Some people will be joyful for winning awards, with their friends take to social media to post about the accomplishment. Others use the awards as motivation for their next season. Some get bitter and hateful.
Of all the things that someone does as a sports journalist, awards easily gives the most headaches.
But just because something is difficult, doesn’t mean that it should left undone. Therefore, awards are also the most gratifying part of the job, as we are able to do what we always set out to do:
Get athletes the exposure they deserve.
For our awards this year, we went with a player of the year for each class in the following categories:
Quarterback
Running Back
Receiver
Lineman
Linebacker
Defensive Back
Kicker
Athlete
Yes, we have added a new award from last year, so named the Athlete of the Year. This award is given to a player that was excellent in multiple categories, but was maybe not quite the top player in a specific category. We have also named an overall Player of the Year in each class.
We also want to remind everyone that the Lineman of the Year awards is an all-inclusive award that showcases players from both sides of the ball. We discussed it in last year’s post, but many lineman awards are all-inclusive, as the nature of the offensive line position leads it to be difficult in unbiased selection.
Another note, receivers also included both Wide Receivers and Tight Ends. We also eliminated the Honorable Mention section of each class. While it was appropriate last year, we felt as though it was time to move on from the list and just stick to POY in each position. This leaves some players off the list that are very talented, but just know that doesn’t mean we didn’t think you were elite. In fact, we were wildly impressed with how fun and talented South Dakota football was.
Sometimes, we had to choose to give an award to a kid over another. It’s a tough decision and one we don’t take lightly. So even if you did not get an award, we ask you don’t be spiteful. We appreciate you caring about our awards, and you being apart of this awesome community!
We also hope that we will be able to shout you out in another sport, or even next season if you are an underclassmen.
Now, finally, shout out to the coaches you sent us stats. We appreciate that so much. And to all the players, fans, and anyone else reading this, we hope that you enjoy the awards, and we thank you as well for being a part of our awesome community.
-TK
To jump to a selection, please click the link below:
The leader of one of the most dominant teams the state has seen in recent years, Ashley came into his own this year after an injury-riddled junior season. The quarterback was impressive all season long, making difficult passes while providing the leadership a team needs to win it all.
Running Back of the Year
Name: Nelson Wright, Jefferson
Stats: 194 carries, 1,311 yards, 19 TD
Wright proved to be a X-factor for the state champions, adding another dimension to the Cavaliers lineup that was too much to handle this season.
Receiver of the Year
Name: Griffin Wilde, Jefferson
Stats: 46 rec, 946 yards, 10 TD
It seemed like no one could stop the senior wide receiver from Jefferson, who completed unbelievable sideline catches and variously ran near-perfect routes all season.
Lineman of the Year
Name: Jack Detert, Harrisburg
Stats: 79 tackles, 10 sacks, 12 TFL
Detert dominated all throughout the entire fall and was instrumental in the championship run for the Tigers. The senior was a lockdown play-stopper on his side of the field, but wasn’t afraid to make an adjustment and chase down ball carriers from across the gridiron. Detert also forced a handful of turnovers and big plays, including multiple blocked punts.
Linebacker of the Year
Name: Rich Benenge, Harrisburg
Stats: 94 tackles, 22 TFL, 6 PBU
Benege played with some of the most fiery passion in the state, delivering monster hits and explosive plays. The senior was a key part of the Tigers run to the Dome, providing a stop-gap in the middle of the field with bone-crushing hits.
Defensive Back of the Year
Name: Beau Giblin, Jefferson
Stats: 54 tackles (31/23), 3 TFL, 5 INT, 2 DEF TD
Giblin headlined a Jefferson secondary that proved to be one of the best in the state. The senior was a threat to opposing offenses, and shut down many of the top receivers in AAA.
Kicker of the Year
Name: Anthony Erickson, Jefferson
Stats: 5-7 FG, Long of 46, 68-70 PAT, 26.93 YPP, Long Punt of 54
Erickson was nearly automatic, hitting an impressive 68 PATs while also burying one of the top field goals in the state at 46 yards. While not called to punt on very often, the Cavalier stepped up in those moments and delivered impressive boots.
The senior QB completed a legendary career with his third state championship as a starter, while breaking the state’s all-time passing record. He will also finish his career with the most touchdowns of any player in the 605 during the 2022 season.
Running Back of the Year
Name: Karson Carda, Aberdeen
Stats: 255 carries, 1,554 yards, 12 TD
The Golden Eagles proved many doubters wrong with a top three finish in the class, headlined by the running heroics of Karson Carda. The senior led the class in yards this season.
Receiver of the Year
Name: Jack Merkwan, Pierre
Stats: 48 rec, 1,058 yards, 11 TD
Merkwan wrapped up a great career with 234 yards and 2 touchdowns in his final game, breaking the Class’ championship game receiving record. Merkwan was also the only wide receiver in the class to go for over 1,000 yards and just one of three, with teammate Cade Keiser and Yankton’s Cody Oswald, to have at least 10 touchdown catches.
