ONIDA — State champ Sully Buttes headlines this year’s Class 9B all-state football team, as selected by the South Dakota High School Football Coaches Association. 

The Chargers were represented by Westler Wittler, who was the Joe Robbie MVP of the Class 9B state championship game.  

The complete all-state team is listed below:

Class 9B

OFFENSE

QUARTERBACK: Wesley Wittler, Jr., Sully Buttes (5-11, 154)

Wittler provided the spark for the Class 9B champion Chargers. Wittler finished his junior season with 1,928 passing yards, 25 touchdowns to just three interceptions, adding 732 rushing yards and 17 rushing scores. For his career, Wittler has totaled 2,835 passing yards and 34 passing scores, including 953 rushing yards and 19 total rushing touchdowns. “Wes is as competitive of a person as they come. He has been the quarterback for our team the last 2 seasons,” said Sully Buttes coach Tom Moore. “Wes has a good, accurate arm and does a great job of being able to extend plays with his feet when needed. He is a great leader for us at QB and wouldn’t have had the season we had without him.”

FULLBACK/H-BACK: Tristen Baloun, Jr., Faulkton Area (6-2, 215)

Baloun is a bruiser for the Faulkton Area Trojans. Baloun wrapped up his junior season collecting 884 yards and 19 touchdowns, averaging nearly eight yards a carry. Baloun also received LRC All-conference honors this season. “Tristen is a bruising runner,” said Faulkton coach Shayne Geditz. “He is a good blocker.  He is a hard worker on the field and the weight room.”

RUNNING BACK: Aziah Meyer, Sr., Avon (6-4, 200)

Meyer wrapped up a historic career for the Pirates. Meyer concluded his senior season with 1,763 yards and 30 touchdowns, averaging over 10 yards a carry, returning three kickoffs for touchdowns. Meyer’s career totals include 3,733 rushing yards for 71 touchdowns, a two-time Great Plains All-Conference and All-State player, as well as winning Joe Robbie MVP and Outstanding Back honors in last season's 9B championship. Aziah is a huge challenge for every team we face. Talent that doesn't come around very often. He has all the tangibles you want in a back. One of the best backs in the state in my mind. “Complete back. Hard to bring down with his size when he puts his shoulders down,” said Avon coach Justin Lukkes. “Two year Captain, featured player on the Pigskin Preview. Without him we wouldn't have won a State Championship last year.”

RUNNING BACK: Gus Stout, Sr., Kadoka Area (6-1, 193)

Stout was stout for the Kougars in 2024. Stout was a do-it-all player for Kadoka in his senior campaign, rushing for 1,116 yards and 14 touchdowns, catching 13 passes for 185 yards and a touchdown, while recording 91 tackles on defense. Stout finished his high school career with 3,099 rushing yards and 35 touchdowns, 568 receiving yards and five touchdowns on 48 catches, 309 tackles, four interceptions, and nine tackles for loss, and a two-time Western Great Plains All-Conference selection. Gus Stout has been one of the best running backs in our school’s history. “He has been a model of consistency for the Kougars this season and for the last four seasons. Gus has been our feature RB the past 3 seasons, leading the Kougars to 3 consecutive quarter-final playoff appearances,” said Kadoka Area coach Chad Eisenbraun. “He was also a tremendous blocker for the Kougars who rushed this year for over 3000 yards. He was a 4-year starter, he's a great student, leader, and mentor to our younger guys. Gus has always done everything asked of him and more on and off the field and is one of the most coachable kids I've been around.”

RUNNING BACK: Waylon Bolle, Jr., Corsica-Stickney (5-11, 175)

Bolle had a dominant junior season for the Jaguars. Bolle collected 1,274 rushing yards and 16 rushing scores, adding 22 yards and three touchdowns on eight catches his senior season. So far in his career, Bolle has tallied 3,328 yards and 47 touchdowns on the ground, reeling in 21 passes for 619 yards and 11 touchdowns. Bolle is also a three-time Great Plains All-Conference selection. “Waylon has been an important part of our team the last three years,” said Corsica-Stickney head coach Gregg Olawsky. “He can run for power, he rarely is tackled on first contact, and has the speed to score on any play.  Very dedicated in the weight room, he wants to improve each day.”

WIDE RECEIVER: Jackson Zwart, Sr., Colman-Egan (6-4, 185)

Zwart was phenomenal for the Colman-Egan Hawks in 2024. The 6-foot-4, 185-pound senior wide receiver finished the year with 479 yards on 29 catches to help the Hawks to a 5-5 record. “Jackson was DVC All Conference. He is an excellent team leader,” said Colman-Egan coach Chad Williamson. “He is very athletically gifted and did a great job of utilizing his ability to be an excellent wide receiver."

