DAVID BOEGEL, Wayzata, S, sr. Has more than 100 tackles this season in anchoring a Trojans' defense that will play for the Class AAAAA championship today. Has 15 tackles for loss this season. "He's like that utility knife that you have in the drawer at home,'' Trojans coach Brad Anderson said. "He does everything for us on defense and does it at a really high level.'' Also an excellent punt returner.
JOE BJORKLUND, Rosemount, OT, sr. The 6-foot-5, 285-pounder is the cornerstone for an offensive line that has produced more than 3,400 rushing yards and earned a berth in the big-school championship game. Getting lots of interest from elite-level Division I programs.
BRODY DAVIDSON, Crookston, OL/LB, sr. Two-time selection had 80 solo tackles and 70 assisted tackles. Anchored an offense that averaged more than 400 yards per game. A four-year starter that didn't miss a snap his entire prep career. Has a 3.96 GPA. Is being heavily recruited.
PATRICK FABER, Fridley, LB/utility, sr. The North Suburban Conference defensive player of the year had 116 tackles and 11 sacks. Rushed for 208 yards, averaged 5.1 yards per carry, scored five touchdowns and was a blocking back. Also took snaps at quarterback. Finished his career with 36 sacks, ranking him fourth all-time in state history. Also a standout wrestler in Class AA.
REGGIE GANDY, DeLaSalle, RB, sr. The Pioneer Press player of the year. Rushed for 3,113 yards (second all-time in Minnesota)
NICK GOLDSMITH, Mounds View, DL, sr. Anchored the Mustangs' staunch defense with 62 tackles, including seven for loss. "He is a beast on the inside,'' Mounds View coach Jim Galvin said. "We have seen some really good running teams this season and people get anything going against him.'' Also plays center when the opposition has a top nose guard.
JOE HAEG, Brainerd, OT, sr. The cornerstone of an offensive line that helped pave the Warriors' way to more than 3,000 yards rushing and a spot in the Class AAAAA semifinals. "He is the linchpin of a very, very good offensive line,'' Warriors coach Ron Stolski said. "He has great feet and he has such good technique that is rare in high school football these days.'' Brainerd averaged nearly 300 rushing yards per game.
TYLER HAMBLIN, Cretin-Derham Hall, DB, sr. Raiders' best cover guy for the past three years. "I would put him in the Kim Royston category,'' Raiders coach Mike Scanlan said of comparing Hamblin to Royston, a former C-DH standout that plays with the Gophers.
ALEX JAROSZ, Totino-Grace, OT, sr. The 6-foot-4, 265-pounder helped pave the way for more than 3,000 rushing yards in powering the Eagles into the Class AAAA championship game for the second consecutive year. "He has very good feet and a frame that will serve him well at the next level,'' Eagles coach Jeff Ferguson said.
STEVEN KIESEL, Breck, WR/DB, sr. The 5-foot-, 170-pounder had 94 receptions for 1,250 yards and scored 14 touchdowns. Also was a shutdown defender with 112 tackles and six tackles for loss.
ERIC KLINE, Blaine, QB, sr. Compiled 3,088 total yards and scored 34 touchdowns. Rushed for 1,086 and scored 24 TDs and passed for 2,002 and 10 other scores. Had a 73.9 passing completion percentage and had just four interceptions. Finished career with 5,579 total yards. "He was a magic man with the football,'' Mounds View coach Jim Galvin said.
ANDREW LARSON, Eden Prairie, RB, jr. Runs a 4.4 40-yard dash, rushed for 1,689 yards and scored 21 touchdowns for the Eagles, who advanced to the big-school quarterfinals. Averaged 168.9 yards per game and 7.9 yards a carry. "He is a combination of speed and power,'' Eagles coach Mike Grant said. "He is a great inside runner with the ability to break outside. He is capable of scoring from anywhere on the field.''
CALEB LEICHTNAM, Grand Meadow, RB/QB/DB, sr. Compiled 6,877 all-purpose yards and scored 75 touchdowns in his prep career. Rushed for 1,785 yards this season and scored 26 touchdowns. Averaged 10.3 yards per carry. Had 76 tackles and eight interceptions. Finished career with 16 interceptions. Dangerous in the open field, he averaged 40.4 yards on kickoff returns.
