By 605 Sports Staff

Winner won its 10th state football championship this season, and was rewarded for it today. 

The Warriors were recognized by the South Dakota High School Football Coaches Association. 

The Warriors defeated Sioux Valley, 20-14, for the Class 11B state championship. 

Class 11B

OFFENSE

QUARTERBACK: Keaton Gale, Sr., Elk Point-Jefferson (5-11, 195)

Gale was a gunslinger for the Huskies. The senior quarterback capped off his senior season completing 59% of passes for 1,739 yards and a school record 20 touchdowns. Gale rushed for 470 yards and two touchdowns this season as well. For his career, the two-year starter tallied 3,334 passing yards, 39 touchdowns, rushing for 921 yards and six touchdowns. “Great player and leader on and off the field,” said Elk Point-Jefferson Jake Terry. “Extremely smart player, going to play baseball next year at Dakota State.”

TIGHT END/FULLBACK/H-BACK: Ashton Fairbacks, Sr., Elk Point-Jefferson (6-2, 210)

Fairbanks caught 31 passes for 922 yards, tying a school record 12 touchdown receptions this season, adding 53 yards and a touchdown rushing. The senior ended his career with 53 catches for 1,438 yards and 22 touchdowns. “Dynamic player maker at tight end,” said Elk Point-Jefferson coach Jake Terry. “As good at blocking as he is catching the ball.”

TIGHT END/FULLBACK/H-BACK: Gus Bartels, Sr., Winner (5-10, 180)

Bartels racked up 285 yards and five touchdowns on 56 carries, averaging 5.1 yards per attempt. The two-year starter helped lead the Warriors to its 10th football championship. “Hard nosed, tough kid,” said Winner coach Trent Olson. “Old fashioned fullback. Great blocker. Set the tone for us.”

TIGHT END/FULLBACK/H-BACK: Tobin Squires, Jr., Sioux Valley (6-6, 230)

Squires played a key role in the Cossacks first trip to the DakotaDome since 1988. He provided blocks for an offense that produced 4,339 yards of offense, while catching four passes for 77 yards and a touchdown. The junior was also an All-Conference selection. “Outstanding coordination & body control, especially for a person of his immense size,” said Sioux Valley Dan Hughes. “Works hard in the weight room and does a tremendous job playing other sports as well.”

RUNNING BACK: Donavon Rose, Sr., Sioux Valley (5-9, 165)

Rose concluded a historic career with the Cossacks. The senior rushed for 1,675 yards and 17 touchdowns this season, averaging 11 yards per carry. For his career, the Cossacks’ all-time leading rusher and scorer was a two-time All-Big East conference and All-State selection, rushing for 3,453 yards and 53 touchdowns.

RUNNING BACK: Karson Keiser, Sr., Winner (5-9, 155)

Keiser rushed for 877 yards and 12 touchdowns, averaging 10.2 yards per attempt in the Warriors championship season. The senior also caught five passes for 147 yards and three touchdowns. “Great player on both sides of the ball and special teams,” said Winner coach Trent Olson.

RUNNING BACK: Brady Fox, Sr., Mount Vernon-Plankinton (5-10, 215)

Fox was a workhorse for the Mount Vernon-Plankinton Titans. He rushed 142 times for 924 yards and 13 touchdowns, averaging 6.5 yards a carry. Fox is also a two-time All-Conference selection in the SESD.

WIDE RECEIVER: Ryder Michalek, Sr., Woonsocket-Wessington Springs-Sanborn Central (6-3, 195)

Michalek caught 58 passes for 721 yards and nine touchdowns as a senior for the Blackhawks. The 2023 All-State selection has 107 passes for 1,537 yards and 15 touchdowns for his career. “Ryder is a tremendous athlete.  He has an amazing work ethic and is very tough. This year he focused on improving his blocking and made strides in being an all-around athlete. Ryder has a large catch radius. If the ball is in the air, he knows he has an opportunity,” said Blackhawk coach Michael Schmitz. “He has incredible ball skills and run after catch skills. He was hampered by some injuries this year, but was still able to produce and put up good numbers. Ryder is always willing to do whatever the team needs.”

WIDE RECEIVER: Gabe Sather, Sr., Deuel (6-3, 190)

Sather reeled in 35 passes for 532 yards and five touchdowns for the Cardinals in 2024. For his career, the two-time All-Conference player collected a school record 1,141 yards and 69 catches, including 10 touchdowns. “Gabe Sather is an explosive multi-sport athlete. His speed, route running, strength and leaping ability made him an elite receiver this year,” said Deuel coach Dustin Hourigan. “Teams who played us knew where he was on the field and adjusted defenses to try and contain him.”

