Watertown won its first state championship since 2001, and was honored for it today.

The Arrows edged Pierre, 14-13, for the Class 11AA state championship. 

Class 11AA

Offense

QUARTERBACK: Easton Nelson, Sr., Yankton (6-0, 180)

Nelson was a productive quarterback for the Bucks this season. He completed 61% of his passes for 1,443 yards and 14 passing touchdowns, while rushing for 733 yards on 110 carries and 12 touchdowns. “Easton is a first-year starter for us,” Yankton coach Brady Muth said. “His ability to throw any range of the ball, while also having the speed and ability to run made him a true dual threat at QB. He was driven, and grew tremendously as the leader of the offense.” 

TIGHT END/FULLBACK/H-BACK: Cooper Terwilliger, Soph., Pierre T.F. Riggs (6-5, 225)

A major college football prospect, Terwilliger burst onto the scene for the Governors this season. He hauled in 33 catches for 455 yards and four touchdown catches, while missing a bulk of the year with an injury. Just a sophomore, he has 52 catches for 729 yards and eight touchdown catches. “Cooper is a force and someone that can make a difference as a run blocker or a receiving TE,” Pierre coach Steve Steele said. “Our offense is different with him in the game and out of the game as we found out for a game and a half due to injury. Only a sophomore, he is every bit the alpha of our team and already one of the leaders that the team follows. He understands the responsibility on his shoulders at such a young age and has really flourished in that role.”

TIGHT END/FULLBACK/H-BACK: Spencer Wientjes, Sr., Watertown (6-1, 215)

Wientjes was a key playmaker for the Class 11AA state champs. He had carries for 582 yards and nine rushing touchdowns. He added 11 catches for 110 yards. For his career, he rushed for 912 yards on 119 carries and scored 15 rushing touchdowns. He added 38 catches for 464 yards and three touchdowns. He added 130 tackles (87 solo), nine sacks, three interceptions, three forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries on defense. “Spencer Wientjes is a very good football player,” Watertown coach John Hodorff said. “He is a big fast athletic player. Spencer is a guy you have to account for on O and D and is a threat to make a big play on every snap.  Spencer is the leader on our team on and off the field.”

TIGHT END/FULLBACK/H-BACK: Bergan Tetzlaff, Jr., Brookings (6-4, 225)

Tetzlaff was a productive player for the Bobcats this season. He hauled in 21 receptions for 503 yards and caught eight touchdown passes. He added three rushing touchdowns and one passing touchdown. For his career, he has 642 yards receiving on 31 receptions and has 12 total touchdowns. “Bergan is one of the best players in the state,” Brookings coach Brady Clark said. “He is a leader on both sides of the football and is a big reason we had the success we did this season.” 

RUNNING BACK: Hunter Walters, Sr., Spearfish (5-11, 200)

Walters was a threat out of the backfield for the Spartans. He rushed for 1,191 yards on 151 carries and scored 14 rushing touchdowns. For his career, he rushed for 1,845 yards. “Huge explosive play ability,” Spearfish coach Tom Tieszen said. “Absolute workhorse of a back. Top two best running backs I have coached in my 16 years.”

RUNNING BACK: Evan Serck, Sr., Yankton (5-6, 160)

At just 5-foot-6, Serck put up big numbers for the Bucks. He finished with 1,203 rushing yards on 194 carries and scored 15 touchdowns. For his career, he posted 2,126 rushing yards and 24 touchdowns. “Evan is a driven, fast and agile back,” Yankton coach Brady Muth said. “He is strong and has the ability to take every snap.”

RUNNING BACK: Parker Denne, Sr., Mitchell (5-10, 185)

Denne did it all out of the backfield for the Kernels. He rushed for 300 yards and five touchdowns, while adding 393 yards receiving and four more scores. He finished with 908 all-purpose yards and 10 touchdowns. He added a punt return for a touchdown. For his career, Denne rushed for 1,080 yards on 245 carries and 13 rushing touchdowns. He added 739 yards receiving on 54 receptions and five touchdowns. He finished with 2,366 all-purpose yards and 20 total touchdowns. He posted 83 tackles and an interception on defense. “Parker was one of the best players to wear a Kernel uniform the past three seasons,” Mitchell coach Pat Larson said. “He was a threat to score every time he touched the ball. He was our top offensive weapon the past two seasons and everyone knew it. His numbers this season were down, due to the fact that we were breaking in four new offensive line starters. He was a team captain & the leader of our offense.”