AUSTIN LeTEXIER, Sacred Heart (East Grand Forks), OL/DL, sr. The 6-foot-4, 270-pounder was a five-year starter. Played guard on offense, pulling to lead the way for two rushers that ran for 1,100 and 987 yards, respectively. "Most teams would have their players across from Austin because they knew that he was our main weapon on offense,'' coach Tim Everett said. "No team was able to stop him.'' Had 28 sacks on defense this season and averaged 18 tackles per game.
ANDREW LEWIS, St. Paul Central, RB/QB/WR/DB/KR, sr. Compiled 1,702 total yards, including a school-record average of 47.2 yards per kick return. He returned three kicks for touchdowns. A dynamic playmaker with lights-out speed, he averaged 7.3 yards per carry. He also had 17 receptions. On defense he had four interceptions and returned two for TDs. Contributed 55 tackles and blocked two punts. "Believe it or not, I would put him in the same class as Von Shepherd and Stacey Robinson,'' Central coach Scott Howell said.
DONNY LONGENDYKE, White Bear Lake, DL/OL/LB, sr. 6-foot-4, 265-pounds, he played defensive line for most of the season before moving to linebacker and offensive tackle. Had 106 tackles, two sacks and a fumble recovery. The Class AAA heavyweight wrestling champion has committed to Nebraska for wrestling.
ANDREW LONNEMAN, Adrian, OL/DL, sr. In 11 games, he had 70 tackles, 14 sacks and 15 tackles for loss. Has 36 career sacks, averaging one per game. Also has 54 tackles for loss. Has a 3.969 GPA. "His greatest compliments come from opposing coaches stating that they have tried to block him with two and three blockers to just try and slow him down,'' Adrian coach Randy Strand said.
TOM OBARSKI, Apple Valley, K/P, sr. The Pioneer Press' soccer player of the year was a prolific kicker and punter for three seasons. Made 7 of 10 field goals and 15 of 16 on extra-point conversions. Made a school-record 47-yarder and two others that were more than 40 yards. Made 20 career field goals. Had 15 touchbacks on 35 kickoffs.
TOMMY OLSON, Mahtomedi, OL/DL, sr. A two-time selection, the 6-4, 290-pounder completed a stellar prep career by leading the Zephyrs into the Class AAAA semifinals. Committed to the Gophers as a sophomore and hasn't wavered despite their woes. Is expected to start with the Gophers as a true freshman.
WILL RATELLE, St. Thomas Academy, LB/FB, sr. A three-year starter at middle linebacker, he finished the season with 126 tackles. During a three-game stretch in the postseason, averaged 20 tackles per game. Forced three fumbles; had an interception return for a TD in the state quarterfinals. Also rushed for 249 yards as a fullback. "He does it all for us,'' Cadets coach Dave Ziebarth said. "He's a game-changer.''
ANDREW ROSE, Stillwater, LB, sr. Two-time pick had 128 tackles, including 92 solos, and 16 tackles for loss. Also had five sacks, an interception and a fumble recovery. Ended career with 204 solo tackles and 35 tackles for loss. "He was always on the field,'' Ponies coach Scott Hoffman said. "He's an intense player with great instincts and plays with a lot of passion.''
TORSTEN ROTTO, Woodbury, OT/DE, sr. The 6-foot-3, 230-pounder had 84 tackles on defense, including 16 for loss. Also had 8.5 sacks despite being double-teamed. Finished career with 29 tackles for loss, 13.5 sacks and three fumble recoveries. Played the line for one of the metro's most productive offenses.
BRYAN SCHLANGEN, Albany, RB/DB/KR/PR, sr. Ended a stellar season with 1,709 yards, averaged seven yards per carry and scored 31 touchdowns. Had 61 tackles and a sack on defense. Averaged 21.1 yards on kick returns and nine on punts. "Bryan has the ability to dominate a football game and is an excellent student-athlete and leader,'' Huskies coach Mike Kleinschmidt said. Has signed to play baseball at St. Cloud State.
