2015 2A All-Idaho Football Team

By Michael Lycklama

Updated December 13, 2015 1:15 AM

Grangeville receiver Austin Parks hauls in a tipped ball for one of his 48 receptions this season in the semifinals at Nampa Christian. Joe Jaszewski jjaszewski@idahostatesman.com

FIRST TEAM

OFFENSE

Steve Tiersma, Nampa Christian, QB

The 5-11, 175-pound senior carried the Trojans to the semifinals by throwing for 2,544 yards and 27 TDs with seven interceptions. “The kid is smart, accurate and gutsy,” Nampa Christian coach Jerry Smith said.

Jake Kaschmitter, Grangeville, RB

The 6-0, 195-pound senior averaged 6.0 yards per carry on his way to 1,087 rushing yards and 13 TDs. “Other coaches will testify as to how hard he is to bring down,” Grangeville coach Jeff Lindsley said.

Hilario Carrillo, Aberdeen, RB

A dangerous mix of speed and power, the 6-1, 195-pound junior carried Aberdeen to the finals with 1,022 rushing yards and 12 TDs. “He was a threat to score every time he touched the ball,” Aberdeen coach Jeff Duffin said.

Austin Parks, Grangeville, WR

The 5-8, 175-pound senior provided big plays all over the field. He caught 48 passes for 893 yards and 14 TDs. He also intercepted five passes, blocked three PATs and returned a punt for a TD in the state championship.

Lucas Orme, Firth, WR

Operating out of the slot, the 6-1, 180-pound senior was a threat catching passes and taking handoffs, anything to get him the ball in space. He racked up 854 yards and nine TDs on 100 touches.

Andrew Anderson, Nampa Christian, TE

A second-team pick a year ago, the 6-2, 200-pound senior was a dominant run blocker who also drew double teams. Despite the attention, he still caught 64 passes for 837 yards and seven TDs.

Gabe Pancheri, West Jefferson, OL

The 6-1, 300-pound junior center held down the heart of the Panthers’ offensive line, dealing with defenders diving at his feet and blitzes from all angles. His presence allowed others to pull and attack the edge.

Cesar Cerna, Aberdeen, OL

The 5-11, 235-pound senior captained an offensive line that averaged 253.3 rushing yards per game. As a guard, the Tigers used his athleticism to pull him around the edge, get him in space and create big plays.

Loren Westphal, Melba, OL

The 6-4, 265-pound senior anchored a line that led Melba to its first playoff win since ’04. “(He) moves well for his size and can be a dominant blocker at the point of attack,” Melba coach Sherm Blaser said.

Teagan Petross, New Plymouth, OL

The 6-1, 240-pound senior and three-year starter allowed the Pilgrims to run for 190.8 yards per game. Conference coaches voted him the 2A Western Idaho Conference Offensive Player of the Year.

Braxton Bujak, Nampa Christian, OL

The 5-9, 225-pound sophomore was a captain and led a Nampa Christian offensive line that only allowed six sacks in 299 passing attempts. The Trojans averaged 339.6 yards and 27.4 points behind his blocking.

Joseph Lemos, Aberdeen, K

A repeat first-team member, the 5-10, 180-pound junior converted on 40-of-46 PATs and 5-of-11 field goals, including a 45-yarder. He earned an invite to an elite national kicking camp in Wisconsin last summer.

DEFENSE

Stetson Nielson, Aberdeen, DL

The 6-3, 220-pound senior clogged the middle of the Tigers’ defense, often drawing double and even triple teams from frustrated opponents. He finished with 72 tackles, including 12 for loss, and two sacks.

Josh Hess, North Fremont, DL

The 6-3, 190-pound senior was a monster against the run and for opposing quarterbacks, compiling 85 tackles and nine sacks to win the Nuclear Conference Defensive Player of the Year award.

Braxton Bujak, Nampa Christian, DL

A two-way first-team pick, the 5-9, 225-pound sophomore was the 2A WIC Defensive Player of the Year after totaling 98 tackles, 18.5 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks despite facing frequent double teams.

Nate Masterson, St. Maries, DL

Offenses had to plan around the 6-0, 200-pound junior as he shredded one-on-one-blocking matchups all year, St. Maries coach Craig Tefft said. He recorded 62 tackles, six sacks and forced five fumbles.

Hilario Carrillo, Aberdeen, LB

A two-time first-team linebacker, the 6-1, 195-pound senior racked up 117 tackles (36 for loss), 16 sacks and scored two defensive TDs. “He intimidated opposing quarterbacks,” Aberdeen coach Jeff Duffin said.

Cole Lindsley, Grangeville, LB

The Bulldogs moved the 6-1, 212-pound senior between end and linebacker, where he made 36 tackles despite missing three games. Grangeville coach Jeff Lindsley called him the “best overall football player on our team.”

Tyler Matthews, Declo, LB

The 5-11, 190-pound junior led the Hornets with 104 tackles, and he returned two of his four interceptions for touchdowns. “The tougher it gets out there, the tougher he gets,” Declo coach Kelly Kidd said.

Jared Carrasco, Aberdeen, DB

A high football IQ allowed the 5-10, 145-pound senior to always find himself in the right place at the right time, Aberdeen coach Jeff Duffin said. He finished with 76 tackles (five for loss) and four interceptions.

Braxton Ramirez, West Jefferson, DB

The Panthers took advantage of the 6-0, 150-pound sophomore, creating a defense that attacked with its corners. He finished with 90 tackles, three interceptions and a pair of forced and recovered fumbles.

Gabe Turner, Orofino, DB

The 5-7, 145-pound senior matched up against opponents’ top receivers and flashed his ball skills in the air whenever they threw his way, finishing with seven interceptions and breaking up 18 passes.

Luke Nedrow, North Fremont, DB

Despite standing 5-8 and 150 pounds, the senior could play safety, corner or linebacker. He excelled on the edge, shutting down any runs to the sideline with 60 tackles while still guarding against the pass.

Parker Johnson, Nampa Christian, P

The 5-9, 170-pound senior repeats as a first-team punter, averaging 41.7 yards and pinning nine of his 25 punts inside the 20. Opponents only returned six punts all year, resulting in a net average of 39.8 yards per kick.

2015 2A All-Idaho Football Second team