3A All-Idaho football team: The best of the best from a loaded classification
Note: The All-Idaho teams are chosen by a vote of the state’s coaches. The Idaho Statesman publishes the results.
3A ALL-IDAHO FOOTBALL PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Crew Sage, West Side
The do-it-all senior spearheaded West Side’s run to a state title with standout play on both sides of the ball. Sage rushed for 988 yards and 17 TDs and totaled 215 receiving yards and two more scores. He also contributed 55 tackles, four interceptions, four pass breakups, one sack and one forced fumble at corner.
“One of the most complete players I’ve seen. Very good runner that is a threat to score no matter what. Ability to catch and block as well,” Aberdeen coach Derek Jolley said.
COACH OF THE YEAR
Tyson Moser, West Side
He led the Pirates to back-to-back state titles and their fifth state championship in six years.
ALL-STATE FIRST TEAM
OFFENSE
QB: Lupe Ortiz, Aberdeen
The 5-6, 155-pound junior was a dual threat, passing for 433 yards and four TDs and rushing for 1,000 yards and 10 TDs.
RB: Rafe Newton, Ririe
The 5-9, 160-pound senior totaled 1,333 rushing yards with 15 touchdowns on 193 carries in 10 games.
RB: Cooper Poxlietner, Grangeville
Praised for his yards after contact, the 5-8, 185-pound senior amassed 1,288 yards and 11 TDs on 204 carries.
WR: Thain Williams, Grangeville
The 5-10, 175-pound senior speedster hauled in 47 receptions for 701 yards and five touchdowns – nearly 15 yards per catch.
WR: Gavin Rasmussen, Declo
Versatility defined the 6-1, 175-pound senior, who had 262 receiving yards and three TDs, plus 824 rushing yards with 9 TDs.
WR: Jonathan Swainston, Wendell
Wendell’s offensive MVP collected 27 receptions for 441 yards and five touchdowns in just six games.
OL: Ivan Campbell, West Side
He didn’t allow a sack for the state champ while also making 56 pancake blocks on a team that totaled more than 3,700 yards.
OL: Renan Loper, Declo
The 6-1, 250-pound senior anchored the Hornets’ line, making 18 pancake blocks and clearing the way for nearly 3,700 total yards.
OL: Garrett Nelson, Firth
When the Cougars needed to run, they lined up behind the 6-2, 265-pound senior, who did not allow a single sack.
OL: Cambell Harris, Aberdeen
Undersized at 5-10 and 165 pounds, the senior guard made up for it with physicality and technical skill.
OL: Brady Barber, Ririe
The Bulldogs racked up 3,350 rushing yards behind the 6-2, 215-pound senior right tackle, who allowed just one sack.
K: Guillermo Barrera, Aberdeen
A converted soccer player, the 6-0, 160-pound senior was 2-for-3 on field goals and 14-of-15 on PATs.
DEFENSE
DL: Garrett Nelson, Firth
Opponents often ran away from the 6-2, 265-pound senior DE, who totaled 91 tackles, 19 sacks and 13 tackles for loss.
DL: Raef Graves, West Side
The 6-1, 195-pound senior collected 71 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, one forced fumble and two pass breakups.
DL: Renan Loper, Declo
A first-team pick on both sides of the ball, the 6-1, 250-pound senior recorded 69 tackles, nine sacks and four tackles for loss.
DL: Dallas Nelson, West Side
The leading tackler for the state champions racked up 98 tackles, nine tackles for loss, seven sacks and an INT.
LB: Bode Brackenbury, Declo
The 6-1, 195-pound senior captain amassed 111 tackles, eight tackles for loss, two sacks and three forced fumbles.
LB: Tannon Nelson, Aberdeen
With 120 tackles, 12 tackles for loss and four sacks, the 5-10, 170-pound junior was in on almost every play.
LB: Dane Garrard, Declo
The 6-1, 175-pound sophomore led the Hornets with 129 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, three sacks and three INTs.
LB: Keston Koyle, Declo
The 5-8, 165-pound senior produced 115 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, two sacks and one interception.
DB: Gavin Rasmussen, Declo
Another first-team honoree on both sides of the ball, the 6-1, 175-pound senior corner totaled 71 tackles with four INTs.
DB: Darrell Vasquez, Firth
The 5-11, 165-pound senior safety was a vocal leader, recording 60 tackles, five tackles for loss and three INTs.
DB: Dylan O’Brien, Nampa Christian
He led the classification with six interceptions while adding 48 tackles, two tackles for loss and 13 pass breakups.
P: Rawley Calder, West Jefferson
With an average of 49 yards per punt, the 6-0, 175-pound senior’s hang time helped the Panthers contain returners.
