4A All-Idaho football team: The top talent from the state’s deepest classification
Note: The All-Idaho teams are chosen by a vote of the state’s coaches. The Idaho Statesman publishes the results.
4A ALL-IDAHO PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Kenyon Sadiq, Skyline
The 6-foot-3, 205-pound junior dominated all three phases of the game as a receiver, defensive back, punter and kick returner. But he was a monster offensively, using his 38-inch vertical jump to haul in 79 passes for 1,166 yards and 19 TDs, leading the Grizzlies to a state title.
“Whether he was going up to make a spectacular deep catch over coverage or taking a screen pass for a touchdown, the young man is unguardable,” Hillcrest coach Brennon Mossholder said.
COACH OF THE YEAR
Scott Berger, Skyline
He led the Grizzlies back from a 1-3 start to their second straight state title and their fourth in the past six years.
FIRST TEAM
OFFENSE
QB: Caden Young, Emmett
The senior and defending player of the year made the first team again after totaling 2,686 yards and 35 TDs as a dual-threat passer.
RB: Seth Knothe, Bishop Kelly
The 6-1, 210-pound senior ran for 1,965 yards and 33 TDs. Veteran BK coach Tim Brennan said he’s one of the best backs he’s ever coached.
RB: Gerrit Cox, Sandpoint
A running and receiving threat, the 5-9, 200-pound senior racked up 1,675 total yards and 23 TDs to lead the Bulldogs to a second-place finish.
WR: JaVonte King, Blackfoot
The 6-4 junior holds an offer from Weber State and produced big play after big play, finishing with 1,183 receiving yards and nine TDs.
WR: Trais Higgins, Nampa
The 6-foot senior used his elite speed to stretch the field and haul in 74 catches for a 4A-leading 1,375 yards and 10 TDs.
WR: Tyler Medaris, Middleton
The reigning 4A basketball player of the year was a matchup nightmare at 6-7, 190 pounds, turning 64 catches into 825 yards and nine TDs.
OL: Marcus McFadden, Bishop Kelly
The Knights took advantage of the 6-4, 265-pound senior’s flexibility, shifting him from tackle to guard when they needed help.
OL: Carson Laybourne, Sandpoint
The Bulldogs used the 6-4, 295-pound junior to run for 205 yards per game en route to a state championship appearance.
OL: Tui Edwin, Skyline
A second-team pick a year ago, the 6-3, 285-pound junior racked up 29 pancake blocks to move up to the first team.
OL: Ross Lyon, Blackfoot
The Broncos maintained balance thanks to the 6-6, 290-pound senior left tackle, who excelled as a run and pass blocker.
OL: Gunnar Clark, Mountain Home
Opponents had to change their game plans to account for the 6-3, 298-pound senior center, cutting and blitzing away from him.
K: Lance Hanna, Nampa
The senior repeats on the first team after going 45-for-48 on PATs and nailing a 50-yard field goal as time expired to beat Middleton.
DEFENSE
DL: Dantee Ruiz, Minico
The 6-foot, 230-pound senior demanded double teams at both nose tackle and end, finishing with 12 tackles for loss and five sacks.
DL: Jaxon White, Skyline
A nonstop motor allowed the 6-4, 180-pound senior to rack up 41 tackles, six sacks, four forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.
DL: Kolton Dallimore, Bonneville
The 6-3, 210-pound senior made plays all over the field, including 64 tackles, 10.5 sacks, 10 TFLs and five blocked kicks or punts.
LB: Chandler Robinson, Skyline
The “heart and soul” of the state champs’ defense, the 6-0, 200-pound senior had 147 tackles, three forced fumbles and two INTs.
LB: Hunter Killian, Pocatello
The Thunder’s leading tackler three years in a row, the 6-0, 200-pound senior finished with 137 stops, including 118 solo tackles.
LB: Weston Benefield, Sandpoint
The 6-1, 210-pound junior led the Bulldogs to the state finals as an aggressive and intelligent player, totaling 125 tackles and 10 TFLs.
LB: Carson Trejo, Blackfoot
The Broncos could match up the 6-1, 195-pound senior on wide receivers (three INTs) and rely on him to stuff the run as well (82 tackles).
DB: Krue Hales, Pocatello
The 6-1 junior punished any QB who dared throw his way by grabbing eight interceptions to lead the Thunder to the semifinals.
DB: Matt Christensen, Pocatello
The Thunder’s explosive free safety didn’t provide any relief either. The 6-2, 190-pound senior had seven picks and made 68 tackles.
DB: Gabe Lamey, Bishop Kelly
The Knights trusted the 5-11, 175-pound senior to make all the defensive calls and sniff out tendencies while making 73 tackles.
DB: Teagen Severe, Twin Falls
The 5-9 cover corner shut down No. 1 receivers (six interceptions, 11 pass breakups) while also providing run support (48 tackles).
P: David Torres, Canyon Ridge
The senior specialized in hang time while averaging 32 yards per punt — with five over 50 yards and four downed inside the 10-yard line.
This story was originally published December 15, 2021 at 12:00 PM.