WIDE RECEIVER: Gavin Colson, Jr., Sully Buttes (5-10, 146)

Colson showed up for the 9B champs. The wide receiver finished his junior campaign with 37 catches for 588 yards and seven touchdowns to help power a championship run. In his career, Colson has collected 46 catches for 735 yards and eight touchdowns. “Gavin is our most consistent receiver,” said Sully Buttes coach Tom Moore. “He is a very smart player and puts himself in good positions with alignments and his routes.  Gavin is very sure handed and is able to stretch defenses with his ability.”

WIDE RECEIVER: Easton Miller, Jr., Canistota (5-10, 160)

Miller is a multi-faceted player for the Hawks. The two-year starter totaled 584 yards and eight touchdowns on the ground for Canistota, adding 34 catches for 400 yards and seven touchdowns, racking up 50 tackles and two interceptions on defense. “Easton was our catalyst on the field both offensively and defensively. He made countless big plays this season when we needed them the most, both offensively and defensively,” said Canistota coach Dan Whalen. “He stepped up the most in our big games on both sides of the ball scoring 6 TD’s in the playoffs. He also made several touchdown saving tackles and is one of the best one on one tacklers I have coached. Truly a dynamic and talented player.“

TIGHT END: Charlie Deiter, Sr., Faulkton Area (6-0, 200)

Deiter was efficient for the Trojans. The two-time all conference player tallied 36 catches for 650 yards and six touchdowns in 10 games for Faulkton Area this season. Deiter also converted seven two-point conversions as well. “Charlie is our go to guy when we need a catch,” said Faulkton Area coach Shayne Geditz. “He is also a very good blocker. He is a very smart football player.”

OFFENSIVE LINEMAN: Jarrett Olawsky, Sr., Corsica-Stickney (6-3, 235)

Olawsky played a big role for Corsica-Stickney. The two-year starter set the tone upfront for a rushing attack that totaled 2,459 yards in nine games, averaging 273 rushing yards a contest. “Jarrett has started on our offensive line the past 2 seasons,” said Corsica-Stickney coach Gregg Olawsky. “He has put his time in developing into the player he is today and has been a great leader for our younger players.“

OFFENSIVE LINEMAN: Trey Machtemes, Sr., Faulkton Area (6-0, 215)

Machtemes was a force for the Faulkton Area Trojans. The senior guard helped pave the way for his rushers to total 2,200 yards and 40 rushing touchdowns this season. Machtemes is also a LRC All-Conference player this year. “Trey is a very good blocker in space.  He also does a great job of making line calls and being in the right place,” said Faulkton Area coach Shayne Geditz. “He has worked very hard to become a very good lineman.”

OFFENSIVE LINEMAN: Taydon LaRosh, Sr., Sully Buttes (5-10, 234)

LaRosh played his best in 2024. The two-year starting center was a power on offense that rushed for over 4,000 yards this season. LaRosh is also a member of the Academic All-State team. “Playing a lot of shotgun, missed snaps were very rare with Taydon at center,” said Sully Buttes coach Tom Moore. “Being very versatile, we were able to utilize his ability to be a puller on several occasions or leave him to block a nose tackle 1 on 1.”

OFFENSIVE LINEMAN: Jaden Kleinsasser, Sr., Canistota (6-3, 255)

Kleinsasser did it on both sides of the football. The senior collected 19 tackles, seven tackles for loss, and two sacks, earning All-Conference honors the past seasons as a starter. “Jaden was the leader of our offensive lineman. He made calls for us at the line of scrimmage and has been a solid 2 year starter for the Hawks. He played mostly at the center position but also played guard and some tight end in certain circumstances,” said Canistota coach Dan Whalen. “Jaden is a solid defensive player as well as he was a force at his defensive end spot and was also a big reason for our solid run defense. Jaden is also a talented long snapper for punts and extra points. A really good all around football player with good speed and agility for his size.”

DEFENSE

DEFENSIVE LINEMAN: Lincoln Dikoff, Sr., Faulkton Area (6-2, 235)

Dikoff had an excellent senior year. Dikoff collected 42 tackles, six tackles for loss, and three sacks for the Trojans. He earned All-Conference honorable mention honors last season and All-Conference honors this season. “Lincoln does a great job of playing both the run and the pass,” said Faulkton Area coach Shayne Geditz. “He gets double teamed a lot and does a very good job of beating it. He has worked really hard in the weight room.”