SAM SURA, South St. Paul, RB, jr. Churned out 1,985 yards and scored 20 touchdowns to power the Packers to a share of the Classic Suburban Conference title. Averaged 6.8 yards per carry. "Sam's a strong, tough-nosed running back that sets up his blocks and hits the hole with force,'' Packers coach Chad Sexauer said. "He has game speed and won't be pulled down from behind.''
SHANE TAYLOR, Concordia Academy, WR, sr. Had 58 receptions for 1,067 yards and 13 touchdowns. Averaged 133.4 receiving yards per game. Had 108 catches the past two seasons. Averaged 18.4 yards per game and 10 points a game. Also averaged 7.58 yards per rush.
CHARLES WEBB, Minnetonka, FS, jr. At 5-foot-9, 170 pounds was the Skippers' best defender, with 110 tackles and four fumble recoveries for touchdowns. Also averaged more than 10 tackles a game. "He is a great tackler and plays very physical,'' Skippers coach Dave Nelson said. Will be heavily recruited next season.
PETER WESTERHAUS, Holy Family, LB/TE, sr. Gophers recruit has 45 receptions for 748 yards and nine touchdowns for Class AAA finalist. He also has returned 10 kickoffs, averaging nearly 25 yard per return. Has 126 tackles, a blocked punt and three sacks. Also is the long snapper. "When Peter was in third grade, he slept with a football and wore his helmet to bed,'' Fire coach Dave Hopkins said. "Enough said.''
LUC ZELLMER, Blooming Prairie, QB, jr. Passed for 2,952 yards and 43 touchdowns against just six interceptions. Also had seven rushing touchdowns. With a season to go, he has 5,208 passing yards and 79 touchdowns. "His stats speak volumes for what he does with the football, but he is also a great leader,'' Blossoms coach Chad Gimbel said.
Pioneer Press all-state football Honorable mention
Josh Anosike, St. Paul Central, OG, sr.
Brian Athey, Eden Prairie, QB, sr.
Ivan Augedahl, Caledonia, RB/LB, sr.
Bryce Balfanz, Monticello, WR, sr.
Myles Barnes, Benilde-St. Margaret's, WR/S, sr.
Sam Berg, New Life Academy, DL, sr.
Brandt Berghuis, Rosemount, DL, sr.
Trent Bertamus, Lakeville South, WR/DB, jr.
Beau Bofferding, Marshall, RB/DB, jr.
Luke Boroda, Mounds View, SS, sr.
Shane Bosek, Minnewaska, SE/S, sr.
Augie Braddock, St. Thomas Academy, WR/RB, sr.
Brenton Braddock, Mahtomedi, RB, sr.
Ryan Buria, Mountain Iron/Buhl, QB/S/P/K, sr.
Brennan Cable, Marshall, FB/DT, sr.
DeAndre Calloway, Brooklyn Center, RB, sr.
Cedric Chappell, Mpls. Washburn, WR/DB, sr.
Josh Colville, Minnetonka, OG, sr.
Josh Corbin, Northfield, OT/DT, sr.
Devin Crawford-Tufts, Edina, WR, sr.
Cameron Cropsey, Eastview, DL/ILB, sr.
Rob Daul, Hill-Murray, QB, sr.
Teddy DeFrane, Sibley East, OL, sr.
Jared Dicke, Goodhue, RB/LB, sr.
Dominic Dolan, Tracy-Milroy-Balaton, WR/TB/CB/KR, sr.
Jimmy Duffy, Mounds View, TE, sr.
Eric Elbe, Minnewaska, DE/TE, sr.
Shane Erickson, Tracy-Milroy-Balaton, QB/OLB/S, sr.
Mitch Fader, Willmar, K, sr.
James Farrow, Minnetonka, CB/WR/KR, sr.
Dan Ferrazzo, Mahtomedi, QB, sr.
Tyler Finnes, Andover, QB, sr.
James Fort, Annandale, WR, sr.
Jerad Gardner, St. Paul Central, OLB, jr.
