3A All-Idaho football team: The top awards for the classification’s top 49 players
Note: The All-Idaho teams are chosen by a vote of the state’s coaches. The Idaho Statesman hosts the vote and publishes the results.
3A ALL-IDAHO PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Daniel Neal, Sugar-Salem
A mix of brute force and lethal efficiency, the 6-1, 200-pound senior led the Diggers to their first undefeated season in history. He completed 70% of his passes for 2,149 yards and 22 TDs with just two INTs. And he ran for 369 yards and 16 TDs, finishing with a staggering 38 total touchdowns.
“Not only was he an absolute baller on the field, he matched that with his class and leadership as a person,” Marsh Valley coach Jeff Belnap said.
COACH OF THE YEAR
Tyler Richins, Sugar-Salem
He’s built the East Idaho program into a juggernaut, capturing the Diggers’ fourth title in five years.
FIRST TEAM
OFFENSE
QB: Jaxon Dines, Homedale
The senior and three-year starter led the Trojans back to the final, completing 71% of his throws for 2,036 yards and 21 TDs.
RB: Carson Harris, Sugar-Salem
A second-team pick last year, the 5-7, 175-pound junior moves up after grinding out 1,030 yards and 12 TDs with no fumbles.
RB: Jayce Bower, Buhl
The 5-9, 160-pound senior led all classes with 2,309 rushing yards and found the end zone 22 times for the Indians.
WR: Ty Hirrlinger, Sugar-Salem
A master at creating separation with his crisp routes, the 6-foot senior had 43 catches for 750 yards and 11 TDs.
WR: Mason Strong, Homedale
The two-time, second-team All-Idaho selection caps his career on the first team after 36 catches for 557 yards.
WR: Preston Stoddard, South Fremont
A big play waiting to happen, the 5-9, 145-pound senior hauled in 41 catches for 850 yards and 10 TDs and returned three kickoffs for TDs.
OL: Kaden Hunsaker, Buhl
The 6-3, 310-pound senior and three-year starter racked up 51 pancake blocks while surrendering just one sack.
OL: Kort Summers, Sugar-Salem
Whenever the Diggers’ needed a yard, they ran behind the 6-3, 275-pound senior, who delivered time and time again.
OL: Omar Rios, Homedale
The 6-2, 220-pound senior left tackle started for three years and made the first team on both lines this fall.
OL: Ryan Bingham, Sugar-Salem
The Diggers’ racked up 432 yards and 47.6 points per game behind their 6-3, 200-pound junior center.
OL: Brodie White, Homedale
A two-year starter at center, the 5-10, 240-pound junior made all the adjustments up front for the Trojans.
K: Mason Kinghorn, Sugar-Salem
The senior sank 44-of-48 extra points and also provided a weapon on kickoffs with his directional kicks.
DEFENSE
DL: Kort Summers, Sugar-Salem
Opponents double teamed him all year long and still found little success thanks to his size, strength and athleticism.
DL: Omar Rios, Homedale
The Trojans’ leader on both lines, the defensive end racked up 53 tackles and five sacks while setting the edge.
DL: Kaden Summers, Sugar-Salem
The 6-2, 190-pound senior racked up 11 TFLs and six sacks at defensive end. He also was a safety in two-safety sets.
LB: Jayce Bower, Buhl
The state champion wrestler and state-leading rusher racked up 214 tackles while serving as the QB of the defense.
LB: Hunter “Pig” Hobbs, South Fremont
A three-time state champ wrestler, the senior also inspired fear on the gridiron with 121 tackles, three INTs and two forced fumbles.
LB: Michael Goff, Kimberly
The 5-11, 190-pound junior possessed a nose for the ball, finishing with 7.6 tackles per game and 12.5 TFLs.
LB: D’Orr Packer, Homedale
A second-team linebacker last year, the 5-11, 205-pound senior moves up after 48 tackles and three sacks.
DB: Ty Hirrlinger, Sugar-Salem
Multiple NAIA programs are chasing the senior safety and two-way first-teamer with 54 tackles and seven INTs.
DB: Malakye Scott, Weiser
The senior was a terror on offense (1,053 total yards), defense (three INTs) and special teams (five return TDs).
DB: Mason Strong, Homedale
The College of Idaho commit set the Trojans’ defense from the back to make the first team twice after 30 tackles and one INT.
DB: Charles Henslee, Bonners Ferry
The 5-9, 160-pound senior delivered 7.6 tackles per game while adding two INTs, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery.
P: Blake Rice, Bonners Ferry
The senior and IML Co-Player of the Year averaged 41.6 yards per punt and pinned seven inside the 20-yard line.
