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2011 Dodgeville Chronicle
All-Area Football Team
FIRST TEAM OFFENSE
Quarterback
MATT FARGO
5-11, 185 senior, Mount Horeb/Barneveld
Matt played varsity football at MHB for four seasons, was a three year starter and captain.
"Matt was without a doubt the toughest player in the conference to game plan for because of his ability to throw and run," said coach Travis Rohrer. "Matt took our team to a new level rushing the football and in our three playoff games accounted for 1000 yards of offense with 14 touchdowns. He is the most complete athlete I have ever coached and is truly a special player."
Fargo threw for 15 touchdowns and ran for 18 this season. He was second team Badger North last year as a slot receiver, defensive back and kicker. He was second team this season at quarterback, kicker and punter.
CARTER HOFFMAN
6-0, 170 junior, River Valley
"Carter is a very intelligent, solid kid at quarterback for us," said coach Tim Eastlick.
Running Backs
SETH LIEGEL
5-11, 165 junior, River Valley
Seth was honored as a first team all-SWC running back.
"Seth is an aggressive, physical runner," said coach Tim Eastlick.
TYLER KLEIST
5-10, 180 senior, Highland
Tyler had 201 carries for 1318 yards and scored 20 touchdowns for the Six Rivers co-champs and a team that went to level 3 of the post-season playoffs. He was named to the first team Six Rivers all-conference team.
"Tyler is a bruising back who also had the speed to outrun most kids," said coach Shaun Reuter. "He is the type of kid who will get you the tough yards you need. He is a real physical player who was by far our best weapon on offense."
JUSTIN MARTIG
5-10, 185 senior, Mount Horeb/Barneveld
"Every season you look for a senior player of the year offensively and this year Justin was that guy," said coach Travis Rohrer. "Justin rushed for 1146 yards with 14 touchdowns for an unbelievable senior season for an unbelievable young man. All his hard work in our strength and speed program paid off and our staff couldn't be prouder to see Justin have the season he had this year."
Justin was named first team Badger North this season.
LOGAN BOLLANT
5-10, 185 senior, Iowa-Grant
Logan ran for 839 yards this season in Iowa-Grant's balanced attack. He accounted for 11 touchdowns.
Logan was a first team all-SWAL choice.
BRADY TIBBITS
5-10, 210 senior fullback, Mineral Point
Brady played with injuries this season and was unable to duplicate his performance over the past three seasons. He was a second team choice for the SWAL all-conference.
Brady had 125 carries for 938 yards and scored nine touchdowns for the Pointers.
Offensive Line
NIC PIERICK
5-10, 190 junior guard, Highland
Nic made first team all-Six Rivers for the Cardinals.
"Nic is a real athletic lineman who could have been our best fullback or tight end and our back-up quarterback," said coach Shane Reuter. "He didn't want to play line but when told that is where we needed him, his response was, "Then I'm going to make all-conference as a guard." He has a great work ethic and is probably the smartest kid on our team."
DYLAN FEINER
6-5, 285 senior tackle, River Valley
Dylan made first team all-SWC.
"He is a great lead blocker and edge sealer," said coach Tim Eastlick.
BEN MCFALL
6-5, 285, junior tackle, Iowa-Grant
Ben was a strong blocker with quick feet for the Panthers. He was named first team all-SWAL.
STEVEN BROKISH
5-10, 205 senior center, Dodgeville
Steven was a two year starter for the Dodgers.
"Steven was a two-year starter and was responsible for making our offensive line calls," said Scott Tolzman. "He was a good blocker and helped younger kids know their assignments. He was captain and our best blocker."
Steven was named to the all-SWC team this year.
BRANDON CUSHMAN
6-3, 255 junior guard, Mount Horeb/Barneveld
Brandon is a two year starter for the Vikings and was first team Badger North this season.
"Brandon's aggressive attitude and ability to finish his blocks made him an easy first team all-conference selection," coach Travis Rohrer said. "Brandon led our team in 'pancakes' and was a big reason for us to run for over 2800 yards with a 237 per game average. He is the leader of both our lines."
Receivers
SAM NECHKASH
6-7, 200, senior wide receiver, Mount Horeb/Barneveld
Sam had 13 receptions for 235 yards, an 18.08 yard per catch average. He scored one touchdown.
"We expected big things from Sam this year and he delivered," coach Travis Rohrer said. "Sam caught every ball he got his hands on this season."
DAMON BAKER
5-7, 150, senior wide receiver, Mount Horeb/Barneveld
Damon earned a starting position for the Vikings this season and was their leading receiver with 344 yards and five touchdowns.
