The 9B state champion St. Mary Cardinals landed seven players on the Class 9B all-state football team. The Cardinals were represented by Lincoln LeBrun, Alex Lindeman, Gavin Pica, Logan Bauer, Carlo Pica, Trimmier Hanson and Jaxon Baumberger.

The complete 9B all-state football team is listed below.

QUARTERBACK: Wes Wittler, Sr., Sully Buttes (6-0, 161)

Wittler was a star in his senior year for the Chargers. Wittler passed for 1,873 yards and 26 touchdowns to just six interceptions this season. The returning all-state quarterback ended his high school career with 4,708 yards and 60 touchdowns. “Wes is a mentally tough and strong-willed person,” said Sully Buttes head coach Tom Moore. “His leadership and drive helped motivate our offensive personnel to higher levels than anticipated. Wes has great arm strength and became a more accurate thrower this past season. He is a very special athletic talent.”

FULLBACK/H-BACK: Tristen Baloun, Sr., Faulkton Area (6-2, 210)

Baloun is a bruiser for the Faulkton Area Trojans. Baloun ended his senior season with 89 carries for 697 yards and eight touchdowns. The returning all-state fullback/H-back ends his career with 1,982 yards and 32 touchdowns, averaging 7.4 yards per carry. “Tristen was one of our go-to backs the last two years when we needed yards,” said Faulkton Area head coach Shayne Geditz. “He was a good blocker out of the "I" and could go and get the tough yards. Was a three-year starter at fullback. He was one of our leaders on and off the field.”

RUNNING BACK: Lincoln LeBrun, Sr., Dell Rapids St. Mary (6-0, 190)

Lincoln LeBrun was a force for the state champion Cardinals. LeBrun totaled 1,296 yards and 12 touchdowns on 11.3 yards per carry this season. A 2024 all-state linebacker, LeBrun is a two-time all-Dakota Valley Conference selection. “Lincoln is a tremendous athlete who is also a hard worker,” said DRSM head coach Ross Flemmer. “He was a dynamic playmaker for us the last 2 seasons on both sides of the ball.”

RUNNING BACK: Hayden Pearson, Sr., Colman-Egan (6-0, 185)

Hayden Pearson was a workhorse back for the Hawks. In his senior year, Pearson rushed for 2,485 yards and 29 touchdowns. Pearson is a three-year starter and three-year all-conference member who rushed for 3,301 yards over the past two seasons. “Hayden is a team captain who also is a three-year starter and three-year all-conference player that has been very important to our program,” said CE head coach Chad Williamson. “He has committed himself to our program and worked to get all of his teammates to commit also.”

RUNNING BACK: Waylon Bolle, Sr., Corsica-Stickney (6-0, 175)

Waylon Bolle was dominant in his senior season for the Jaguars. Bolle rushed for 1,012 yards and 17 touchdowns, adding seven catches for 218 yards and two touchdowns this season. The returning all-state running back ends his career with 4,340 yards and 64 touchdowns, adding 28 receptions for 828 yards and 13 more touchdowns. Bolle is a four-time all-conference player and four-year starter for CS. “Waylon has been a very important part of our team the last four years, he runs hard and is difficult to bring down on first contact,” said CS head coach Gregg Olawsky. “He was a very good leader for us this year, setting a good example for our younger players.”

WIDE RECEIVER: Gavin Colson, Sr., Sully Buttes (5-11, 151)

Gavin Colson was a focal point in the Sully Buttes offense. The returning all-state wideout recorded 55 catches for 565 yards and seven touchdowns in his senior season. Colson ends his career with 191 catches for 1,303 yards and 15 touchdowns. “Gavin is a very smooth and consistent receiver,” said SB head coach Tom Moore. “He is a very smart player and puts himself in good positions with alignment and his routes. Gavin is very sure handed and is able to stretch defenses with his ability. We counted on Gavin much more this year and he responded with a great year.”