WIDE RECEIVER: Malachi James, Jr., Beresford (6-2, 170)

James had a dominant junior year for the Bulldogs. The receiver caught 43 passes for 685 yards and six touchdowns this season. In his career, James has 54 receptions for 806 yards and seven touchdowns. “Malachi James is a three -year starter for Beresford High School and led his team every week in practice and during games. Fundamentally his focus on mastering the basic skills of his position on offense and defense included technique, footwork, and understanding of the game. Everyday and every week he got better. His consistent performance day in and day out allowed him to make impactful plays in every game even though he was keyed and double covered most all the time,” said Beresford coach Scott Ebert. “His leadership on and off the field allowed him to be a captain for the team and a positive example in all he did and does for his teammates. Malachi’s mental preparedness helped the team maintain a positive mindset, even in challenging situations. His ability to perform under pressure and in difficult situations showed that he can and will play at the next level. He led our team statistically on both sides of the ball this past season and will be a strong player for the Watchdogs next season. Malachi James is ‘A special kind of young man and an exceptional player’.”

OFFENSIVE LINEMAN: Evan Bartels, Sr., Winner (5-10, 195)

Bartels was a cornerstone lineman for the Warriors. The three-year starter helped Winner rush for over 3,00 yards in all three seasons he was on the offensive line. “A real hard worker lives in the weight room,” said Winner coach Trent Olson. “Has started at both guard and tackle for us in his career.”

OFFENSIVE LINEMAN: Hudson Kempf, Sr., Elk Point-Jefferson (6-2, 285)

Kempf blocked for an offense that totaled 3,905 yards of offense and 366 points. The three-year starter played every position on the o-line this season. “Big, physical offensive lineman who has been a vital piece of our success over the past several seasons,” said Elk Point-Jefferson coach Jake Terry. “Leader on the field and in the weight room.”

OFFENSIVE LINEMAN: Parker Petry, Sr., Wagner (6-1, 240)

Petry had a short stint on the offensive line in his senior season, but was effective in that time. In six games on the o-line, Wagner rushed for 956 yards, all while Petry collected 33 pancake blocks. The three-year starter has played every spot on the line of scrimmage and is a two-time All-Conference player. “Parker sets the standard for d-line and o-line play. Thrives on putting people on the ground and being dominant. Defensively can shut down an entire side of the field. Has paved the way for multiple high yardage backs over the last few years,” said Wagner coach Hunter Hewitt. “Off and on the field is a tremendous leader and dedicates his offseason to becoming a better football player. I could only hope to have another Parker Petry, Injury shortened season and still put up very good numbers.”

OFFENSIVE LINEMAN: Aidyn Janis, Sr., Hot Springs (6-3, 215)

Janis helped block for an offense that totaled 2,000 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns. The senior Bison was also a 2024 All-Conference selection. “Aidyn is the most versatile linemen I have ever coached. Played center on the state championship Team last season, moved him to tackle this season and played Guard the last 5 games this season,” said Hot Springs coach Ben Kramer. “No matter where he played, he was one of the top 2-3 players we have ever had at those positions. Extremely athletic for a big guy.”

OFFENSIVE LINEMAN: Luke Lemcke, Sr., Sioux Valley (6-0, 260)

Lemcke was a key piece for Sioux Valley’s trip to the DakotaDome. The Cossack offensive lineman played a big role in the offense that rushed for 395 yards per game. Lemcke is also an All-Big East Conference selection. “Tremendous size and physicality, has become an expert at blocking LB's at the next level,” said Sioux Valley coach Dan Hughes.

OFFENSIVE LINEMAN: Jason Zeeb, Sr., Bridgewater-Emery/Ethan (6-0, 205)

Zeeb blocked for a Seahawk offense that totaled over 3,000 yards in 2024. The senior has also led the team in tackles each of the last two seasons, recording 89 tackles, seven sacks and three interceptions his senior year. Zeeb was also an All-State honorable mention last season. “Jason is that athlete that coaches dream about coaching. He's a great leader on and off the field. He works hard every play, motivates our young players to be better and is an unselfish team player,” said Bridgewater/Emery-Ethan coach Jeff VanLeur. “He has worked hard developing himself into a great football player. He's a great team player and is a big play maker. He has signed at Dordt to continue his football career.”

