The Class 11B state champion St. Thomas More landed six players on the 11B all-state team. The Cavs were represented by Maxon Speed, Broeden Sales, Cole Nielsen, Grayden Juve, and honorable mention Brody Lee.

Elk Point-Jefferson and Deuel also tallied five players apiece on the all-state list.

The complete 11B all-state football team is listed below.

QUARTERBACK: Gannon Knebel, Sr., Wagner (6-0, 210)

Gannon Knebel filled up the stat sheet for Wagner. Knebel ended his senior year with 1,639 passing yards and 16 passing touchdowns as well as 1,286 rushing yards and 22 more scores on the ground. Knebel ended his career with 6,144 offensive yards with 76 total touchdowns. “Once in a coaching career type of player,” said Wagner head coach Hunter Hewitt. “I would be surprised if I get another Gannon. Probably the best player we have ever had.”

TIGHT END/FULLBACK/H-BACK: Maxon Speed, Sr., St. Thomas More (6-3, 215)

Maxon Speed was a bruising tight end for the state champion Cavaliers. Speed recorded 34 catches for 520 yards and 12 touchdowns, adding 23 tackles, two fumble recoveries, two blocked punts and one pick-six defensively. Speed ends his career with 52 catches for 784 yards and 16 touchdowns. “Max is the leader in whatever he does,” said STM head coach Austin Hagen. “He excels in four sports. Max is a key reason we have had the success we have had.”

TIGHT END/FULLBACK/H-BACK: Connor Kramer, Sr., Hot Springs (6-3, 210)

In a limited season, Connor Kramer was a key piece for Hot Springs. Kramer had 27 carries for 258 yards and four touchdowns, catching 11 passes for 95 yards and a touchdown in six games this season. Kramer ends his career with 89 carries for 668 yards and eight touchdowns, catching 14 passes for 139 yards and a touchdown. “Connor is a true H-back,” said Hot Springs coach Ben Kramer. “Not a huge stat position but needs to do the dirty work on the edge, most of the time down blocking your best defensive player. Was a matchup nightmare in our short passing game. Did not need to be the spotlight player and simply showed up and went to work.”

TIGHT END/FULLBACK/H-BACK: Riley Mayer, Sr., Mount Vernon/Plankinton (6-1, 190)

Riley Mayer was a versatile back for Mount Vernon/Plankinton. Mayer caught 16 passes for 277 yards and three touchdowns, adding 353 yards and three touchdowns on the ground. The four-year starter also helped block for an offense that rushed for over 2,000 yards this season. “Riley did it all for us,” said MVP head coach AJ Kortemeyer. “He was our go to guy in the pass game, on the frontside of almost all of our blocking schemes, and carried the ball really well for us.”

RUNNING BACK: Beau Schmitz, Sr., Elk Point-Jefferson (5-8, 165)

Beau Schmitz was a key piece in Elk Point-Jefferson’s offense. Schmitz carried the ball 83 times for 1,068 yards and 16 touchdowns, adding two catches for 37 yards and a score as well. Schmitz is a two-time all-conference selection as well. “Beau Schmitz is an electric ball carrier at the running back position,” said EPJ head coach Jake Terry. “He is at full speed instantly and has the ability to make defenders miss.”

RUNNING BACK: Emmerson Larson, Sr., Clark/Willow Lake (6-4, 200)

Emmerson Larson was an elusive back for Clark/Willow Lake. Larson totaled 612 rushing yards, 520 receiving yards and 12 total touchdowns for the Cyclones this season. Larson recorded 2,000 all-purpose yards as a quarterback before making the move to running back and was the Eastern Coteau Conference offensive Player of the year. “Emmerson is a dynamic player,” said CWL head coach Dave Severson. “For a year or two he was our dude, this year we have other guys stepping up and getting some yards, but teams still have to know where Emmerson is at all times. He is explosive with the ball in his hands. Emmerson put on 20 pounds of muscle over the summer, and was a great leader in the weight room. He is the reason our program rounded the corner last year.”