Jared Gilbertson, Winona, QB, sr.
Josh Gran, Caledonia, QB/DB, sr.
Bill Gregg, Hopkins, QB, sr.
Alex Grove, Willmar, QB, soph.
C.J. Ham, Duluth Denfeld/Central, FB/LB, sr.
Sean Hamlin, Wayzata, WR/DB, sr.
Jonathan Harden, Cretin-Derham Hall, OL/DL, jr.
JoJuan Harper, Columbia Heights, RB, sr.
Tyler Harper, DeLaSalle, QB/CB, sr.
Rumeal Harris, Eden Prairie, CB/WR/RB, sr.
Dan Hartman, Concordia Academy, QB, jr.
Tyler Hartmann, Andover, DL, sr.
Andrew Hausmann, Rosemount, RB, sr.
Anthony Hayes, St. Thomas Academy, NG, sr.
Rutger Heffelfinger, Edina, LB, sr.
Ernie Heifort, Bemidji, LB, sr.
Matt Hentges, Eagan, WR/DB, sr.
Jordan Hickox, Chisago Lakes, DB, sr.
Darren Hill, Fillmore Central, DT/C, sr.
Charlie Hines, Rogers, DL, sr.
Zach Hochhalter, Barnesville, RB, sr.
Andre Hunt, Cretin-Derham Hall, RB, sr.
Colin Hustad, Totino-Grace, LB, sr.
Jameer Jackson, Osseo, WR, sr.
Nick Jacobs, Delano, OL, sr.
Brent Jaenisch, MACCRAY, LB, jr.
Jason Jennings, Triton, RB/LB, sr.
Zack Johnson, Eastview, OG, jr.
Lexis Jones, Bloomington Kennedy, RB, jr.
Marcus Jones, Edina, K, sr.
Alex Kapraun, Rochester Lourdes, MLB/TE/K/P, sr.
Gabe Kartes, Blooming Prairie, WR, jr.
Weslee Kavanagh, Orono, LB, sr.
Matt Keller, Eagan, LB, sr.
Marcus Kelly, East Ridge, OL, jr.
Ryan Kelley, Centennial, OT, sr.
Cameron Knudsen, Maple Lake, QB, sr.
Evan Koehler, Chaska, LB/RB, sr.
Kevin Kramer, Eden Valley-Watkins, RB/DB/PR/KR, sr.
Logan LaCourse, Shakopee, NG, sr.
Adam LaMere, Centennial, RB, sr.
Alex LaVoy, Mahnomen, RB/LB, sr.
Jordan Larson, Hills-Beaver Creek, QB/DB, jr.
Matt Larson, Eastview, ILB, sr.
Kevin Larson, New Ulm Cathedral, QB/DB, sr.
Kevin Larson, Rosemount, QB, sr.
Tom Lawless, Minneapolis Southwest, LB, sr.
Mitch Leidner, Lakeville South, QB, jr.
Adam Lentz, Rochester Lourdes, RB, sr.
Grayson Levine, Eden Prairie, S, sr.
Ryan Link, Rosemount, OL, sr.
Nicholas Liska, Rosemount, RB/LB, sr.
Greg Lofquist, South St. Paul, DL, sr.
Austin Lommen, Breck, QB/CB, jr.
Ryan Lowler, Willmar, WR, sr.
Trevor Lueders, Glencoe-Silver Lake, RB, sr.
Nick McBeain, Shakopee, TB/LB, jr.
Kyle McCarthy, Benilde-St. Margaret's, RB, sr.
Andrew McDonald, Hopkins, WR, jr.
Ben McDonald, Mahtomedi, RB/LB, sr.
Ryan McManus, St. Thomas Academy, QB, sr.
Luke Marks, St. Thomas Academy, OT, sr.
Cam Maslonka, Woodbury, RB/OLB, jr.
Brandon Meek, Lakeville South, DL, jr.
Eric Mielke, Cambridge-Isanti, K, sr.
Alex Meixell, Rogers, LB/FB, sr.
Kevin Miley, Cretin-Derham Hall, QB, jr.