DEFENSE

DEFENSIVE LINEMAN: Shawn Hammerbeck, Sr., Winner (6-7, 260)

Hammerbeck played a small but effective role for the Warriors. Hammerbeck recorded just 4.5 tackles and one sack in 2024 due to injury, but helped power Winner to its 10th football state championship. He was also part of the 2023 11B All-State team and a 2023 Elite 45 selection. “three-year starter, led the team in tackles as a junior,” said Winner coach Trent Olson. “Committed to Nebraska, and battled through injuries and illness this year.”

DEFENSIVE LINEMAN: Preston Top, Jr., Sioux Valley (5-11, 200)

Top was a force on the defensive side for Sioux Valley. He recorded 36 tackles (seven tackles for loss) and a sack his junior year. Top also made the All- Big East Conference team. “Best Defensive Lineman I've ever coached,” said Sioux Valley coach Dan Hughes.

DEFENSIVE LINEMAN: Gabe Reeve, Sr., St. Thomas More (6-2, 240)

Reeve was a monster for St. Thomas More. He recorded 44 tackles and two sacks in 2024, helping lead the Cavaliers to the Class 11B semifinals.

DEFENSIVE LINEMAN: Josh Kannegieter, Sr., Clark/Willow Lake (6-5, 205)

Kannegieter played a huge role for the Cyclones. He tallied 36 tackles (five tackles for loss), and three sacks. The three-year starter played both defensive end and tight end as a senior. “Very coachable kid.  Plays much tougher than his body should allow,” said Clark/Willow Lake coach David Severson. “Extremely High Football IQ. This kid doesn't wow you with big hits on the highlight reel, but he is a role player that teams look to avoid his side. Does his job very very well.  Plays the inside run extremely well,  and also can stretch the plays to the sideline and take away lanes.”

LINEBACKER: Lane Duetsch, Sr., McCook Central/Montrose (6-0, 190)

Duetsch played with another gear for the Cougars. He recorded 81 tackles (14 tackles for loss), three forced fumbles and an interception this season. Duetsch also made 1st team All-Big East Conference this year. “We were fortunate to have a guy like Lane Deutsch on our football team this year. He possesses a lot of qualities that you need to be a great football player. Hardest worker every day, intense, big, fast, athletic, competitive, driven. A lot of his rushing yards came from him just being a stud. We'd block it up well for him to get a five or six yard gain, and he'd break a few tackles and take it the distance,” said McCook Central/Montrose coach Mike Garry. “He was an absolute ball hawk on defense. He has a nose for the ball and is always making the right reads, which lead to him making big plays. When we needed a big play on offense, Lane was our go-to. He had some big runs, some big receptions, and also had some big passes. If we needed something to happen on defense, we'd send Lane on a blitz and let him fly to the ball carrier. He was an absolute asset to our program and will be tough to replace.”

LINEBACKER: Brock Christopherson, Sr., Sioux Valley (5-10, 165)

Christopherson was crucial for the Cossacks. He tallied 60 tackles, four fumble recoveries, a sack, an interception, and 1,200 rushing yards on offense for Sioux Valley. A 2023 All-Stater, Christopherson earned All-Big East Conference honors this season. “Tremendous athlete and competitor,” said Sioux Valley Coach Dan Hughes. “Watches more films than me and plays quarterback as well.”

LINEBACKER: Zane Backous, Sr., Aberdeen Roncalli (5-11, 210)

Backous recorded 65 tackles, three sacks and a fumble recovery, playing for a Cavalier defense that allowed just 76 rushing yards and 8.7 points per contest in 2024. Backous is a three-time All-Conference selection. “Zane has been a four-year starter for us defensively and a three-year starter offensively. He started at fullback on our 9-1 team in 2022 before moving to quarterback for one year as a junior,” said Aberdeen Roncalli coach Billy Young. “He moved back to fullback this year. He started all four years at linebacker leading us in tackles 3/4 years.”

LINEBACKER: Gannon Knebel, Jr., Wagner (6-1, 205)

Knebel finished with 48 tackles (8.5 tackles for loss) and one sack, while tallying 756 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns at quarterback. The two-time All-Conference pick also recorded 532 passing yards and three passing touchdowns. “Gannon is a tremendous football player. What he does on the field speaks for itself. He is also the hardest worker on the field at all times and the hardest worker off the field at all times. Has been a captain since he was a sophomore and will be a four-year varsity starter next year,” said Wagner coach Hunter Hewitt. “The last two seasons he has been our best player on both sides of the ball for our team. Might be one of the most talented football players in the state. Was only able to play 6 games and a couple of those games he still was not himself. An injury this year prevented him from showing everyone what he is really capable of.”