RUNNING BACK: Mack Saxon, Jr., Mobridge-Pollock (5-10, 215)

Mack Saxon was a workhorse back for Mobridge-Pollock. Saxon ended his junior year with 1,041 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns, catching three passes for 130 yards and two touchdowns. Saxon also returned a punt for a touchdown. The two-time all-Northeast Conference selection currently has 2,838 rushing yards and 39 total touchdowns in his career. “Mack has been the center piece of our offense over the last two years as our running back,” said MP head coach Donovon Flaherty. “He is a punishing runner who has the ability to score every time he touches the ball. He is the first 1,000 yard back for Mobridge-Pollock in 28 years and he now has done it in back-to-back seasons.”

WIDE RECEIVER: Broeden Sales, Sr., St. Thomas More (6-4, 190)

Broeden Sales was a reliable receiver in St. Thomas More’s banner season. Sales caught 29 passes for 723 yards and 13 touchdowns, totaling 840 all-purpose yards this season. The all-conference player ends his career with 52 catches for 1,200 yards and 18 touchdowns. “Broeden can stretch the field with his speed and length, but can also make the defense miss in the short game,” said STM head coach Austin Hagen. “He is a phenomenal receiver catching, but also in our blocking game. He is faster than what people would expect, and he rarely drops a ball.”

WIDE RECEIVER: Troy Jenson, Sr., Deuel (5-11, 160)

Troy Jenson was a playmaker for the Deuel Cardinals. Jenson hauled in 49 passes for 702 yards and three touchdowns in his senior season. “Troy Jenson is a precise route runner with exceptional hands,” said Deuel head coach Dustin Hourigan. “He consistently found ways to get open and make tough catches in critical moments. His understanding of defensive coverages and quick breaks truly made him a tough matchup for opposing defenses.”

WIDE RECEIVER: Oliver Fieber, Sr., Deuel (6-0, 165)

Oliver Fieber added to a dangerous Deuel passing game. Fieber caught 56 passes for 657 yards and eight touchdowns this season. Fieber ends his career with 83 catches for 1,228 yards and 15 touchdowns. “Oliver Fieber is a dynamic playmaker with elite speed and great hands, capable of changing the game at any moment,” said Deuel head coach Dustin Hourigan. “His ability to separate from defenders and turn short gains into explosive plays made him one of the most dangerous offensive threats. His combination of speed and athleticism truly made him a matchup problem for defenses.”

OFFENSIVE LINE: Jace Shatswell, Sr., Elk Point-Jefferson (6-2, 240)

Jace Shatswell was an anchor on the Elk Point-Jefferson offensive line. Shatswell powered an offense to rush for 3,664 rushing yards and 51 touchdowns, including 735 passing yards and 12 touchdowns as well. Shatswell is a two-year starter and two-time all-conference selection. “Jace Shatswell at right tackle is one of the most versatile offensive linemen I have had the privilege to coach,” said EPJ head coach Jake Terry. “He does it all from down blocks, to pulls, he is our gut that if we need a yard, we are running behind him.”

OFFENSIVE LINE: Derek Fenenga, Sr., Winner (6-2, 295)

Derek Fenenga was a force on the Winner offensive line. Fenenga is a three-year starter and was a 2024 all-SESD conference selection, powering Winner to the 2024 Class 11B state championship.

OFFENSIVE LINE: Cole Nielsen, Sr., St. Thomas More (6-4, 250)

Cole Nielsen was a versatile lineman for St. Thomas More. Nielsen is a two-year starter at center for the state champion Cavaliers, tallying 42 tackles, two fumble recoveries, 1.5 sacks and one forced fumble on the defensive line as well. “Cole is the heart and soul of our team,” said STM head coach Austin Hagen. “He helped coach and install all of the new stuff we did with our o-line. He will be our ‘Doc’ Carlson award winner - which is an award that exemplifies and demonstrates the ideal STM football player.”