DEFENSIVE LINEMAN: Maverick LeBrun, Sr., Dell Rapids St. Mary (6-4, 205)

LeBrun was phenomenal for the Cardinals. LeBrun totaled 62 tackles, seven sacks and a fumble recovery for Dell Rapids St. Mary this season. The senior is a two-time all conference player, and is also part of the 2024 Academic All-State team. “Maverick was a great defensive end for us this year.  He was huge for us against the pass and the run. His length and athleticism made him really tough to block,” said St. Mary coach Ross Flemmer. He really worked to improve this season and I don’t know if I’ve had a kid improve more in a year than him.  He worked hard in the off season to have a great season this year. He was a team captain for us this year and has been a 3 year starter in our program.”

DEFENSIVE LINEMAN: Kadyn Westergren, Jr., Sully Buttes (5-9, 197)

Westergren held his own for the Chargers. Westergen tallied 58 tackles on defense for the 9B champion Sully Buttes Chargers, totaling 85 tackles so far in his career. “Kadyn is a physical football player with lots of determination,” said Sully Buttes coach Tom Moore. “He has tremendous get off and plays great with his hands.  He does a great job of getting off blocks and finding the football.”

DEFENSIVE LINEMAN: Adam Kleinsasser, Jr., Canistota (6-4, 355)

Kleinsasser filled up the stat sheet this season. Kleinsasser collected 30.5 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and 12 tackles for loss for Canistota this season. “Adam was a big reason we were a solid run defense team. Obviously a man of his size is going to be an issue but he also has really good feet and moves well laterally. He was instrumental when we needed to make adjustments to slow down our opponent as we would use him at both the nose guard and defensive end positions and he played them equally well,” said Canistota coach Dan Whalen. “Adam did not miss a game this season and was solid all year long,  his biggest moment was in our quarterfinal match-up where we put him in a 2 point stance at nose. He just changed the game the entire second half. Adam has come into his own this year and has had a year deserving of All-State selection.”

LINEBACKER: Gavin Barber, Sr., Sully Buttes (6-0, 204)

Barber was a spark for the Chargers championship defense. Barber collected 34 tackles, an interception and a fumble recovery this season for Sully Buttes. Barber ends his high school career with 227 tackles, nine interceptions, and five fumbles. Barber is also a two-time All-Conference player. “Gavin has been a 4 year starter for us.  Sidelined with an injury for a part of the regular season, Gavin has played a huge addition to our defense throughout the playoffs,” said Sully Buttes coach Tom Moore. “He is very dynamic on both sides of the ball, but as a linebacker he has been the leader and play maker of our defense the last 2 years.  He is a strong and mentally tough football player.”

LINEBACKER: Kaden Sayler, Sr., Herreid-Selby Area (5-10, 222)

Sayler ends a historic career for the Wolverines. Sayler tallied 80 tackles this season for Herreid-Selby Area. The senior finished his high school career with 194 tackles. “Kaden does all the little things that coaches love to see. Loves to study film. Hardworking and passionate about the game of FB.  He was our leader on both sides of the ball for the last 2 years. He leads not only on the field but with his work ethic in the weight room/off season work,” said Herreid-Selby Area coach Josh Sayler. “We are a very young team and any success we have in the future, he will have a hand in it as he is showing our young athletes what it takes to be a top tier player in 9-Man FB.”

LINEBACKER: Al’Shamon Gunter, Jr., Avon (6-6, 220)

Gunter set the standard for the Pirates defense. Gunter recorded 104 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, seven sacks and two interceptions as a junior for Avon. He finishes his junior season with a career 191 tackles and 10 sacks. “Al is a big force on both sides of the ball. Motor that don’t quit. Causes problems for Offenses,” said Avon coach Justin Lukkes. “People run away from him. He's very physical and loves to hit and hit hard. Opponents don't like to see him coming. Big and very athletic which is why he can play so many different spots of defense.”

LINEBACKER: Lincoln LeBrun, Jr., Dell Rapids St. Mary (5-10, 180)

LeBrun was a menace on the defensive side of the ball for the Cardinals. He recorded 56.5 tackles, two fumble recoveries, 1.5 sacks and one forced fumble. He was an all-Dakota Valley Conference selection. “Lincoln is the hardest worker on our team. He wants to be a good football player and continues to put in the work to make that happen. He is a young man who leads by example and does the right thing even when nobody is watching. He had a fantastic year for us this year on both sides of the ball, despite having a sprained ankle for most of the season. He was a team captain for us this year and has been a 3 year starter in our program.”