Lineman of the Year
Name: Caleb Loehr, Brookings
Stats: 74 tackles (53/21), 28 TFL, 17 sacks
In a class filled with a ton of linemen talent, Loehr stood out with his 28 tackles for loss, which included an unfathomable 17 sacks on the season.
Linebacker of the Year
Name: Jaxton Eck, Brookings
Stats: 124 tackles (85/39), 19 TFL, 2 INT
A monster on the defensive for Brookings, Eck made his mark with a class leading 124 tackles, including 19 behind the line of scrimmage.
Defensive Back of the Year
Name: Blake Thompson, Tea Area
Stats: 34 tackles (23/11), 8 INT, 9 PBU
Arguably one of the best running backs in the state, Thompson also made his mark on the defensive end, grabbing a class-leading 8 picks for the state runner-ups.
Kicker of the Year
Name: Trevor Paulson, Yankton
Stats: 8/9 FG, Long of 47
The kicker from the River City has been a mainstay as one of the top specialists in the state, securing the honor with near perfection this season, and burying one of the state’s longest kicks at 47-yards.
This award might as well be named the Chase Van Tol Award. The senior from Tea was among the state’s top players in a multitude of positions, with a tough-nosed approach in all aspects of the game.
Zirpel was electric for the Trojans, and scared opponents defense with his shiftyness in the backfield. The senior QB led his team to an impressive finish at the Dome and was a constant threat to score.
Stubbe was a bulldozer for the state championships, rushing for over 7 yards a carry and a fantastic 22 touchdowns.
Receiver of the Year
Name: Porter Ihnen, Lennox
Stats: 49 rec, 764 yards, 13 TD
Some fans might remember Ihnen from the basketball court, but the Oriole holds his own on the football field as well. The junior was a constant threat to score, and only looks to be dangerously improving into his senior season.
Lineman of the Year
Name: Treyse Eastman, Dell Rapids
Stats: 43 tackles (20/23), 11 TFL, TBD
A mainstay on the line for the Quarriers, Eastman was an anchor on a state championship defense that gave up only 16 ppg.
Linebacker of the Year
Name: Max Kaare, SFC
Stats: 124 tackles, 3 TFL, 3 FF, 2 INT
The Chargers complete an excellent and historic season, with Kaare leading the way on the defensive end.
Defensive Back of the Year
Name: Randy Rosenquist, Dakota Valley
Stats: 86 tackles (36/50), 4.5 TFL, 7 PBU, 3 INT
Rosenquist was everywhere for the Panthers defense, thwarting long pass attempts and coming up with clutch tackles in the secondary.
Kicker of the Year
Name: Jacob Docter, SFC
Stats: 37-41 PAT, 4 Made FG
Docter was lights out for the Chargers, making 90% of his PATs and adding a handful of field goals to the equation.
Pankonen has been on quite a run during the later months of 2022, securing a baseball championship on the mound this summer, while coming up big during this football season state championship. The Quarrier was a do-everything guy for Dells, finishing with 17 touchdowns and 4 interceptions.
The senior QB lead the Bison to an incredible season, finishing with eight wins and a semifinal appearance. Iverson was a serious threat on the ground, rushing for over 1,000 yards while also finding success through the air.
Running Back of the Year
Name: Lucas Hueser, EP-J
Stats: 115 carries, 960 yards, 23 TD
Hueser joined Swatek as a two-heading monster in the backfield for the Huskies, and finished with 119 yards and 2 touchdowns to help lead EP-J to their first ever championship.
Receiver of the Year
Name: Jackson Grady, MC/M
Stats: 553 yards, 6 TD
The Fighting Cougars quietly put together an excellent year, winning 9 games and reaching the state semifinals. Grady was a major part of that success, drawing opponents’ best defenders while still totaling some of the best receiver yardage in the state.
Lineman of the Year
Name: Caleb Rickenbach, Hot Springs
Stats: 69 tackles (19/50), 13 TFL, 8 sacks
The Hot Springs defense gave up just 12 points per game, which included a run from September 23rd to November 3rd where the Bison gave up just 6 total points. Rickenbach was an anchor for the defense while finishing with an impressive 13 tackles behind the line of scrimmage.
Krog joined Lincoln Kienholz as the only players in the state to throw and pass for at least 1,000 yards. In addition to his 49 offensive touchdowns, the senior also was a problem for opponents on defense, making plays in the backfield, secondary, and even scoring a touchdown.
Amiotte was a major part of Wall’s success all season long, rushing for over 1,000 yards, and an impressive 23 touchdowns with seven games reaching mercy rule. Interesting to note, the senior also picked off 8 passes defensively.
Receiver of the Year
Name: Maddox Kihne, F/M/FA
Stats: 63 rec, 839 yards, 12 TD
Kihne shined for the newest co-op in the 605, putting up some of the top numbers in the state while helping lead the Phoenix to seven wins.
The Wall from Wall, Livermont fortified the front lines for the state’s top 9-man team, putting up an impressive 9 1/2 sacks along the way to a state championship.
Linebacker of the Year
Name: Griffin Clubb, Howard
Stats: 64 tackles, 4 INT
Clubb made a major impact on the Tigers, leading the way with a handful of interceptions and helping Howard to a 9-1 record on the year.