WIDE RECEIVER: George Stalley, Sr., Pierre T.F. Riggs (5-9, 175)

Stalley was a dynamic playmaker for the Governors. He hauled in 41 catches for 402 yards and seven touchdown passes. He added seven carries for 33 yards and a touchdown. For his career, he had 78 catches for 1,009 yards and 13 touchdown receptions. “George is a dynamic playmaker,” Pierre coach Steve Steele said. “He has moved all over the field for us and also returns punts and kicks. His ability to stretch the field has been crucial to us as well as his playmaking ability in traffic. He battled tough injuries and the weight of leadership all year and is someone who always gave everything for the team in any capacity.”

WIDE RECEIVER: Mitch Olson, Sr., Watertown (6-2, 165)

Olson was a productive skill player for the Class 11AA state champs. He hauled in 25 catches for 498 yards and nine touchdown passes. For his career, he tallied 43 catches for 797 yards and 13 touchdown receptions. He had 37 tackles (16 solo) and one interception on defense. “Mitch Olson has had a very good season for us on both sides of the football; his primary duties for the last two years have been playing receiver and safety,” Watertown coach John Hodorff said. “Mitch is a smart player who understands the game and is able to help get all of our guys in the correct place all of the time. Mitch is also a guy who leads by example and will do whatever it takes to win games.” 

WIDE RECEIVER: Carson Ness, Sr., Yankton (6-1, 175)

Ness was a dangerous weapon for Yankton’s passing attack. He hauled in 35 catches for 644 yards and seven touchdowns. For his career, he posted 81 catches for 1,326 yards and 11 touchdowns. “Carson’s natural ability made him a standout receiver for us,” Yankton coach Brady Muth said. “He creates separation, high points well and has great hands.”

OFFENSIVE LINEMAN: Ryker Meister, Sr., Aberdeen Central (6-1, 225)

Meister was a senior captain and leader for the Golden Eagle offensive line. He finished this season with 13 pancake blocks and 27 pancake blocks for his career. “Senior captain, leader of the OL,” Aberdeen Central coach Justin Briese said. “Smart and aggressive.”  

OFFENSIVE LINEMAN: Jacob Mikkonen, Sr., Pierre T.F. Riggs (6-4, 255)

Mikkonen was one of two players to every game on Pierre’s defense and one of five that started every game on offense. He was a two-year starter for the Governors. “Mikk is the heart and soul of our line,” Pierre coach Steve Steele said. “He is a 4.0 kid who is extremely intelligent in getting blocking assignments squared away, one of the hardest workers in our program, and also a phenomenal teammate that is quick to be the ear for anyone who needs it on the team. A true leader by example.”

OFFENSIVE LINEMAN: Micah Hach, Sr., Watertown (6-5, 300)

A future SDSU football player and wrestler, Hach was a dominant force for the Arrows. He finished with 38 tackles (16 solo), five tackles for loss and one sack on defense. For his career, he had 85 tackles (42 solo), five tackles for loss and two sacks. He was named the Class 11AA Outstanding Lineman. “Micah Hach is a special player,” Watertown coach John Hodorff said. “He is big, fast and very powerful. Micah is a player that must be accounted for on every play, he is usually double teamed and is still able to make plays. Micah is a leader on our team on and off the field.”

OFFENSIVE LINEMAN: Andrew Hahn, Sr., Brookings (6-0, 215)

Hahn helped the Bobcats rack up almost 2,500 yards on offense this season. He was a three-year starter at left guard. “Andrew played a huge role on our offensive line this year as a player and a leader,” Brookings coach Brady Clark said. “When we needed a trustworthy play, we were always running behind him.” 

OFFENSIVE LINEMAN: Jacob Jongejeugd, Sr., Tea Area (6-4, 265)

Jongejeugd helped pave the way for 2,385 rushing yards and 27 touchdowns. With Jongejeugd anchoring the line, the group allowed only six sacks this season. A three-year starter, he helped block for 8,861 yards and 121 touchdowns. “The physical and mental leader of the offensive line,” Scott Frey said. “Can and has played all positions on the offensive line. Jacob is committed to play for the University of Sioux Falls next year.”

OFFENSIVE LINEMAN: Lucas Cordell, Sr., Yankton (6-3, 260)

Cordell paved the way for Yankton’s rushing attack. The Bucks rushed for 2,706 yards and he allowed only two sacks. For his career, he helped Yankton rush for 4,416 yards and he surrendered just eight sacks. “Lucas was the anchor of our OL,” Yankton coach Brady Muth said. “He played right tackle but could play all five positions. He is physical, quick and plays with great technique. Two-way athlete. Never quit mentality.”