DEFENSIVE BACK: Brady Scott, Sr., Canistota (6-3, 215)

Scott was a force in the Canistota secondary. Scott tallied 48 tackles and three interceptions on defense, while also throwing for 742 yards and 10 touchdowns as the Hawks quarterback. He also collected 480 rushing yards and seven touchdowns this season for the three-year starter. “Brady was our absolute team leader. He is a great receiver but we needed a QB this year and he took on that position with all he had. He led a defense that was solid all year long thanks to his on field leadership and mentoring of quite a few first year starters on that side of the ball,” said Canistota coach Dan Whalen. “We held some very good teams to their lowest point totals of the season. Brady held the ship together all year, not missing a single game, during a season that did not see us at full strength until game 8. Brady was also our punter and kicker on the season.”

DEFENSIVE BACK: Gian DiMaria, Sr., Faulkton Area (5-9, 130)

DiMaria was a ballhawk for the Trojans. In his senior season, DiMaria had 23 tackles, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and seven interceptions in 11 games for Faulkton Area. DiMaria is also a LRC All-Conference player. “Gian always covers our opponents top receiver," said Faulkton Area coach Shayne Geditz. “He uses very good technique and plays the ball well in the air.  He is a very smart football player.”

DEFENSIVE BACK: Gentry Bartling, Sr., Burke (6-2, 190)

Bartling was an excellent player for the Cougars. The senior racked up 57 tackles this season, culminating in a career with 180 tackles, eight tackles for loss, four sacks, two fumble recoveries, and two interceptions. “Gentry started three years on defense for us.  He began playing DL/OLB as a freshman and sophomore,” said Burke head coach Mike Sebern. “His last two seasons he played safety for our defense. He played hard on both sides of the ball throughout his playing career.”

SPECIAL TEAMS: Jens Hansen, Sr., Irene-Wakonda (5-9, 155)

Hansen was pivotal for Irene-Wakonda. The senior averaged 36 yards a punt, on top of returning 15 kicks for 345 yards, and averaging 24 yards per punt return. “Jens does everything for his team. Weight room, conditioning, he first to show and last to leave,” said Irene-Wakonda coach James Strang. “I wish I would have had more than this year to coach him.”

SPECIAL TEAMS: Trimmier Hanson, Jr., Dell Rapids St. Mary (5-10, 165)

Hanson is an electric player for Dell Rapids St. Mary. Hanson returned 13 punts for 284 yards and a touchdown, also returning two kicks for 48 yards. Hanson tallied 488 yards and 13 touchdowns on 78 carries, while also throwing for 808 yards and 11 touchdown passes. “He accounted for 1,652 yards of offense for us this season,” said St. Mary coach Ross Flemmer. “He is a 3 year starter for us on Defense and a 2 year starter for us on offense. Defensively he had 21.5 tackles and 2 interceptions.”

ATHLETE: Tate Tolsma, Sr., Corsica-Stickney (6-1, 180)

Tolsma was a field general for the Corsica-Stickney defense. Tolsma recorded 48 tackles, five fumble recoveries and an interception this season for the Jaguars, adding to a career of 162 tackles, six fumble recoveries, and two interceptions. “Tate has been a big part of our defense during his career, a great tackler, he has the ability to make plays from sideline to sideline,” said Corsica-Stickney coach Gregg Olawsky. “He has good instincts, sound tackling ability, and has a nose for the ball.”

ATHLETE: Kole Hermann, Jr., Kadoka Area (5-10, 185)

Hermann continues to build a legacy for the Kougars. Hermann concluded his junior season with 1,444 total yards and 19 touchdowns offensively, while tallying 82 tackles and two fumble recoveries on defense. Hermann has nearly 2,400 total offensive yards and 29 touchdowns in his career, adding a career 164 tackles and two interceptions. “Kole Hermann is one of the most tenacious runners out there. He runs with power, speed, and conviction. He’s difficult to tackle and is one of the biggest competitors I’ve ever been around. He's one of the best blockers we have as well and has helped lead the way for over half of our rushing yards this season. He’s also our number one receiver threat and understands how to go get the ball,” said Kadoka Area coach Chad Eisenbraun. “Defensively Kole had played DB for us the past couple of seasons out of need, but his true position is MLB. We moved him there late in the season and there is no going back. He’s tough as nails, fills very well, and he’s a sure tackler. Kole ended up being our second leading tackler on our team even though he played most of the season as a DB. 

HONORABLE MENTION: Jack Mousel, Colman-Egan; Kaleb Schonebaum, Burke; Randall Powers and Landon Mudder, Avon; and Payton Chasing Hawk, Hitchcock-Tulare.