Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn lands 12 players on all-district football teams

The champions of Class A District 1 are well-represented on the all-district teams for the 2022 season.

A dozen Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn players were included on the all-district teams. Named to the first team are seniors Kooper Ebel, Travis Kamradt, Lance Berends, Elijah Groeneweg, Keevyn Jacobsma and Ethan Diehm, along with juniors Adam Schierholz and Ethan Wiersma.

Second team picks are seniors Ethan Baker and Trenton Vollink, and honorable mention selections are senior Ryan Borden and junior Ethan Huberg.

Garnering special recognition for the third time are Berends as all-district lineman and Ebel as offensive MVP. Hawk coach Jay Eilers said each has special traits that make them stand out among district players.

"Lance's dominance is not on one side of the ball. That is what is so special about him. His play on both sides of the line is elite," Eilers noted. "It starts with strength and athleticism, and his dedication in the weight room and doing extra things. His commitment to getting the strength and his athleticism are second-to-none."

Special skills also set Ebel apart.

"No. 1, I think it's his vision. He has a vision and an understanding of angles and as good as he is, not many people tackle him head-up," Eilers said after the Hawks' playoff game with North Union. "I just think his vision and his strength and, obviously, durability makes it tough to tackle him throughout a four-quarter game."

Eilers is also a repeat selection among his peers, being named district head coach of the year for the second straight season.

This year's all-district selections are listed by school and grade.

FIRST TEAM

H-M-S: Kooper Ebel 12; Travis Kamradt 12; Lance Berends 12; Elijah Groeneweg 12; Keevyn Jacobsma 12; Ethan Diehm 12; Adam Schierholz 11; Ethan Wiersma 11.

Gehlen Catholic: Connor Kraft 12; Keaten Bonderson 12; Evan Steeg 12; William Harpenau 11; Ryan Augustine 12; Kale Pearson 10; Keaton Logan 12.

Hinton: Beau DeRocher 12; Garrett Divis 12; Caden Winters 12; Glen Carlson 12; Dylan Hartman 12; Garrett Lindley 11.

South O'Brien: Boston Riedemann 12; Hudson Oolman 12; Sawyer Honkomp 12; Dylan Strubbe 12; Jacob Van Lith 12.

Alta-Aurelia: Gavin Sleezer 10; Kaden Stites 12; Carson Reinert 12.

MMCRU: Kyler Bork 11; Jace Colling 10; Josh Wetter 12.

Akron-Westfield: Lane Kenny 12; Michael Varns 12; Ian Blowe 11.

SECOND TEAM

H-M-S: Ethan Baker 12; Trenton Vollink 12.

Gehlen Catholic: Aiden Spangler 12; Gabe Wiltgen 11.

Hinton: Brooks Binneboese 10; Jacob Bishop 10.

South O'Brien: Keaton Sampson 12; Leo Sells 12.

Alta-Aurelia: Allen Brenner 12; Cale Brechwald 11.

MMCRU: Noah Galles 11; Michael Peterson 10.

Akron-Westfield: Conner Wendel 11; Jack Terpstra 11.

HONORABLE MENTION

H-M-S: Ryan Borden 12; Ethan Huberg 11.

Gehlen Catholic: Brandon Gengler 12; Zayne Welland 12.

Hinton: Bode Binneboese 11; Carter Worden 12.

South O'Brien: Dain Moermond 12; Mitchell Enger 11.

Alta-Aurelia: Sam Colerick 12; Roman Napierala 11.

MMCRU: Jonah Petersen 11; Mitchell Schnepf 11.

Akron-Westfield: Michael Swancutt 12; Tatum Wilken 10.

SPECIAL HONORS

Offensive MVP: Kooper Ebel, H-M-S.

Defensive MVP: Keaten Bonderson, Gehlen Catholic.

Punter: Dain Moermond, South O'Brien.

Kicker: Keaton Logan, Gehlen Catholic.

Lineman: Lance Berends, H-M-S.

Head Coach: Jay Eilers, H-M-S.

Assistant Defensive Coach: Cale Kramer, Hinton.