Howard lands trio on Class 9A all-state squad as state runner-up

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Nov. 21—HOWARD, S.D. — Three players represented state runner-up Howard on the Class 9A all-state football team, as selected by the South Dakota Football Coaches Association. Junior running back Kolt Becker, senior defensive lineman Garrett Feldhaus and senior linebacker Nolan Mentele were chosen for the Tigers.

As the lead back in Howard's ground game, Becker finished the year with 1,712 rushing yards and 25 touchdowns on 208 carries, an average of 8.2 yards per carry. With his senior season still remaining, Becker has tallied 2,736 total rushing yards and 36 touchdowns on 337 attempts in three years. At the defensive back position, Becker added 50 tackles and four interceptions this season.

"Kolt was our best player this year," said Howard head coach Pat Ruml. "He helped lead us to a state championship last season as a junior and an appearance this year as a two-way starter."

Up front defensively, Feldhaus, at 6-foot-5 and 270 pounds, helped limit opposing offenses throughout the season and posted 34 tackles and five sacks to be tabbed as an all-state pick. Feldhaus was also a contributor on offense at the tight end position for the Tigers, hauling in 14 catches for 158 yards and two receiving touchdowns.

"Garrett controls the edge for us as a strong defensive end," Ruml said. "With his size and length, most teams run away from him because of his presence to create better rushing opportunities."

At the linebacker position, Mentele, at 6-foot and 190 pounds, collected 73 tackles and one sack. As a two-year starter, Mentele finished his career with 125 tackles and two sacks.

"Nolan was a big part of our state title run last season and helped us a lot in the run game on defense this year," Ruml said.

State quarterfinalist Platte-Geddes landed seniors Jye Bailey and Kenyon Kuiper on the all-state team. Bailey was recognized at the defensive back position, collecting 48 tackles and hauling in five interceptions and one fumble recovery. He also played quarterback for the Black Panthers, completing 23 of 49 passes for 357 yards and four passing touchdowns, along with 1,074 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns on 124 carries.

"Jye was a three-year starter and our all-around leader these past couple years," said Platte-Geddes head coach Bruce Hanson. "He took one team to the semifinals in 9AA and then made us a contender this year in 9A, as well. He does everything right on the field and off it as well, and was such a great leader for our team."

Kuiper was named to the team as a special teams player and was a standout running back for P-G this season. He tallied 1,031 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns on 167 rushing attempts and added 190 receiving yards and two receiving scores on seven catches.

Area honorable mention picks included Platte-Geddes' Ty Rolland and Lyman's Conway Collins.

Class 9A champion Wall had eight all-state selections plus one honorable mention, including senior running back Jace Mohr, who was tabbed as the Class 9A All-American honoree.

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