Big Sandy dominates Northern C selections

The Class C runner-up Big Sandy Pioneers dominated the Northern C all-Conference selections for the 2003 season.

The Pioneers were led by Mason Ophus, who earned first-team honors at tight end and defensive end. Quarterback Gage Brumwell was named to the first team, while Paul Reishus, Adam Jesperson and Alex Thornton all earned first-team defensive honors.

Other Hi-Line players earning first-team honors were Chester's Mitch Violett at fullback, Blue Sky/KG's Levi Wendlad at guard and Kaare Engebretson at kicker.

Big Sandy also had several second-team performers led by running back Skylar Pearson, who rushed for over 1,300 yards this season. Thornton earned second-team honors at fullback, while Adam Butler and Devin Genereux were also named to the second-team defense. Chester's Violett was named second-team linebacker, while running back Patrick Wicks earned second team honors. The Coyotes' Travis VanDyke was named second-team tight end and defensive end. Blue Sky/KG's Engebretson also earned second-team honors at linebacker.

Northern C All-Conference

First Team

Offense

Quarterback - Gage Brumwell, sr., Big Sandy

Running back - Steven Horras, sr., Power-Dutton-GFC; Andy Sivertsen, jr., Belt

Fullback - Mitch Violett, sr., Chester

End - Logan Lewis, sr., Belt; Mason Ophus, sr., Big Sandy

Guard - David Tillman, sr., Belt; Levi Wendland, sr., Blue Sky-KG

Center - Benny Benhart, jr., Belt

Kicker - Kaare Engebretson, sr., Blue Sky-KG

Defense

Safety - Logan Lewis, Belt

Outside LB - Dustin Fuller, sr., Belt; Adam Jesperson, sr., Big Sandy

Inside LB - David Tillman, sr., Belt; Paul Reishus, sr., Big Sandy

Linemen - Benny Benhart, jr., Belt ; Alex Thornton, jr., Big Sandy

Ends - Mike Somerfeld, sr., Power-Dutton-GFC; Wes Leritz, sr., Belt; Mason Ophus, Big Sandy

Punter - Dustin Fuller, sr., Belt

Second team

Offense

Quarterback - Trevor Daer, jr., Belt.

Running back - Patrick Wicks, jr., Chester; Skylar Pearson, sr., Big Sandy.

Fullback - Rikki Miller, sr., Belt.

End - Neil Tatsey, sr., Valier; Travis VanDyke, sr., Chester.

Guard - Jason Loch, jr., Power-Dutton-GFC; Cory Decker, sr., Chester; Wes Leritz, sr., Belt.

Center - Alex Thornton, jr. Big Sandy.

Kicker - Dustin Fuller, sr., Belt.

Defense

Safety - Adam Butler, sr., Big Sandy.

Outside LB - Steven Horras, sr., Power-Dutton-GFC; Neil Tatsey, Valier.

Inside LB - Mitch Violett, Chester; Kaare Engebretson, Blue Sky-KG.

Linemen - Jason Loch, jr., Power-Dutton-GFC.

Ends - Travis VanDyke, sr., Chester; Devin Genereux, jr., Big Sandy.

Punter - Kyle Jannusch, so., Valier.

Honorable mention

Talon Allen, S, Power; Aaron Andrade, G, Big Sandy; Aric Clark, ILB, Sunburst; Cody Donovan, OE-OLB, Blue Sky-KG; Kaare Engebretson, RB, Blue Sky-KG; Orrie Gondeiro, QB-ILB, Power; Ryne Nelson, C, Valier; Paul Reishus, FB, Big Sandy; Mike Somerfeld, OE, Power; Jeff Trafelet, RB, Valier; Patrick Wicks, OLB, Chester.