DEFENSIVE BACK: Paul Parsley, Sr., Flandreau (6-2, 180)

Parsley totaled 48 tackles (three tackles for loss), five pass deflections and an interception, all while tallying 15 passing touchdowns on 1,407 yards, rushing for two more scores on 235 yards. Parsley is a two-time All-Conference member and ends his career as holding school records in passing yards and touchdowns. “Paul has been the leader of our team for the past two years. He is a three-year starter on both sides of the ball, and has played well for us,” said Flandreau coach Josh Edlund. “Paul has every single passing record in Flandreau and throughout his career as a Flier he has had consistent quarterback play throughout. Paul was a huge reason for us making the playoffs this year.”

DEFENSIVE BACK: Isaiah Olson, Sr., Mount Vernon/Plankinton (5-10, 170)

Olson was a lockdown corner for the Titans. The senior recorded 38 tackles and four interceptions in 2024. He’s also a two-time SESD All-Conference selection and holds the school record for career interceptions.

DEFENSIVE BACK: Grayson Girard, Sr., Elk Point-Jefferson (6-0, 175)

Girard had an excellent year for the Huskies. The two-time All-Conference selection tallied 50.5 tackles (seven tackles for loss), one interception and a kick return touchdown this season. He ends his career with 94.5 tackles, three interceptions and two kick return touchdowns. “In addition to wide receiver where he had 21 catches for 303 yards, 19 carries for 190 yd and three touchdowns,” said Elk Point-Jefferson coach Jake Terry. “Also went 31-of-36 on extra points, punted, and returned kicks. The kid is a gamer”

DEFENSIVE BACK: Jakob Guthmiller, Sr., Sioux Valley (6-1, 170)

Guthmiller recorded 46 tackles (three tackles for loss) and a sack from the strong safety position for the Cossacks. The All-Big East Conference selection is also part of the Academic All-State team. “Tremendous athlete, going to University of Nebraska to study business,” said Sioux Valley Coach Dan Hughes.

SPECIAL TEAMS: Aiden Fisher, Sr., Aberdeen Roncalli (5-10, 140)

Fisher kicked 19-of-22 on point-after-attempts this season for the Cavaliers. The 2023 All-State defensive back also averaged 35.7 yards per punt this season. “Aiden did everything for us on special teams,” said Roncalli coach Billy Young. “He kicked, punted, and returned both kicks and punts.”

SPECIAL TEAMS: Jameson Degen, Sr., Sioux Valley (6-1, 165)

Degen had a year for the Cossacks. The kicker booted all three field goal attempts through the uprights, missing just one of 54 point-after-attempts. He made 105 point-after-attempts in his high school career. “Outstanding player who has become the best kicker in school history,” said Sioux Valley coach Dan Hughes.

ATHLETE: Holden Havlik, Sr., Woonsocket-Wessington Springs-Sanborn Central (6-3, 215)

Havlik completed 54% of his passes for 1,789 yards, 14 touchdowns to seven interceptions this season for the Blackhawks. Havlik finished his high school career with 44 total touchdowns. “Holden is a tremendous athlete. He has an arm that can make all of the throws and has the ability to run whenever it calls for it. He is a fierce competitor on the field,” said Woonsocket-Wessington Springs-Sanborn Central coach Michael Schmitz. “Holden has had a great football career with outstanding numbers. He stepped up this year to take a leadership role. His plan is to play next year at Northern State University.”

ATHLETE: Jackson Eisemann, Sr., Mobridge-Pollock (6-0, 190)

Eisemann had 849 passing yards and seven passing touchdowns as a senior for the Tigers. He also rushed for 231 yards and six touchdowns. Eisemann is a four-year starter for Mobridge-Pollock recording 25 touchdowns over the past two seasons. “Jackson has been a stable presence with our offense over the last 4 years,” said Mobridge-Pollock coach Donovon Flaherty. “During that time he has played both wide receiver and quarterback showing a unique blend of athleticism and intelligence. He was a great 2nd option for us that could take advantage of teams on the ground or through the air.”

HONORABLE MENTION — Mack Saxon and Carter Hinsz, Mobridge-Pollock; Colby Flowers, Hunter Fenske and Bryce Larson, Woonsocket-Wessington Springs-Sanborn Central; Luke Schmitz, Elk Point-Jefferson; Cooper Nelson, Beresford; Noah Kramer, Aberdeen Roncalli; Riley Mayer, Mount Vernon-Plankinton; Kellen Brozik, Winner; and Connor Harrison, Lead-Deadwood.