OFFENSIVE LINE: Michael Severson, Sr., Clark/Willow Lake (6-3, 270)

Michael Severson was a big part of Clark/Willow Lake’s offensive success. Severson is a three-year starter and four-year letter winner for the Cyclones, powering them to the state semifinals this season. “Michael has anchored an offensive line that has been very effective this year,” said CWL head coach Dave Severson. “Great reach step and runs the hands well. Big, athletic and physical.”

OFFENSIVE LINE: Keaton Hinds, Sr., Elk Point-Jefferson (6-3, 250)

Keaton Hinds was a force on the Elk Point-Jefferson offensive line. Hinds was a two-year starter on an offense that rushed for 3,664 yards and 51 touchdowns this season. The all-conference selection blocked for an offense that has averaged 9.5 yards per play the last two seasons. “Keaton Hinds is a hard working, physical offensive lineman that has led our offense for two seasons starting at left tackle,” said EPJ head coach Jake Terry.

OFFENSIVE LINE: Preston Top, Sr., Sioux Valley (6-0, 225)

Preston Top was a key piece to Sioux Valley’s heavy rushing attack. Top blocked for an offense that rushed for 2,483 yards, averaging 248 yards per game this season. The returning all-state lineman is a four-year starter for the Cossacks, adding 155.5 tackles and 4.5 sacks defensively. “Preston Top is a high-motor player that teams have to account for in their scouting plan,” said SV head coach Jordan Fast. “Top started 36 career games on both sides of the ball for the Cossacks.”

ATHLETE: Colby Flowers, Sr., Woonsocket-Wessington Springs-Sanborn Central (6-5, 222)

Colby Flowers has left his mark on WoonSocket-Wessington Springs-Sanborn Central football. Flowers caught 18 passes for 378 yards and six touchdowns this season for the Bucks. The two-time all-SESD conference selection ends his career with 46 receptions for 993 yards and 13 touchdowns. “We changed the offense this year so Colby's catches were down, but he still was a player you had to account for,” said WWSSC head coach Michael Schmitz. “He is a dynamic player that can stretch the field and also make the tough catches. He takes great pride in his blocking as well. He can seal the edge or get to the next level.”

ATHLETE: Colin Robertson, Sr., Parker (5-11, 175)

Colin Robertson was a versatile back for Parker. Robertson recorded 1,582 all-purpose yards this season, totaling nine touchdowns and seven two-point conversions. Robertson is a two-time all-Big East Conference selection totaling 2,230 all-purpose yards and 18 touchdowns in his career. “Colin is irreplaceable on both sides of the ball and the numbers prove that,” said Parker head coach Scott Hybertson. “I had a hard time choosing what to nominate him for because with averages of 7.5 yards per carry and 18.9 yards per catch this year, he did everything he could to help us win. He runs hard, runs incredible routes, and does everything you ask of him on the field. He is an extremely hard worker, who never gave up and you could tell by the end of the game how much he gave every down. This young man is super athletic and used that athleticism to make huge plays all year long.”

DEFENSIVE LINE: Owen White, Sr., Hot Springs (6-1, 220)

Owen White was a force on the Hot Springs defensive line. White recorded 50 tackles (nine tackles for loss), three sacks and a safety this season for the Bison. In his career, White totaled 118 tackles (19 tackles for loss), eight sacks, one pick-six and one safety. “Owen is a high motor kid, always around the ball,” said Hot Springs head coach Ben Kramer. “Great hands, footwork and demanded double teams. If you played us, you knew where Owen was.”

