3A All-Idaho football team: These are the top players 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
Kolter Lewis, Ririe
The 5-foot-7, 200-pound senior running back ran over opposing defenses for 2,006 yards and 33 touchdowns on 255 carries — an average of 7.9 yards per carry. He also had 10 receiving TDs for the state runner-up Bulldogs.
“Was a very tough runner. It was not just his total yards, but the yards he got after contact and how difficult it was to keep him contained,” Malad coach Brady Price said. “Had a great vision for the running lanes.”
COACH OF THE YEAR
Daniel Jenkins, Nampa Christian
Led the Trojans to a 9-2 record and their first state championship since 1981 with an OT win over Ririe.
ALL-STATE FIRST TEAM
OFFENSE
QB: Pete Dice, Nampa Christian
The 5-9, 189-pound senior led the Trojans to a state title, completing 134-of-203 passes for 1,845 yards and 20 TDs.
RB: Ian Johnson, Nampa Christian
Averaged nearly 6 yards per carry, totaling 1,032 yards and 13 TDs, and adding 32 catches for 385 yards and 2 more TDs.
RB: Drake Sage, West Side
The 5-9, 160-pound junior moves up from the second team after running for 1,202 yards and 15 TDs on 176 carries.
WR: Dylan O’Brien, Nampa Christian
Caught the game-winning TD in overtime for the state title, collecting 40 receptions for 603 yards and seven TDs.
WR: Landen Silcock, Declo
Despite double coverage, the 6-1, 165-pound senior hauled in 42 receptions for 668 yards and seven touchdowns.
WR: Layton Goins, Priest River
The Spartans’ go-to target on third downs, the sophomore caught 48 passes for 637 yards and 10 touchdowns.
OL: Cooper Huntsman, Ririe
The 5-6, 210-pound senior helped pave the way for a 2,000-yard rusher as the Bulldogs totaled 4,330 yards.
OL: Brady Hatten, Priest River
The 6-4, 295-pound senior right tackle had 23 pancake blocks and helped the Spartans collect 3,380 yards.
OL: Austin Landon, Ririe
Missed two seasons with an injury, but stood out his senior year as the Bulldogs produced 4,330 yards.
OL: Hyrum Checketts, West Side
The 5-7, 165-pound senior had 20 pancake blocks and did not allow a sack as the Pirates totaled 3,069 yards.
OL: Aksel Ortiz, Aberdeen
The 5-9, 165-pound junior did not allow a sack all season as the Tigers amassed 3,102 total yards.
K: Dylan O’Brien, Nampa Christian
The senior made 4-of-4 field-goal attempts, including a long of 33 yards, while converting on 32-of-38 PATs.
DEFENSE
DL: Kyle Bott, Declo
The SEIC Defensive Player of the Year recorded 71 tackles, 12 tackles-for-loss, two sacks and blocked two PATs.
DL: Ian Johnson, Ririe
The 6-0, 190-pound senior racked up 44 tackles, 10 tackles-for-loss, three sacks and two forced fumbles.
DL: Cameron Shuldberg, North Fremont
He scored two defensive TDs and totaled 70 tackles, eight tackles-for-loss, six sacks and one interception.
DL: Chet Ward, West Side
A menace at end, the 6-2, 185-pound senior had 72 tackles, 14 tackles-for-loss and blocked three punts.
LB: Kaiser Henne, Nampa Christian
The WIC Defensive Player of the Year, amassed 143 tackles, seven tackles-for-loss, four sacks and an INT.
LB: Braxton Mowder, New Plymouth
The 5-9, 180-pound sophomore collected 146 tackles, forced five fumbles and grabbed an interception.
LB: Nate Rundquist, Nampa Christian
The 5-11, 195-pound senior recorded 123 tackles, six tackles-for-loss, four sacks and forced three fumbles.
LB: Tannon Nelson, Aberdeen
The three-year starter posted 62 tackles, 10 tackles-for-loss, four sacks, forced two fumbles and recovered one.
DB: Cooper Brown, Ririe
The 6-2, 175-pound senior safety totaled 35 tackles, 10 pass breakups and grabbed seven interceptions.
DB: Dylan O’Brien, Nampa Christian
A first-team pick at three positions, the senior recorded 58 tackles, 16 pass breakups and four interceptions.
DB: Lupe Ortiz, Aberdeen
The 5-6, 165-pound senior safety had 69 tackles, two pass breakups, one tackle-for-loss and one interception.
P: Landon Connolly, Orofino
Despite playing a new position, the senior averaged 52.3 yards per punt, including a long of 67 yards.
