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Today I continue with the top players in each class by taking a closer look at 11AA. I’ll release the remainder of the classes in 11 Man football and the top players in 9 Man football soon. Be sure to check back on the blog for more lists.

 11AA

1. Rex Ryken, Sr. WR/DB Yankton

Rex is the definition of a ball hawk. He is as effective on offense going up to make amazing grabs as he is on defense making picks. The 6’2” athlete is an impact player who has a chance to rewrite the Yankton record book by the end of this season. He’s coming off of a junior season where he made 31 catches for 524 yards and 2 picks on defense. His sophomore season he shined as well.

 2. Carson Max, Sr. RB/LB Mitchell

Carson only played in 8 games last year because of injury but still managed 506 yards and 6 touchdowns while averaging 8.0 yards per carry. He was also dominant on defense with over 10 tackles per game and 10.5 TFL on the season. The two-time all-state player is ready to lead the Kernels into battle this fall.

 3. Jack Maher, Sr. QB/TE/MLB Pierre

Jack is one of the most versatile players in the state. He lined up at tight end and middle linebacker last year and also played quarterback on a few snaps. This year he will use that versatility to shine for the Govs. He may be taking snaps to fill in for Peyton Zabel or catching passes from Garrett Stout for Pierre. He is a proven pass catcher with 61 receptions as a junior for 787 yards and 9 touchdowns. On defense he made 13 tackles for loss and averaged 4.8 tackles per game. Whatever position Maher lines up at this year, he’ll definitely be an impact player.

 4. Cole Teigen, Sr. DB Harrisburg

Big hits can come in small packages as proven by Cole Teigen. The senior DB checks in 5’8” but delivers a much bigger boom than you’d think. Teigen had 45 tackles for the Harrisburg and made two picks and forced three fumbles and made one defensive touchdown. Teigen enters his senior year with two years of starting experience and will be disruptive on D again this year.

5. Levi Winne, Sr. DT/G Mitchell

When you read about Mitchell you might not get a lot of info on Levi Winne, but he’s among the best in the state at what he does. In at number five might be one of the more surprising players on this list. The defensive tackle had an amazing 18.5 tackles for loss last year and collected 2.5 sacks as well. He led an active defense for Mitchell last year in TFL and should anchor more big-time production from their defensive line as a senior.

 6. Jack Rabern, Jr. WR/LB/DB Harrisburg

The 6’0” speedster from Harrisburg showed up big in the dome last year and made several electric plays as a sophomore. Now as a junior, Jack Rabern is ready to be one of the stars in class 11AA. “We’re going to mix him in at some receiver stuff, some running back stuff, and then he’ll play some DB and outside backer as well. He’s just going to keep excelling and he’s just a junior so I’m glad we have him for a couple more years,” said Head Coach Brandon White.

 7. Jay Krull, Sr. TE/DE Sturgis

The Sturgis Scoopers continue to improve as a team and Jay Krull is a big part of that. He will be a wrecking ball at tight end and defensive end. He was an all-state performer last season and is one of the leaders as they try to get to the top half of the class this year. Jay is 6’4”, 210 pounds and can run.

 8. Chipper Schillingstad, Sr. RB/DB Huron

Chipper stands at just 5’5” but that doesn’t stop him from making a big impact on the game. He is one of the main ball carriers for Huron but is also their best defensive back. Last season he had five picks and is able to cover receivers of all sizes.

 9. Kiel Nelson, Sr. QB/P Mitchell

The tall athletic quarterback isn’t asked the throw a lot (719 yards passing) but is able to play the part of a dual threat for the Kernels (476 yards rushing). Not only is Kiel the best returning quarterback in the class he’s also the best punter. Look for Nelson to be one of the classes best as a third year starter.

 10. Gabe Rieger, Sr. OL/DL  Huron

Rieger was one of the toughest matchups on the line in this class as a junior last year. He had 2.5 sacks and is also a technician on the offensive line. His head coach Michael Schmitz said, “He has a great motor and is one of the best athletes on the team."

“Gabe is a great blocker that never gives up on a play,” said Tigers coach Michael Schmitz. “He fights for his teammates every snap he plays. On film, you can see him blocking downfield until the whistle blows. He is a great athlete that has a great motor.”

 11. Parker Beers, Sr. RB Brookings

Parker packs a punch for the Bobcats at running back. He gained 801 yards with 8 touchdowns as a junior and he’s back as a third-year starter for Brookings this season.