Defensive Back of the Year
Name: Brodi Sundall, Wall
Stats: 45 tackles (22/23), 2.5 TFL, 2 INT, 12 PBU
Sundall solidified a no-fly zone in the west river area, knocking down 12 passes, while snatching two of his own. The junior also prevented many touchdowns with his 45 tackles, into 22 solo takedowns.
Kicker of the Year
Name: Blair Blasius, Wall
Stats: 64-68 PAT, 6-6 FG, Long of 32
A repeat selection, Blasius was automatic this year for the Eagles, draining every field goal and hitting 94% of his kicks.
Blasius did a little bit of everything for the state championships, leading the way on offense at the quarterback position, while flying around in the secondary making impressive plays.
Peck solidified his campaign with a monster showing at the state championships. The junior rushed for 162 yards and 3 touchdowns, while pulling down the game winning interception for the Gorillas. Peck is just the second junior to win a player of the year award from Digital Z, after Brenden Begeman of H/SA in 9B last year.
Running Back of the Year
Name: Hunter Cramer, Warner
Stats: 1,381 yards rushing, 28 TD
The senior switched over from Quarterback to Running Back and created significant value for the Monarchs. Cramer finished with some of the best numbers in the state, rushing for over 1,300 yards and an impressive 28 touchdowns. The leader of the Monarchs also stepped in at QB when necessary, including the state championship game.
Co-Receiver of the Year
Name: Gage Gilbert, HC/B
Stats: 61 rec, 1,031 yards, 12 touchdowns
Gilbert was explosive for the Ranchers this season as the only player in 9A to reach the 1,000 yard mark in receiving. The senior also helped HC/B to 8 wins and a semifinal finish.
Co-Receiver of the Year
Name: Cooper Long, Lyman
Stats: 50 rec, 891 yards, 14 touchdowns
A repeat selection, but this time for a different team and class, Long cemented his legacy as one of the top receivers in 9-man history. The senior helped lead the Raiders to a semifinal appearance, while leading the class in receiving touchdowns.
Lineman of the Year
Name: Devin Woosley, Warner
Stats: 65 tackles, 18 sacks, 1 blocked punt
Just one of two players in the state to reach 18 sacks, Woosley was a mismatch waiting to happen for opposing offensive lines.
Linebacker of the Year
Name: Ashton Schuchhardt, Warner
Stats: 103 tackles, 7 sacks, 1 FR
Schuchhardt was a beast for the Monarchs, anchoring a defense that gave up just 15 ppg and held opponents to a touchdown or less in 5 different games.
Defensive Back of the Year
Name: Layton Terkildsen, Philip
Stats: 6 INT, 1 DEF TD
Terkildsen was a ballhawk in the secondary for the Scotties, pulling down an impressive six interceptions, which finished as one of the top marks in the state.
Kicker of the Year
Name: Jon Nefzger, Estelline/Hendricks
Stats: 19-25 PAT, Long Punt of 57
Nefzger was a bright spot for the Redhawks, hitting 76% of his Point After Attempts and booting deep punts that proved to be valuable all season long.
Kleinsasser finished with over 1,400 total yards and 18 touchdowns as the Hawks top rusher, tackler, and kick returner. The senior was instrumental in a bounce back year for Canisota, who finished as #5 in our Class 9A power rankings despite one of the toughest schedules in the state.
Begeman put the finishing touches on an incredible career at his second straight Dome appearance, rushing for 189 yards and 3 touchdowns on an injury. That mark put him at nearly 3,000 rushing yards this season, and he broke the All-Time rushing record in South Dakota with the final carry of his career. The Wolverine was also an excellent defender, pulling down 10 tackles behind the line of scrimmage and intercepting three passes, while also taking over the punting duties when required.
A two-time selection in 9B, Hettick followed up a great junior campaign with an incredible senior season, passing for nearly 2,000 yards while adding in 5 touchdowns on the ground.
Receiver of the Year
Name: Landon Puffer, Hitchcock-Tulare
Stats: 38 rec, 832 yards, 17 TD, 14 INT, 2 DEF TD
Puffer was a menace in the air this year for the Patriots, scoring 17 touchdowns while also pulling down a ridiculous 14 interceptions for the state champions.
Spurrell did a little bit of everything for the Eagles, leading the way at quarterback duties, and as the punter, but made a significant impact with his defensive abilities. The senior had an impressive 70 solo stops, while coming up with multiple drive-stopping plays.
Defensive Back of the Year
Name: Brendan Nowell, Hitchcock-Tulare
Stats: 9 INT, 2 DEF TD
Nowell was another bright spot defensively for the Patriots, teaming up with Puffer to pull down 9 interceptions of his own.
Kicker of the Year
Name: C.J. Smith, St. Mary
Stats: 37.2 YPP
A position that goes unsung in this class, Smith stepped up for the Cardinals and delivered some impressive boots to garner great field position for the defending champions.
Salmen came onto the scene for many as a sophomore, laying out big hits with the potential to make highlight reel plays. The junior continued to frighten opposing defenses, running for over 1,000 yards and 18 touchdowns, while coming up big on defense for the state champions.