"Pound for pound Damon was one of our strongest varsity football players," said coach Travis Rohrer. "He believed in our strength and speed program. Our staff loved his work ethic and his ability to block on the perimeter. He brought great energy to practice every day."
CLAYTON NELSON
6-0, 170 junior split end, River Valley
"Clayton is a good, solid split end and was first team all conference in the SWC," said coach Tim Eastlick.
BRANDON PIERICK
6-0, 175 senior, Iowa-Grant
Brandon had 31 catches for 502 yards and tallied seven touchdowns for the Panthers.
Brandon was named to first team all-SWAL.
TRAVIS STEFFES
6-6, 220 senior tight end, Mineral Point
Travis had six catches for 83 yards for the Pointers.
"He is a great blocking tight end," said coach Tom Steger.
Specialists
Punter
ROBB GUST
6-3, 220 senior, River Valley
Robb was named to the first team SWC squad for his kicking.
MATT FARGO
5-11, 185, senior Mount Horeb/Barneveld
Matt kicked for the Vikings all four years on varsity.
"He provided us with good field position throughout his career," said coach Travis Rohrer. "Matt left some pretty big shoes to fill but we hope Joel Cretney will step up and provide the same consistency."
Kicker
MATT FARGO
Matt was named second team Badger North for his kicking.
CHRIS SEVERSON
6-3, 185, sophomore, Pecatonica/Argyle
Chris was named first team Six Rivers for his kicking ability.
Second Team Offense
Quarterback
BLAKE WELU
6-3, 190 senior, Iowa-Grant
Blake completed 47 passes for 729 yards and eight touchdowns. He was placed in the quarterback position for the first time and improved as the season progressed.
BLAKE BODENSTEIN
6-2, 180, junior, Highland
"Blake is very dedicated to our weight room and is an outstanding athlete," coach Shaun Reuter said. "He is an outstanding athlete."
Running Backs
DAKOTA POAD
5-10, 165 senior halfback, Mineral Point
Dakota had 73 carries for 457 yards and three touchdowns for the Pointers.
"He is a very underrated back," said coach Tom Steger.
JOHN SCHMITZ
5-11. 190, junior halfback, Mineral Point
John had 71 carries for 469 yards and nine touchdowns.
"He has big play potential on every carry," said coach Tom Steger.
TC SMITH
5-11, 175, senior halfback, Dodgeville
TC had a 4.8 yard per carry average totalling 333 yards on 74 attempts and four touchdowns for the Dodgers. He was one of the Dodgeville captains.
"He is a good running back and a very hard runner to bring down," coach Scott Tolzman said. "He became our workhorse this year."
He was Dodgeville's special teams MVP.
PAYTON HANSON
6-1, 180, senior halfback, Dodgeville
"Payton has good speed and runs hard," coach Scott Tolzman said. "He is a good pass receiver out of the backfield."
DEREK PEAT
6-0, 190, junior, Iowa-Grant
Derek was a hard runner for the Panthers this season. He logged 886 yards and scored eight touchdowns.
JACK RADLINGER
5-8, 160 sophomore, River Valley
"Jack is a slashing, quick runner," said coach Tim Eastlick.
He was named honorable mention SWC.
Offensive Line
PAYTON LIEGEL
6-2, 225, junior, offensive guard, River Valley
Payton was named to the SWC second team as a lineman.
"Payton is a solid run blocker and kick-out blocker on the sweep," said coach Tim Eastlick.
ROBBY CHUBB
6-2, 190, junior offensive guard, Mineral Point
Robby was named to the SWAL second team offensive line.
BRETT JERDEE
6-4, 245 junior tackle, Mount Horeb/Barneveld
Brett was a first time starter for the Vikings.
"Brett is one of the nicest kids off the field but was able to flip the switch on the field and dominate his opponents all season long," said coach Travis Rohrer. "For a big man Brett has great feet and uses his hands very well. We can't wait to get him back in the weight room to put some more pounds on his large frame. He understands the game and is very coachable."
COLT WOODS
5-10, 200 senior guard, Iowa-Grant
Colt was honored for his line play as a SWAL second team selection.
COLIN CONNER
6-7, 270 sophomore tackle, Iowa-Grant
Colin, a solid lineman for the Panthers, was a second team SWAL choice.
Receivers
JAKE BECHEN
6-3, 200, senior tight end, Dodgeville
Jake turned out to be a big surprise for the Dodgers when he came out for the first time as a senior. He had 19 catches for 230 yards, an average of 12.1 per catch. He scored two touchdowns.