Ethan Miller, Lakeville South, MLB, jr.
Patrick Miller, Bloomington Kennedy, CB/WR/K/PR, sr.
Joe Mollberg, Detroit Lakes, QB, jr.
David Morgan, Rosemount, DB, sr.
Zach Muller, Wayzata, TE/LB, sr.
Trenton Nady, Holy Family, OL, sr.
Brian Nosbush, New Ulm Cathedral, WR/DE, jr.
Ezekiel Okeleye, East Ridge, RB, sr.
Reed Olander, Crosby-Ironton, LB, sr.
Adam Olson, Pine City, RB/S, sr.
Dillon Olson, Goodridge-Grygla, RB, sr.
Nick Olson, Richfield, OL, sr.
Cole Olstad, Plainview/Elgin-Millville, S, sr.
Jameson Parsons, Eagan, QB, sr.
Wyatt Peiffer, Chaska, DL/OL, sr.
Ryan Peterson, Centennial, OLB, sr.
John Petrie, Wayzata, OL/DL, sr.
Rodney Pierce-Tyler, Minneapolis Southwest, WR, sr.
David Platner, Eden Prairie, K, sr.
Austin Pohlen, Grand Rapids, QB, jr.
Jake Quast, Woodbury, QB, sr.
Bob Rada, Eagan, SS/RB/KR/PR, sr.
Nick Rallis, Edina, DB/RB, jr.
Jake Reed, Lanesboro, RB/LB, sr.
Jesse Reemstma, Spring Lake Park, DE/OG, sr.
Adam Rice, Barnesville, RB/DB, jr.
Willie Roller, Cretin-Derham Hall, LB, sr.
Aaron Roth, Wayzata, RB/DB, sr.
Ben Ryan, St. Paul Central, K, jr.
Jeff Sargeant, Chisago Lakes, QB, sr.
Jake Schauer, Totino-Grace, WR/SS/KR, sr.
Jon Schutte, Caledonia, OL, sr.
Grant Schow, Willmar, RB, sr.
Taz Siebert, Norwood-Young America, RB, sr.
C.J. Smith, Burnsville, RB, sr.
Sam Smith, South St. Paul, OL, sr.
Joey Sonnenfeld, Osseo, WR, sr.
Karl Sorenson, Maple Grove, LB, sr.
Jeff Soule, Holy Family, QB/LB, sr.
Cavan Stackpool, Virginia, RB/WR/S/PR/KR, sr.
David Stanley, Roseville, WR/RB, sr.
Peter Stanley, Rogers, OL, sr.
Nathanial Swoyer, Willmar, RB/TE/P, sr.
Mitch Tauer, Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City, QB/DB, sr.
Zach Taylor, Hillcrest Lutheran, RB/LB, sr.
Chris Thomas, Blaine, LB, sr.
Maze Thompson, Mounds View, DE, sr.
Andrew Tortora, Spring Lake Park, RB/OLB, sr.
Zach Tvedten, Blue Earth, RB, sr.
Dylan Ulferts, Shakopee, WR/RB, sr.
Peter Vakulskas, Holy Family, DB, sr.
Cameron Vanderwall, St. Paul Central, DE, sr.
Josh Vaughn, Bloomington Kennedy, LB, sr.
Frank Veldman, Eastview, FS/WR/P/PR/K, sr.
Derek Vidor, Rogers, WB/DB, sr.
Nate Voth, Goodhue, OG/LB, sr.
Devin Waters, Rogers, TE/DL, sr.
Nick Weiers, Bethlehem Academy, RB/LB/KR, sr.
Daren Wingert, Plainview/Elgin-Millville, LB, sr.
Bobby Wills, Henry Sibley, DB/RB/PR/KR, sr.
Junius Wilson, Woodbury, RB, jr.
Adrian Wood, St. Paul Central, MLB, jr.
Dan Wood, Pelican Rapids, DL/OL, sr.
Ryan Woodard, Winona, WR, sr.
T.J. Woodrow, Eden Prairie, OG, sr.
Joe Zrust, Totino-Grace, OL/DL, sr.
— Compiled by Tim Leighton