DEFENSIVE LINE: Hunter Fenske, Sr., Woonsocket-Wessington Springs-Sanborn Central (5-11, 220)

Hunter Fenske was a game wrecker for Woonsocket-Wessington Springs-Sanborn Central. Fenske collected 70 tackles (11 tackles for loss), three sacks and three forced fumbles as a senior for the Bucks. The two-time all-SESD conference pick ends his career with 97 tackles (15 tackles for loss), four sacks and three forced fumbles. “As a defense player, Hunter is a menace,” said WWSSC coach Michael Schmitz. “He can disrupt plays to him and away from him. He has a tenacity to get to the ball. He has worked on his technique to get better at run and pass defense. He has heavy hands that continue to work.”

DEFENSIVE LINE: Brayden Kreber, Sr., Wagner (6-0, 190)

Brayden Kreber lived in the opponents’ backfield. Kreber collected 27 tackles (five tackles for loss), three sacks, two blocked punts and one forced fumble this season. Kreber ends his career with 72 tackles (16 tackles for loss) and 10 sacks. “Brayden has been an awesome player for us,” said Wagner head coach Hunter Hewitt. “He’s really good at surfing down on the backside and chasing down back side runs. Is violent at the point of the attack and sets a good edge. Destroys pullers and always plays with the edge a defensive lineman needs.”

DEFENSIVE LINE: Camden Stahl, Sr., Mount Vernon-Plankinton (6-0, 230)

Camden Stahl was a focal point of the Mount Vernon-Plankinton defense. Stahl totaled 30.5 tackles (six tackles for loss) and a sack as a senior for the Titans. Stahl is a three-year starter that tallied 23.5 tackles, two sacks and an interception as a junior. “Camden was a big part of our defensive front,” said MVP head coach AJ Kortemeyer. “He was consistently pressuring the pocket and fitting the run game extremely well. Camden also does a great job at hustling to the football.”

LINEBACKER: Luke Schmitz, Sr., Elk Point-Jefferson (6-3, 225)

Luke Schmitz was a field general for the Elk Point-Jefferson defense. Schmitz tallied 43 tackles (3.5 tackles for loss), a sack, fumble recovery and a blocked kick in his senior year. The two-time all-conference selection ended his career with 124 tackles (13.5 tackles for loss), two sacks, two fumble recoveries and two blocked kicks. “Luke Schmitz is our defense,” said EPJ coach Jake Terry. “He is our do everything guy. Unbelievable instincts, phenomenal leader. Offensively he is as good running the ball as he is lead blocking.”

LINEBACKER: Mitchell Guthmiller, Sr., Sioux Valley (6-4, 200)

Mitchell Guthmiller was a versatile player for Sioux Valley. The future South Dakota State University football player played both ways for the Cossacks, racking up 13 touchdowns and nearly 1,400 offensive yards with 77 tackles defensively. Guthmiller ends his career with 1,454 rushing yards, 587 receiving yards, 21 touchdowns and 181 tackles. “Mitchell can play any position, Mitchell has played every position on the football field in his high school career except offensive line,” said SV head coach Jordan Fast. “In the 2024 11B championship game Mitchell played defensive tackle versus Winner. Mitchell had an electric 2025 season at running back and linebacker and deserves to be considered the top player in 11B.

LINEBACKER: Matthew Mount, Sr., Webster Area (6-1, 230)

Matthew Mount was a leader for Webster Area. Mount recorded 66 tackles (10 tackles for loss), two sacks and a forced fumble defensively, adding 137 rushing yards and two touchdowns on offense. The three-time all-conference selection ends his career with 313 total tackles (21 tackles for loss), seven sacks, two forced fumbles, an interception and three defensive touchdowns. “Matthew has been the backbone of our program for four years,” said Webster Area coach Tyler Wagner. “He's been the best player on the field for us since he was a freshman. He's a rare, generational type talent and one of the best kids that I've ever had the privilege to coach. On top of being a tremendous football player, he's also a fantastic teammate and leader. He elevates his teammates and makes everyone around him better. I truly believe that Matthew will go down as one of the best to ever do it in a Bearcat uniform.”