"Good hands and a good blocker," said coach Scott Tolzman. "He was injured at the end of the year and was forced to miss two games."
JERIN SCHUBERT
6-1, 170 junior, wide receiver, Mount Horeb/Barneveld
Jerin was a first year starter for the Vikings and had 17 catches for 339 yards, a 19.94 per catch average. He also scored three touchdowns.
"Jerin has deceptive speed," said coach Travis Rohrer. "He had one of the biggest touchdown receptions of the year against East Troy in the playoffs. Besides being a very good football player, Jerin also excels at baseball. He is a very gifted athlete."
Specialists
Punter
Tyler Kleist, Highland, senior
Jon Hendrickson, Pecatonica-Argyle, junior
Return Specialist
Kyle Zwicker, Pecatonica-Argyle, senior
All three were honored by the Six Rivers football conference on the all-conference list.
Honorable Mention Offense
Quarterback
AUSTYN WHITLATCH
6-1, 185, senior, Dodgeville
Austyn was named honorable mention SWC this season. He was also a captain for the Dodgers the the team's offensive MVP. He is a two year starter who rushed for 388 yards on 79 carries, scored seven touchdowns, and threw for 1100 yards with 92 completions in 156 attempts. He passed for eight touchdowns.
"Austyn was a dual threat for our offense and had a very good season," said coach Scott Tolzman.
Receivers
KRISTIAN HAAG
5-10, 160, senior, Dodgeville
Kristian had 17 catches for 311 yards, an 18.3 per catch average. He scored two touchdowns.
Kristian received the Bob Buck Award and was honorable mention SWC.
"Good hands, runs patterns very well with good speed," says Scott Tolzman about Kristian. "Our go-to receiver when we needed a first down."
JOEL CRETNEY
6-3, 215, junior tight end, Mount Horeb/Barneveld
Joel was a first year starter for the Vikings.
"Joel is a very good blocker with excellent hands," said Travis Rohrer. "He is one of our smartest players who will provide leadership on both sides of the ball next fall."
Offensive Line
ZACH KOCH
6-0, 220 sophomore offensive guard, River Valley
"Zach is a very good trapper and sweep blocker in our offensive line," said coach Tim Eastlick.
Zach was named honorable mention, SWC.
ERIC PREHN
5-10, 225, junior tackle, Mount Horeb/Barneveld
Eric was honorable mention Badger North.
"A self made player who worked harder than anyone in the offseason and played a lot bigger than his size," said coach Travis Rohrer. "He played every snap like it would be his last and we will miss him in our program."
JACOB WRIGHT
5-11, 210 senior center, Mount Horeb/Barneveld
Jacob, a two year starter for the Vikings, was an honorable mention Badger North selection.
"Jacob was a starter on our defensive line as a junior but because we needed to replace Trent Zander at center he sacrificed his starting defensive line position to help make us better on offense," said coach Travis Rohrer. "Jacob was one of the most unselfish players on the team. He was responsible for making all of our line calls. He is a very good lineman who understands how to use leverage."
WESTON ZANDER
6-2, 235, junior, guard, Mount Horeb/Barneveld
Weston was an honorable mention Badger North choice and a first year starter for the Vikings.
"Weston is a young man who never flinches and understands the game very well," said coach Travis Rohrer. "He was a pleasant surprise this season and we expect him to be bigger and stronger next year."
ALEX WATSON
5-11, 230, senior tackle, Highland
Alex was a second team all Six Rivers choice this season for the conference co-champion Cardinals.
DALTON MICHEK
5-11, 200 senior guard, Highland
Dalton was named honorable mention Six Rivers for his efforts this past season.
BRANDON NAEGER
6-1, 200, senior guard, Iowa-Grant
Brandon was a choice for honorable mention on the SWAL all-conference team this season.
First Team Defense
Defensive Line
TRAVIS STEFFES
6-6 220 senior defensive end, Mineral Point
Travis had 52 tackles with four sacks for the Pointers.
"He was the best defensive lineman on the team," said coach Tom Steger. "He is very quick off the ball."
DYLAN FEINER
6-5, 285, senior down lineman, River Valley
"Dylan is a great runner and pursues down the line of scrimmage," said coach Tim Eastlick.
He was named first team all-SWC.
BLAKE BODENSTEIN
6-2, 180 junior defensive end, Highland
Blake made first team all-Six Rivers and is on the Wisconsin Football Coaches Association All-Region Team.
