krempges was a key piece for the back-to-back Class 11AAA state champs. He finished this season with 43 tackles, nine tackles for loss and four sacks. For his career, he posted 82 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, three fumble recoveries and two forced fumbles. “A coach's dream,” Lincoln coach Jared Fredenburg said. “Incredibly coachable, talented player who leads by example. Great size and mobility at the DL position.”

DEFENSIVE LINEMAN: Aiden Costain, Sr., Harrisburg (6-5, 225)

Costain was a dominant force along the Tiger defensive front. He finished this season with 62 tackles, eight tackles for loss, two sacks, one interception and one fumble recovery. “Aiden was our one consistency on the DL,” Harrisburg coach Brandon White said. “We were banged up all year and he stayed the course and nearly played very snap at DL. Without Aiden we would not have been nearly as good defensively. He deserves it so much.”

LINEBACKER: Evan Gray, Sr., Brandon Valley (5-10, 195)

Gray was a productive linebacker for the Lynx. He posted 60 tackles, eight sacks, two fumble recoveries and one forced fumble this season. For his career, he finished with 85 tackles, 12 sacks, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. “Violent and sudden, amazing pursuit,” Brandon Valley coach Matt Christensen said. 

LINEBACKER: Sullivan Schlimgen, Sr., Sioux Falls O’Gorman (6-2, 220)

A future Jackrabbit, Schlimgen was a disruptive defender for the Knights. He finished with 72 tackles (35 solo), 10 tackles for loss and one interception. He broke the school record with 241 tackles. On offense, he rushed for 734 yards, had 689 yards receiving and passed for 203 yards. He scored 22 touchdowns this season. “Sullivan's tackle number was down this year from his 99 as a junior due to limiting his playing time on defense because he had to play offense and needed breaks,” Schlimgen said. “He's arguably the top football player in the state.”

LINEBACKER: Talon Stief, Sr., Sioux Falls Roosevelt (6-1, 220)

Stief was a two-way starter at linebacker and fullback for the Rough Riders. He finished this season with 59 tackles, nine tackles for loss, two sacks and one interception. “He played the two most physically demanding positions in our offensive and defensive schemes and he never came off the field,” Roosevelt coach Jason Stahlberg said. “He missed the final two games of the regular season due to injury and we were a different team without him.”

LINEBACKER: Bradley Esser, Jr., Harrisburg (6-3, 180)

Esser was a key defender for the Tigers this season. He finished with 84 tackles, 12 tackles for loss and four pass breakups. “Bradley is a specimen and keeps getting better and better,” Harrisburg coach Brandon White said. “He flies around and makes a ton of plays. He has the size and speed to play some big time football at the next level. Lucky he is a junior.”

DEFENSIVE BACK: Drake Jellema, Sr., Brandon Valley (5-11, 185)

Jellema was a three-year starter and a key contributor for the Lynx. He finished this season with 33 tackles, three interceptions, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. For his career, he posted 95 tackles. He will play college football at Northern State. “Totally clutch, showing up big in major moments, fast, tough, hitter,” Brandon Valley coach Matt Christensen said. 

DEFENSIVE BACK: Edison Noll, Sr., Sioux Falls Lincoln (6-0, 170)

Noll was a productive playmaker in the defensive secondary for the Class 11AAA state champs. He finished with 30 tackles, four interceptions and fumble recovery. For his career, he had 87 tackles, six interceptions, three fumble recoveries and two tackles for loss. “Our QB of our defense,” Lincoln coach Jared Fredenburg said. “He is the guy that gets everybody else in the correct calls and checks. A DB that plays all over the field. He is our kicker and punter and kick returner and is on every special teams.”

DEFENSIVE BACK: Damaris Fields, Sr., Sioux Falls Jefferson (5-8, 180)

Fields was a productive defensive playmaker for the Cavaliers. He posted 42 tackles, two tackles for loss, two interceptions, one fumble recovery and one forced fumble. “Team captain and the best leader on our football team,” Jefferson coach Vince Benedetto said. “Always consistent, never afraid to compete. He matched up with our opponents best WRs and did a tremendous job.” 

DEFENSIVE BACK: Justin Kabera, Sr., Harrisburg (6-0, 170)

Kabera was a key piece in the defensive backfield for the Tigers. He recorded 37 tackles, 14 pass breakups and one interception this season. For his career, he logged 70 tackles, 24 pass breakups and three interceptions. “Justin is a phenomenal athlete,” Harrisburg coach Brandon White said. “His ability to travel the field to our opponents best WR is special. He for the most part forced teams to go away from because of how technical and sound he is. Justin didn't have a ton of stats this year due to teams going away from him.” 

SPECIAL TEAMS: Nolan Pudwill, Jr., Brandon Valley (6-0, 180)

Pudwill was a threat to score all over the field for the Lynx. He scored touchdowns on kickoff and punt returns, while averaging 37 yards per kickoff return. He added 27 tackles and three interceptions on defense. For his career, he has 45 tackles and five interceptions. “Agile, tough, physical, highly skilled, solo technique is tremendous,” Brandon Valley coach Matt Christensen said. 

SPECIAL TEAMS: Kian Upton, Jr., Harrisburg (6-3, 190)

Upton was a key piece in Harrisburg’s special teams units. He had 17 punts for 674 yards, with four punts inside the 20-yard line. He had a long of 62 yards. He drilled a 22-yard field goal and had 36 touchbacks on kickoffs. “Kian has a big leg and plays a huge role in our game plans,” Harrisburg coach Brandon White said. “He has the ability to flip the field position on each punt. Also, his ability to drive it into the end zone is critical in making teams have to go 80 yards to score.” 

ATHLETE: Tommy Hoffman, Sr., Sioux Falls Washington (6-3, 185)

Hoffman capped off a productive career for the Warriors. He completed 58% of his passes for 1,407 yards and had 14 passing touchdowns. He added 243 yards rushing and five more scores. A three-year starter at QB, Hoffman threw for 4,984 yards and 39 passing touchdowns. He added 10 rushing scores. “Tommy is an absolute athlete,” Washington coach Ryan Evans said. “He was our starting QB for the last three seasons. He has a knack for extending plays and creating opportunities with his athleticism. He made RPO calls at the line of scrimmage for the past two seasons. His athletic ability is among the best in our state. His competitive spirit is something that all teams would want from a leader.” 

ATHLETE: Cael Nofziger, Jr., Sioux Falls Jefferson (5-9, 180)

Nofziger was a ballhawk for the Cavaliers. He finished the season with 59 tackles, two sacks, three tackles, two interceptions, four fumble recoveries, three forced fumbles and two defensive touchdowns. “Always around the football, always made plays for us,” Jefferson coach Vince Benedetto said. “Tough as nails kid. Doesn't wow you with his measurables, but comes to play and is a difference maker for our defense.” 

HONORABLE MENTION — Ethan Swenson, SF Jeffreson; Sam Knuth, Kason Syverson and Kamden Schimmel, Harrisburg; Jhace Woods, SF Washington; Ben Paepke and Easton Graff, RC Central; Reuben Diehyee and Connor Gray, SF Lincoln; Nolan Vandel, O’Gorman; and Jack Day, RC Stevens.