WIDE RECEIVER: Abbott Moeller, Jr., Sioux Falls Lutheran (5-11, 165)

Abbot Moeller was effective in the Eagles best season in program history. Moeller recorded 36 catches for 552 yards and 11 touchdowns, also adding a rushing touchdown this season. Moeller totaled 120 yards and a touchdown in the first season of varsity football for SFL. “Abbott was our go to guy all season through the air,” said SFL head coach Danny Strande. “He played every snap of every game besides getting a rest on a couple kickoffs. Abbott was a huge part of our turnaround from 0-8 to a 6-4 season. He stepped into leadership roles more and more as the season progressed.”

TIGHT END: Al'Shamon Gunter, Sr., Avon (6-6, 220)

Gunter played a big role in Avon’s 2025 season. A 2024 all-state linebacker, rushed nine times for 92 yards and a touchdown, adding 14 catches for 339 yards and six touchdowns as well. Gunter ends his career with 454 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns. “He is the best all around player on our team,” said Avon head coach Justin Lukkes. “He is a great blocker and we run behind him over half the time and is a threat receiving and running the ball and very hard to bring down.”

OFFENSIVE LINE: Alex Lindeman, Jr., Dell Rapids St. Mary (6-4, 290)

Alex Lindeman is a wall for the state champs. Lindeman powered an offense that rushed for 3,725 yards and threw for 865 yards in 2025. The Class 9B state championship game’s Outstanding Lineman is also a two-time all-Dakota Valley Conference selection as well. “Alex was a dominant lineman for us on both sides of the ball the past two seasons,” said DRSM head coach Ross Flemmer. “He is a hard worker and a true student of the game.”

OFFENSIVE LINE: Gavin Pica, Jr., Dell Rapids St. Mary (6-3, 250)

Gavin Pica added to a dominant offensive line for the state 9B champions. Pica powered an offense that rushed for 3,725 yards and threw for 865 yards in 2025. Pica also tallied 48 tackles, three sacks and one fumble recovery defensively. “Gavin improved a lot over the last year,” said DRSM head coach Ross Flemmer. “He was a major reason we won as many games as we did this season. He improved immensely on both sides of the ball for us.”

OFFENSIVE LINE: Tom Loehr, Sr., Colman-Egan (6-2, 285)

Tom Loehr spear-headed a heavy rushing attack for Colman-Egan. Loehr helped CE rush for 2,485 yards on just 401 carries this season. Loehr is a two-time all-conference selection and team captain as well. “Thomas was the leader of our offense,” said CE head coach Chad Williamson. “He helped all players understand their assignments. He was definitely the focal point of our offensive line.”

OFFENSIVE LINE: Randall Powers, Sr., Avon (6-2, 300)

Randall Powers brought the power to the Avon Pirates. Powers anchored an offense that rushed for 3,138 yards and 59 rushing touchdowns this season. Powers is a three-starter that has helped Avon run for 10,613 yards and 171 touchdowns over the past three seasons. “Three years starting on the OL and our anchor,” said Avon head coach Justin Lukkes. “We don't rush for as many yards as we do without Randall in his 3 years as a starter. Great deserving kid”

ATHLETE: Karson Eisenbraun, Jr., Kadoka Area (6-1, 190)

Karson Eisenbraun was dominant for the Kadoka Area Kougars. Eisenbraun led the Kougar defense with five interceptions, three fumble recoveries and 49 tackles (three tackles for loss). Eisenbraun is a two-time Western Great Plains all-conference player and has 11 interceptions and 155 tackles in his career. “Karson Eisenbraun is one of the best free safeties I’ve coached in my 25 years of coaching,” said KA coach Chad Eisenbraun. “He consistently shuts down the middle of the field and has a true instinct for the ball. He’s a tremendous open-field tackler who brings physicality and toughness in run support. In addition to his presence against the run, Karson is great in one-on-one coverage.”