"Blake is the most dedicated kid in the weight room and is also our fastest kid," said coach Shaun Reuter.
Bodenstein led the conference with nine sacks and of his 39 tackles, 14 were solo. He had three tackles for losses and forced three fumbles.
"He was also our quarterback and is an excellent athlete," said Reuter. "In my opinion he is the best defensive end in our conference."
BRANDON CUSHMAN
6-3, 255 junior down lineman, Mount Horeb/Barneveld
Brandon had 40 tackles and two sacks as a two year starter for the Vikings.
"Brandon made a name for himself last season as a sophomore and he surely did not disappoint this season," said coach Travis Rohrer. "He uses his hands well and loves to punish anyone in his way."
BEN MCFALL
6-5, 285 junior down lineman, Iowa-Grant
Ben had 53 tackles for the season and was named first team SWAL. He was a two way all-conference choice.
Linebackers
LOGAN BOLLANT
5-10, 185 senior, Iowa-Grant
A first team SWAL choice at linebacker and the SWAL defensive player of the year, Logan had 65 tackles for the Panthers.
SAWYER LEE
6-2, 205 senior, Mount Horeb/Barneveld
Sawyer was captain and a two year starter for the Vikings. He had 57 tackles, caused three fumbles, had four tackles for losses, two sacks and an interception.
"Sawyer had a nose for the ball and for the big play all year," said coach Travis Rohrer. "It was Sawyer's one handed leaping interception against Jefferson in Level 2 that changed the game and helped us make MHB football history. Sawyer loves to compete and is one most coachable kids I have coached."
SETH LIEGEL
5-11, 165, junior, River Valley
"Seth is a very aggressive, physical tackler and was first team SWC," said coach Tim Eastlick.
JACOB RING
5-11, 225, senior, River Valley
"Jacob was a very solid run stuffer between the tackles," said coach Tim Eastlick.
Jacob was named first team SWC.
TYLER KLEIST
5-10, 180, senior, Highland
"Tyler led our team in tackles this season with 125 of which 43 were solo," said coach Shaun Reuter. "He also had three sacks, forced four fumbles and recovered five. The best way to describe Tyler is that he is a football player."
Tyler was first team Six Rivers.
TODD TIBBITS
5-8, 160, senior inside linebacker, Mineral Point
"Todd is the hardest playing kid I have ever coached, bar none," says coach Tom Steger.
Todd was a second team choice all-SWAL. He led the Pointers with 107 tackles, 10 for loss, and had five sack.
BRADY TIBBITS
5-10, 210, senior inside linebacker, Mineral Point
"Brady was second on the team with 98 tackles, 10 for loss," said coach Tom Steger. "He was last year's SWAL defensive player of the year but was hobbled by ankle and toe injuries this year. He still had impressive stats and made some big plays."
Defensive Backs
DAKOTA POAD
5-10, 165 senior cornerback, Mineral Point
Dakota was first team SWAL last season but was hampered all year in 2011 with a bad ankle.
"He was also hampered by opposing teams rarely throwing in his direction," said coach Tom Steger. "He constantly shut down the corner and held Southwestern's top receiver to zero catches our last game."
BRANDON PIERICK
6-0, 175 senior safety, Iowa-Grant
Brandon was a first team SWAL choice. He had 39 tackles and two interceptions for the Panthers this season.
CLAYTON NELSON
6-0, 170 junior, River Valley
"Clayton is a solid tackler and has good ball sense in coverage," said coach Tim Eastlick.
Clayton was named first team SWC.
SAM NECHKASH
6-7, 200 senior, Mount Horeb/Barneveld
"Sam had an unbelievable season for us, especially in the secondary," coach Travis Rohrer said. "Sam did not give up a touchdown this year and had 33 tackles while breaking up four passes. He had an interception against East Troy at Level one that led to 26 unanswered points. He is a good athlete and moves very well for a big man."
KYLE TRACE
6-1, 175, senior, Mount Horeb/Barneveld
Kyle was a first year starter for the Vikings and was the senior defensive player of the year.
"Kyle was plagued by hamstring issues as a junior and never got healthy," said coach Travis Rohrer. He had a breakout season for us this year and was the guy on our defense who led us in big time hits and set the tone all year. Kyle played strong safety in our 3-4 scheme and was second in tackles with 81. He had two passes broken up, a tackle for loss and caused two fumbles. He played as hard as anyone in our program."