Defense

DEFENSIVE LINEMAN: Aaron Morovits, Sr., Sturgis Brown (6-1, 265)

Morovits was a disruptive force for the Scoopers. He posted 87 tackles (30 solo), 10 tackles for loss, three sacks, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. For his career, he finished with 168 tackles (61 solo), seven sacks and 16 tackles for loss. “Aaron has been a starter for us for three years on the defensive line,” Sturgis coach Chris Koletzky said. “Aaron was a player for us that teams had to plan around. He was frequently doubled through the season and still managed to be around the football.”

DEFENSIVE LINEMAN: Felipe Gonzalez, Jr., Aberdeen Central (6-4, 295)

An imposing lineman, Gonzalez was a dominant player along the Golden Eagle defensive line. He finished this season with 44 tackles (19 solo), six tackles for loss and two sacks. For his career, he has 71 tackles (28 solo), seven tackles for loss and two sacks. “Great leader and anchor for our DL and defense,” Aberdeen Central coach Justin Briese said. “Made great improvements since last season and I only see him improving for next year.”

DEFENSIVE LINEMAN: Elijah Boutchee, Sr., Pierre T.F. Riggs (6-3, 220)

Boutchee was a swiss army knife player for the Governors. He posted 43.5 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, two fumble recoveries and 1.5 sacks on defense. For his career, he posted 77 tackles, 23.5 tackles for loss, six sacks and five fumble recoveries. “EJ is a jack of all trades who was able to maneuver many different positions during his time as a Gov,” Pierre coach Steve Steele said. “He has been a three-year starter on the defensive line and has taken on a bigger offensive role this year as well. A team captain who is the guy our team trusts most when the game is on the line.”

DEFENSIVE LINEMAN: Jayden Lambert, Sr., Watertown (6-1, 240)

Lambert was a key defensive performer for the Class 11AA state champs. He finished this season with 25 tackles (10 solo), three tackles for loss and two sacks. For his career, he finished with 59 tackles (32 solo), 11 tackles for loss, three sacks, four defensive touchdowns, five fumble recoveries, four forced fumbles and one interception. “Jayden Lambert has had a great career in Watertown,” Watertown coach John Hodorff said. “He has been a starter for two full seasons and has made a ton of very big plays. He has scored four defensive TD's in two years as a defensive end. Jayden is a team first guy he will always do whatever it takes to make our team successful during the entire year.”

LINEBACKER: Matthew Sheldon, Sr., Yankton (6-1, 230)

Sheldon capped off a productive career for the Bucks. He finished this season with 57 solo tackles, two interceptions, and 1.5 sacks. He recorded 286.5 tackles, five sacks and four interceptions during his career. “Matthew is one of a kind,” Yankton coach Brady Muth said. “Intelligent, strong, physical. He has good speed and great field sense. He is tough. He played the whole season with a torn labrum and was a two-year starter. One of the top leaders on the team.”

LINEBACKER: Gabriel Stern, Sr., Brookings (6-0, 195)

Stern was highly productive this season for the Bobcats. He finished this season with 103 total tackles, three forced fumbles, two interceptions and two defensive touchdowns. For his career, he had 127 total tackles, three forced fumbles, two interceptions and two defensive touchdowns. “After coming off of not one, but two hip surgeries, we were finally able to see Gabe get comfortable in his role at LB,” Brookings coach Brady Clark said. “He was another leader for us in our program and a very intelligent player. When we needed a stop or a momentum play, he always stepped up and performed in those big moments.”

LINEBACKER: Kaden Decker, Jr., Watertown (5-9, 160)

Decker anchored the middle of the Watertown defense this season. He finished with 67 tackles (39 solo), 13 tackles for loss and one interception. For his career, he has 121 tackles (66 solo), three sacks, 22 tackles for loss, two interceptions and two defensive touchdowns. “Kaden Decker is a very good player,” Watertown coach John Hordorff said. “He is a second-year starter and is one of our leading tacklers for the second year. Kaden is a physical athletic guy and always gives his best effort on every play. Kaden is always willing to play special teams and scout teams. Kaden is a leader on our team on and off the field.”

LINEBACKER: Kalvin Ketelsen, Sr., Sturgis Brown (5-9, 165)

Ketelsen rarely left the field, and was a productive player for the Scoopers. He finished the season with 122 tackles (30 solo), eight tackles for loss, two sacks, one fumble recovery and one forced fumble. For his career, he tallied 195 tackles (55 solo), 13 tackles for loss, three sacks, two fumble recoveries and one forced fumble. “Kalvin was the heart and soul of our defense for the past two seasons,” Sturgis coach Chris Koletzky said. “He is the type of player that rarely came off the field for us. He is also a player that likes the physical nature of football.”  

DEFENSIVE BACK: Dylon Doren, Sr., Spearfish (5-11, 160)

Doren was a physical corner for the Spartans. He finished with 28 tackles, three interceptions, two pass breakups and one pick-six. “Phenomenal cover 2 corner,” Spearfish coach Tom Tieszen said. “Can run deep with the 1 and comes up very physically to the flats. Could shut down half of the field.”

