2015 1A All-Idaho Football Team

By Michael Lycklama

Updated December 13, 2015 1:15 AM

Quarterback Ben Taylor led Valley to an undefeated season and its second state title in school history. Willy Harris For the (Twin Falls) Times-News

FIRST TEAM

OFFENSE

Jake Bruner, Prairie, QB

The 2014 1A All-Idaho Player of the Year directed the Pirates back to the 1A Division I finals. The 6-5, 205-pound senior threw for 2,921 yards and 30 TDs and added 937 yards and 20 TDs on the ground.

Tyler Anderson, Deary, RB

The 6-2, 235-pound senior carried the Mustangs to the 1A Division II championship, proving a threat as a runner (1,533 yards, 24 TDs, 9.7 yards per carry) and a receiver (13 rec., 354 yards, 6 TDs).

Taylor McAlister, Kamiah, RB

Defenses have keyed on the 5-9, 175-pound senior the past two seasons in the Kubs’ run-heavy offense. But he still kept producing, tallying 1,100 rushing yards and 22 TDs while averaging 10.8 yards per carry.

Kaleb Burk, Valley, RB

The 5-8, 180-pound senior was “tough as nails,” Valley coach Brian Ayers said. He ran for 1,233 yards and 18 TDs, averaging 10.4 yards per carry to lead the Vikings to their second title in history.

Garrett Mussmann, Valley, WR/TE

Despite only playing in two second halves in the regular season due to blowouts, the 5-11, 150-pound senior still caught 47 passes for 1,099 yards and 19 TDs, averaging 23.4 yards per catch.

Isaiah Shears, Prairie, WR/TE

After spending nine months rehabbing a torn ACL and meniscus, the 6-3, 190-pound senior made the most of his final season, catching 54 passes for 1,087 yards and 11 TDs, averaging 20.1 yards per catch.

Ryan Rosengrant, Council, WR/TE

The 6-0, 160-pound senior did a little bit of everything. He caught 29 passes for 826 yards and 14 TDs before spending the final 2 1/2 games at running back, where he ran for 325 yards and three TDs.

Doug Elorrieta, Valley, OL

The 6-3, 210-pound senior paved the way for an offense that averaged 489.3 yards a game and 11.4 yards per play. Valley coach Brian Ayers said he blocked down field so well he’d join his backs in the end zone.

Philip Spencer, Prairie, OL

In addition to his great feet as a pass blocker, the 6-3, 245-pound senior and two-year starter provided the Pirates with a wealth of experience and knowledge, Prairie coach Ryan Hasselstrom said.

Ivan Poole, Raft River, OL

The Trojans have run their offense behind the 5-11, 265-pound senior the past three years. And it paid off in 2015, as they averaged 266.9 rushing yards per game behind coach Brian Poole’s oldest son.

Lars Kludt, Kamiah, OL

Whenever the Kubs needed a tough yard or wanted to pull a lineman to hit the edge, they turned to their 6-5, 215-pound guard, Kamiah coach Ryan Ball said. The Kubs averaged 9.4 yards per play thanks to his blocking.

Cougar Coburn, Butte County, K

The 6-1, 180-pound senior was automatic on PATs, converting 29-of-31. The only two he missed were blocked. The two-time first-team punter also pinned foes on their own 20-yard line 21 times with touchbacks.

DEFENSE

Isaiah Shears, Prairie, DL

Also an All-Idaho first-team receiver, the 6-3, 190-pound senior repeats as a first-team defensive lineman. The end tallied 42.5 tackles and lived in the backfield with 23 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks.

Doug Elorrieta, Valley, DL

Defenses knew they must game-plan around the 6-3, 210-pound senior, who tallied 47.5 tackles (13 for loss) and 4.5 sacks. “He is long, strong, relentless,” Valley coach Brian Ayers said of the two-way, first-team pick.

Lars Kludt, Kamiah, DL

The 6-5, 215-pound senior averaged more than two tackles for loss and recorded nine sacks despite limited quarters due to blowouts, earning him the defensive MVP award for the Whitepine League.

Gabe Gonzalez, Salmon River, DL

At 5-9, 185 pounds, the junior used speed to his advantage, collecting 104 tackles, 7.5 sacks and two fumble recoveries. “His quickness and tenacity are unmatched,” Salmon River coach Charlie Shepherd said.

Kaleb Burk, Valley, LB

In addition to leading the Vikings’ potent offense, the 5-8, 180-pound senior is also a first-team defensive selection. He led Valley with 61.5 tackles and added three sacks on a defense that gave up 15.3 points per game.

Calvin Hinkelman, Prairie, LB

The 5-11, 190-pound senior led the Pirates’ defense with 84 tackles (22 for loss) and 7.5 sacks. “(He) is a true linebacker — tough-nosed, instinctive and intelligent,” Prairie coach Ryan Hasselstrom said.

Beau’D Hopkins, Salmon River, LB

With 113 tackles, six sacks, three interceptions and three fumble recoveries, the 5-11, 185-pound senior “made running against us up the middle almost impossible,” Salmon River coach Charlie Shepherd said.

Wacey Holtman, Raft River, LB

The 6-1, 185-pound junior anchored the Trojans’ defense that held opponents to 20 points per game. He finished with 112 tackles and four interceptions, and also ran for 1,039 yards and 15 TDs.

Jake Bruner, Prairie, DB

In addition to leading the Pirates’ offense, the 6-3, 205-pound senior also earned a spot as a first-team safety. He racked up 66.5 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss and four sacks, and he broke up 22 passes.

Parker Whipple, Kamiah, DB

The 6-0, 165-pound senior continued to pick passes out of the sky, recording three interceptions this fall to give him eight in the past two years. He took on the opponent’s top receiver and held him in check.

Ryan Rosengrant, Council, DB

The 6-0, 160-pound senior and cover corner intercepted seven passes, returning two for TDs. He also posed a threat in the run game (59 tackles) and as a punt returner, returning two of his four punts for TDs.

Cougar Coburn, Butte County, P

A repeat pick as the first-team punter, the senior averaged 49.1 yards per punt. “Cougar was an unbelievable punter who consistently helped us win field position,” Butte County coach Sam Thorngren said.

2015 1A All-Idaho Second Team