ATHLETE: Tyler Martin, Sr., Faith (6-3, 223)

Tyler Martin was a force for the Faith Longhorns. Martin recorded 53 tackles (18 tackles for loss) and three sacks on the Longhorn defense. Martin is an all-Little Moreau Conference performer and was the team’s defensive MVP. “This young man has only two years of organized football under his belt,” said Faith head coach Justin Swires. “He is extremely coachable and has zero amount of quit coupled with his exuberant character. He is an outstanding defensive end but was moved to the linebacker position and eventually given free rein to move about the defense at will. Offensively this young man blocks, runs pass routes and carries the football at a very high level. He is the ultimate football player as far as I am concerned.”

ATHLETE: Logan Bauer, Jr., Dell Rapids St. Mary (6-1, 190)

Logan Bauer was effective with the ball in his hands. Bauer ended his junior year with 14 catches for 386 yards and nine touchdowns. Bauer also tallied 36 tackles, two fumble recoveries and one pick-six defensively. “Logan made a huge impact for us on offense,” said DRSM head coach Ross Flemmer. “He was a huge receiving threat for us as well as a good blocker that helped us rush for 3725 yards. On defense he made big plays for us from his linebacker position.”

DEFENSIVE LINE: Kadyn Westergren, Sr., Sully Buttes (5-9, 205)

Kadyn Westergren was a force for the Sully Buttes Chargers. Westergren tallied 43 tackles (13 tackles for loss), three sacks and one forced fumble this season. Westergren ended his career with 128 tackles (23 tackles for loss), seven sacks and two forced fumbles. “Kadyn is a physical football player that plays with high effort and determination all the time,” said SB head coach Tom Moore. “He has tremendous get off and uses his hands very well. He does a great job of getting off blocks and finds the football.”

DEFENSIVE LINE: Adam Kleinsasser, Sr., Canistota (6-5, 350)

Adam Kleinsasser was an anchor on the Canisota defensive line. Kleinsasser recorded 22 .5 tackles and two sacks in his senior year for the Hawks. Kleinsasser is a returning all-state defensive lineman as well. “Adam is one of those players that you dream of coaching. Hard working, self-motivated, smart, and always gives his all,” said Canistota head coach Brandon Jacobsen. “Adam has worked very hard in the weight room and sets a fantastic example for everyone with what he does not only on but off of the field as well. Adam has the size, frame, and ability to play at the next level should he choose to. Adam will give you everything that he has on the field. I will sincerely miss him when he graduates.”

DEFENSIVE LINE: Carlo Pica, Sr., St. Mary (6-0, 235)

Carlo Pica totaled 34.5 tackles and three sacks as a senior for the state champion Cardinals. Pica is a 2025 all-Dakota Valley Conference member as well. “Carlo is a three-year starter for us on the defensive and offensive line,” said DRSM head coach Ross Flemmer. “He has really worked hard and developed over the past year. He was a huge addition for us on the line this year and really improved his game.”

DEFENSIVE LINE: Quentin De Vries, Jr., Corsica-Stickney (5-10, 250)

Quentin De Vries controlled the line of scrimmage for Corsica-Stickney. De Vries recorded 59 tackles (eight tackles for loss) and five sacks as a junior for the Jaguars. In his career, De Vries has 84 tackles (nine tackles for loss and six sacks. “Quentin set the tone for our linemen this year, good speed for a guy his size, which allowed him to play multiple positions on the defensive line,” said CS head coach Gregg Olawsky. “He really improved his game from a year ago, and became a leader for us up front.”

LINEBACKER: Kole Hermann, Sr., Kadoka Area (5-10, 190)

Kole Hermann flew around the field for the Kougars. Hermann recorded 77 tackles, including two tackles for loss in his senior season. The three-time all-Western Great Plains Conference selection was an all-state athlete last season and ends his career with 241 tackles, two interceptions, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. “Kole is a dynamic player for the Kougars on defense and really could play any position,” said KA coach Chad Eisenbraun. “His stats aren’t eye popping, but that’s because of how many different ways he had to be utilized this year and throughout his career on the defensive side of the ball. He’s an unselfish player who would play anywhere he was asked for the betterment of the team.”

