2A All-Idaho football team: The exclusive list of the all-state first and second teams
Note: The All-Idaho teams are chosen by a vote of the state’s coaches. The Idaho Statesman publishes the results.
2A ALL-IDAHO PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Parker Moser, West Side
Big things come in small packages. The 5-7, 140-pound senior proved that as the state champs’ workhorse running back. He ran for 1,507 yards and 21 TDs as an explosive threat inside and outside the tackles.
“He was an absolute nightmare to prepare for,” Declo coach Josh Stewart said. “Defensively, it was imperative to get several tacklers to the ball in order to bring him down, and we absolutely refused to kick to him. He was a threat to go to the house every time he touched the ball.”
COACH OF THE YEAR
Tyson Moser, West Side
He led the Pirates to their fourth title in five years. He’s now won six rings, tied for the third most in IHSAA history.
FIRST TEAM
OFFENSE
QB: Will Garrard, Declo
The senior was equally dangerous with his arm and feet, finishing with 1,888 total yards and 25 TDs for the state runner-up.
RB: Karson Bohn, North Fremont
A senior with the strength to run through tackles and the speed to break long runs, he rushed for 1,131 yards with 12 TDs at 8.4 yards per carry.
RB: Trey Gibson, St. Maries
The senior played only eight games, but he still led the 11-man ranks with 1,676 rushing yards while adding 17 TDs.
WR: Gavin Rasmussen, Declo
Defenses dedicated multiple players to the 6-1 junior but couldn’t prevent him from posting 1,056 total yards and 11 TDs on 71 touches.
WR: Noah West, Melba
A first-team pick again, the 6-4, 200-pound senior had 55 catches for 648 yards and 12 TDs despite constant double teams.
TE: Lincoln Henderson, West Side
A triple threat as a receiver, runner and blocker, the 5-7, 155-pound senior turned 48 touches into 697 yards and seven TDs.
OL: Renan Loper, Declo
The Hornets ran for 417 yards per game thanks in large part to the 6-foot, 250-pound junior tackle and two-way force.
OL: Brenden Ballif, West Side
A combination of brains and brawn, the 6-foot, 215-pound senior could play every position on the line and tallied 35 pancake blocks.
OL: Daniel Sandoval, Aberdeen
A second-team defensive lineman, the 6-foot, 228-pound senior and three-year starter at right tackle helped the Tigers run for 247 yards per game.
OL: Teyson Gunnell, North Fremont
His quickness off the snap and pound-for-pound strength allowed the 5-10, 170-pound senior to make the first team for a second time.
OL: Raef Graves, West Side
A lifelong fullback and tight end, the 6-foot, 190-pound junior moved to the line, where he became a weapon as a pulling guard.
K: Dylan O’Brien, Nampa Christian
The sophomore converted all four field goals he attempted, with a long of 39 yards. He also went 13-for-19 on PATs.
DEFENSE
DL: Arron McDaniel, West Side
A repeat first-team selection, the 5-11, 260-pound senior nose tackle finished the year with 67 tackles and nine tackles for loss.
DL: Renan Loper, Declo
The junior defensive tackle made 41 tackles and six tackles for loss to make the all-state first team on both lines.
DL: Dallas Nelsen, West Side
The Pirates moved the 6-foot, 175-pound junior all over the field. But he excelled at defensive end, where he had 50 tackles and 10 TFLs.
LB: Lincoln Henderson, West Side
The first-team tight end was also the rare linebacker who could stop the run and pass, racking up 93 tackles.
LB: Evan Michaelson, Melba
The 5-10, 215-pound senior racked up 118 tackles to add all-state honors to his conference defensive player of the year award.
LB: Tannon Nelson, Aberdeen
A high-motor and relentless drive led the sophomore to 90 tackles, eight TFLs, four sacks and three forced fumbles.
LB: Wyett Oden, Wendell
The 6-foot, 195-pound senior served as the Trojans’ eraser, making plays all over the field for 116 tackles, 10 TFLs and 15 pass breakups.
DB: Darrell Vasquez, Firth
The junior safety led 2A in interceptions (seven) while also serving as the brains of the defense and getting everyone lined up properly.
DB: Bode Brackenbury, Declo
An injury sidelined the junior safety for the first four games. His return made an immediate impact and led to 43 tackles and four INTs.
DB: Gavin Rasmussen, Declo
The first-team receiver also served as a lockdown corner and physical run defender who had 47 tackles and three interceptions.
DB: Crew Sage, West Side
The junior corner missed four games with an injury but returned for the playoff run, where he made two picks in the state finals.
P: Rawley Calder, West Jefferson
The junior rugby-style punter averaged 43.5 yards per kick, got nine downed inside the 20 and ran for nine first downs.