LINEBACKER: Seth Heath, Sr., Winner (5-11, 165)

Seth Heath was the backbone of the Winner defense. Heath tallied 71 tackles, a sack, an interception and one defensive touchdown in his senior year. Heath ends his career with 105.5 total tackles. “Leading tackler by a mile,” said Winner head coach Trent Olson. “Was the second leading tackler on the state championship team last year.”

DEFENSIVE BACK: Holden Wollmann, Sr., Bridgewater-Emery/Ethan (6-1, 175)

Holden Wollmann was a cornerstone player for Bridgewater-Emery/Ethan. Wollman tallied 48 tackles, six pass deflections, two interceptions and a forced fumble this season for the Seahawks. Wollman ends his career with 121 tackles (three tackles for loss), 22 pass deflections, five interceptions, a forced fumble and recovery as well. “Holden has been a three-year starter for us and has developed into a strong leader both on the field and in the weight room,” said BEE coach Jeff VanLeur. “Holden was fourth on our team in tackles and led the team in pass break-ups.”

DEFENSIVE BACK: Brody Van Roekel, Jr., Elk Point-Jefferson (5-9, 170)

Brody Van Roekel is a two-way player for the Huskies. Van Roekel tallied 42 tackles (4.5 tackles for loss), an interceptions and a kick return touchdown as a junior for the Huskies, adding 10 touchdowns offensively. The all-conference selection has 63 tackles in his career. “Brody Van Roekel plays our strong safety position as well as anyone,” said EPJ head coach Jake Terry. “He is asked to both play the run as well as the pass and is one of the most important pieces to our defense. In addition, he also plays running back and returns punts and kicks. To our team, Brody is key to our success”

DEFENSIVE BACK: Zac Olson, Sr., Winner (5-8, 155)

Zac Olson was a dynamic player for Winner. Olson tallied 14.5 tackles and two interceptions as a senior for the Warriors. The two-time all-SESD selection and three-year starter ends his career with 42 tackles and five interceptions. 

DEFENSIVE BACK: Grayden Juve, Sr., St. Thomas More (5-10, 180)

Grayden Juve was a high-level player for the state champion Cavaliers. Juve totaled 50 tackles, including a game-high 20 tackles against Sioux Valley as a senior. Juve ends his career with 95 tackles and an interception defensively, adding 1,438 yards and 19 touchdowns on offense. “Fast, explosive, hardnosed running back that can get to the edge or be physical up the middle,” said STM head coach Austin Hagen. “Great multisport athlete, committed to grades, the weight room.”

SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER: Tyce Feistner, Sr., Mount Vernon-Plankinton (5-11, 190)

Tyce Feister averaged 38.2 yards per punt on 26 attempts as a senior. Feistner also had four punts over 50 yards and eight punts downed inside the 20-yard line. “Tyce was a large part of our success, he was a very good punter when called on,” said MVP head coach AJ Kortemeyer. “He was also our quarterback and middle linebacker.”

SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER: Malachi James, Sr., Beresford (6-3, 175)

Malachi James tallied 35 receptions for 368 yards and five touchdowns, adding 225 yards and three touchdowns rushing with 58 tackles defensively. James was the team’s kick returner and punt returner, ending his career with 90 receptions for 1,274 yards and 12 touchdowns with 158 tackles defensively. “Malachi James is a 4 year starter for Beresford High School,” said Beresford coach Scott Ebert. “A special young man and an exceptional football player.”

HONORABLE MENTION: Aidan Sievers, Carson Marko, Gavin Kloos and Nathan Fieber, Deuel; Justin Klein, Flandreau; Shea Kjeldgaard, Wagner; Wyatt Ziegler, Mobridge-Pollock; Wesley Molnar, Woonsocket-Wessington Springs-Sanborn Central; Brody Lee, St. Thomas More; Keegan Tracy, Groton Area; and Cooper Pommer, Clark-Willow Lake.