LINEBACKER: Kamrynn Rhodes, Jr., Faulkton Area (6-1, 175)

Kamrynn Rhodes was a force for the Trojans. Rhodes recorded 83 tackles (seven tackles for loss), two interceptions, two fumble recoveries and one safety as a junior. Rhodes has totaled 109 tackles in his career. “Kamrynn did a good job at linebacker this year,” said FA head coach Shayne Geditz. “He played inside linebacker in our 3-4 scheme. He did a good job of finding the ball. He is a good tackler. He worked hard to become a very good linebacker.”

LINEBACKER: Jared Weisbeck, Jr., Herreid/Selby Area (6-0, 175)

Jared Weisbeck was all over the field for Herreid/Selby Area. Weisbeck tallied 74 tackles (12 tackles for loss), four interceptions and one forced fumble for the Wolverines. “Jared is a little undersized for a linebacker but his instincts and willingness to learn/adapt/study film for each game puts him at a top tier level linebacker,” said HSA head coach Josh Sayler.

LINEBACKER: Ben Curd, Sr., Iroquois/Lake Preston (5-11, 180)

Ben Curd was a ruthless linebacker for the Sharks. Curd recorded 79 tackles (six tackles for loss), one sack and one fumble recovery as a senior. Curd is also a 2025 all-conference member as well. 

DEFENSIVE BACK: Spencer Melius, Sr., Faulkton Area (5-11, 165)

Spencer Melius was a shutdown corner for Faulkton Area. Melius totaled 80 tackles and five interceptions this season for the Trojans. In his career, Melius had 168 tackles and 12 interceptions. “Spencer did a great job on the back end of our defense,” said FA head coach Shayne Geditz. “He played the pass and ran equally well. He is a good tackler. He was a captain for our team and a very good leader.”

DEFENSIVE BACK: Trimmier Hanson, Sr., Dell Rapids St. Mary (5-10, 160)

Trimmier Hanson was a do-it-all back for the state champs. Hanson tallied 15 tackles, two interceptions, a fumble recovery and a defensive touchdown this season for the Cardinals. The returning all-state athlete recorded 1,270 rushing yards and 19 touchdowns, passed for 460 yards and nine touchdowns while catching five passes for 174 yards and two touchdowns as well. “Trimmier is an electric athlete who has the chance to score any time he touches the ball,” said DRSM head coach Ross Flemmer. “He has scored touchdowns for us passing, rushing, receiving, on defense, and in the return game this season. He is a four-year starter on defense and a three-year starter on offense.”

DEFENSIVE BACK: Jaxon Baumberger, Jr., Dell Rapids St. Mary (6-4, 185)

Jaxon Baumberger shut down wideouts for the Cardinals. As a junior, Baumberger recorded five interceptions, four pass break-ups, two interceptions, one pick-six and 21 tackles this season. Baumberger is a 2025 all-conference member as well. “Jaxon was a huge part of our offense this season, both passing and receiving,” said DRSM head coach Ross Flemmer. “On defense he played a huge role both in coverage and as a tackler. He was the quarterback of our secondary. He had to be accounted for by offenses both in the passing game and the run game.”

SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER: Payson Acheson, Soph., Canistota (5-10, 140)

Payson Acheson tallied 11 punt returns, averaging 30.4 yards per return while averaging 10.2 yards per return on 13 kickoffs. “Payson ended up playing running back, quarterback, wide receiver, linebacker, defensive back and later on in the year became our starting quarterback,” said Canistota head coach Brandon Jacobsen. “He did everything that was asked of him and earned everything he got this year. I look forward to coaching Payson for the next couple of years. I am extremely excited about his potential.”

HONORABLE MENTION: Rowen Becker, Sioux Falls Lutheran; Lucas Peskey, Iroquois-Lake Preston; Prayden Acheson and Easton Miller, Canistota; Ryhder Behnke, Colman-Egan; Brennon Bickett, Oldham-Ramona-Rutland; Max Vanden Hoek, Corsica-Stickney; Kaden Russell, Herreid-Selby Area; and Trenton Soukup, Avon.