Second Team Defense
Defensive Line
ELLIOTT BURCHAM
6-3, 225, senior, defensive end, Mount Horeb/Barneveld
Elliott was a first year starter for the Vikings and was honorable mention Badger North.
"Elliott had 35 tackles this season and played with outstanding pad level," said coach Travis Rohrer. "He was one of our most athletic defenders."
DUSTIN CARPENTER
5-11, 165, senior defensive end, River Valley
"Dustin was very aggressive off the edge as a defensive end," said coach Tim Eastlick.
Dustin was a second team SWC choice.
Linebacker
DEREK PEAT
6-0, 190, junior, Iowa-Grant
Derek had 43 tackles for the Panthers and was honored on the SWAL second team.
BRYCEN PRATT
6-0, 180, junior middle linebacker, Dodgeville
Brycen earned the Dodger defensive award, was named best tackler and is a second team SWC choice.
"Brycen was our middle linebacker and called our defensive plays," coach Scott Tolzman said. "He worked hard during the season to become one our best defensive players. He had to overcome two ankle surgeries but did it and led our team in tackles with 56. He was also our back up quarterback and played tight end."
QUINN FAUST
5-10, 185 junior, Mount Horeb/Barneveld
Quinn was a second team Badger North choice in his first year as a starter for the Vikings.
"Quinn led our team with 90 tackles, caused one fumble and had one fumble recovery," said coach Travis Rohrer. "He had an interception and our only defensive touchdown this year. He has a nose for the ball and is a very physical player. We look for bigger and better things from him next year when he again leads our defense."
Defensive Backs
TC SMITH
5-11, 175, senior, Dodgeville
TC was a captain, special teams' MVP and made second team all-SWC as a defensive back.
"TC was one of our better cover guys and always covered the other team's best receiver," said coach Scott Tolzman. "He did a great job when it came to shutting someone down."
TC had 29 tackles, two interceptions and seven knockdowns.
CASHTON LAUFENBERG
6-0, 160 senior cornerback, Iowa-Grant
Cashton was a second team SWAL choice at cornerback. He had 24 tackles and an interception for the season.
CARTER HOFFMAN
6-0, 170, junior, safety, River Valley
"Carter is an aggressive tackler and is a great help over the top from his safety position," said coach Tim Eastlick.
Carter was named second team defense in the SWC.
(continued on next page)

CODY BERTRAM
5-8, 150 senior safety, Mineral Point
Cody was honorable mention SWAL as a defensive back. He was fourth on the Pointers in tackles with 64.
"Cody had some of our biggest hits on defense this season," said coach Tom Steger. "He also had two defensive touchdowns and was responsible for five defensive takeaways."
Honorable Mention Defense
Down Linemen
Kevin Flannery
6-2, 238, senior, Pecatonica-Argyle
Kevin was named second team Six Rivers this past season for the Vikings.
WESTON SATERN
5-5, 145, junior, Highland
Weston was a second team Six Rivers choice on defense this past season for the first place Cardinals.
Linebackers
BRANDON HOGAN
5-9, 189, junior middle linebacker, River Valley
"Brandon is a physical playmaker in the middle," said coach Tim Eastlick.
Brandon was honorable mention SWC.
JOEL CRETNEY
6-3, 215, junior, Mount Horeb/Barneveld
Joel had 42 tackles with two of them for losses for the Vikings. He also caused a fumble, had fumble recovery, an interception and one sack.
"Joel had a good year for us defensively," said coach Travis Rohrer. "He uses his hands well and knows how to create separation."
NIC PIERICK
5-9, 190, junior, Highland
Nic was an honorable mention Six Rivers defensive choice this season for the champion Cardinals.
Defensive Backs
JARED JOHNSON
5-9, 150, senior, Pecatonica-Argyle
Jared was named first team Six Rivers this season for the Vikings.
TUCKER SARBACKER
5-7, 150, junior, Iowa-Grant
Tucker was a cornerback for the Panthers this past season. He had 52 tackles and three interceptions.
BAILEY BODENSTEIN
5-8, 155 sophomore, Highland
Bailey was honored with a second team Six Rivers berth for his play for the conference co-champion Cardinals.

INDIVIDUAL AWARDS

PLAYERS OF THE YEAR
Offensive Player of the Year
Matt Fargo,
Mount Horeb/Barneveld
Lineman of the Year
Ben McFall, Iowa-Grant
Most Valuable Player
Tyler Kleist, Highland
Co-Coaches of the Year
Shaun Reuter, Highland
Travis Rohrer,
Mount Horeb/Barneveld