DEFENSIVE BACK: Carson Stoeser, Sr., Pierre T.F. Riggs (6-1, 170)

Stoeser was a valuable piece for Pierre’s defensive unit. He finished with 19 tackles (two tackles for loss), one interception and fumble recovery. For his career, he finished with 36.5 tackles, four interceptions, three fumble recoveries and two defensive touchdowns. “Carson is what you think of and want in a DB,” Pierre coach Steve Steele said. “Just enough swag and confidence to want to man up his side. He has great closing speed and is excited about playing physical. He is also returned for us and has done a great job in every role he has held.” 

DEFENSIVE BACK: Jeremiah Schulte, Sr., Watertown (5-11, 165)

Schulte was a disruptive defensive player in the Arrow secondary. He recorded 55 tackles (36 solo), four interceptions and one sack. For his career, he finished with 112 tackles (64 solo), four interceptions, one sack and one forced fumble. “Jeremiah Schulte has been a very reliable player for us the past two seasons,” Watertown John Hordorff said. “He is a hard worker and a leader on our team. Jeremiah is a very good football player. He understands our scheme and he is also the tackle leader in our defensive backfield.”

DEFENSIVE BACK: Charlie Bisgard, Sr., Brookings (6-3, 170)

Bisgard was a three-year starter at safety, and a productive defensive player for the Bobcats. He finished this season with 45 total tackles, four interceptions and one defensive touchdown. For his career, he had 128 tackles, eight interceptions, three tackles for loss and one defensive touchdown. “Charlie was a three-year starter for us at safety,” Brookings coach Brady Clark said. “He was a leader among our defensive backs and came up big for us when we needed him to. He wasn't afraid to set the tone coming down in the box to make a tackle either. A smart football player with great range.” 

SPECIAL TEAMS: Anderson Porisch, Soph., Huron (6-4, 195)

A first-year starter, Porisch was a productive punter for the Tigers. He totaled 1,082 yards on 25 punts for an average of 43.3 yards a punt. His longest punt was 63 yards. “Great special teams punter,” Huron coach Dru Strand said. “He is a kid that plays all three phases of the game.” 

SPECIAL TEAMS: Connor Slaba, Sr., Yankton (5-8, 165)

Slaba was a threat in the return game for the Bucks. He returned 25 punts for 172 yards, while he posted 16 kickoff returns for 391 yards. He averaged 24.5 yards per kickoff return. “Connor is the type of slot receiver we love,” Yankton coach Brady Muth said. “Shifty, quick and great awareness of the field. He was our receptions leader this year. One of the hardest working athletes on the team.”

ATHLETE: Hudson Borgan, Sr., Mitchell (5-6, 160)

Borgan was a two-year starter and productive player for the Kernels. Borgan finished with 34 receptions for 358 yards and two touchdown receptions this season. He added 195 rushing yards on 33 carries and one touchdown. He added 16 kickoff returns for 308 yards. On defense, he posted 67 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, two interceptions, one fumble recovery and one forced fumble. For his career, he hauled in 37 receptions for 386 yards and two touchdowns. He had 26 kickoff returns for 434 yards. He added 44 carries for 274 yards and one touchdown. For his career, he had 133 tackles, five tackles for loss, two interceptions, one fumble recovery and one forced fumble. He finished with 1,279 all-purpose yards and three total touchdowns. “Hudson was our best all-around football player this season,” Mitchell coach Pat Larson said. “He was a two-way starter and was on almost all of our special teams units. He was a team captain and was the unquestioned leader of our defensive secondary. He was our No. 2 offensive weapon, both as a runner and as a receiver. He led our defense in tackles. He was instrumental in everything we did this season.”

ATHLETE: Bryce Kral, Sr., Yankton (6-0, 205)

Kral led the Bucks in tackles this season. He posted 65 solo tackles, four pass breakups, one sack, one interception and one fumble recovery. “He has excellent field sense and is very football smart,” Yankton coach Brady Muth said. “Bryce is always around the football, whether it is a run fit or in pass coverage. When tackles he packs a punch. Such a fun player to watch and coach.”

HONORABLE MENTION — Treyton Himmerich, Karter Engels and Nathan Briggs, Watertown; Joey Dallmann and Cordel Rychlik, Aberdeen Central; Carter Merrill and Carter Schiefelbein, Pierre; Will Conrad, Brookings; Cole McKinney and Chase DeBoer, Tea Area; Cale Haselhorst, Yankton; Kolby Hofer, Huron; and Sully Jost, Sturgis.