The Associated Press

YANKTON - Individuals from the Hurley/Marion Cobras received high recognition for their achievements this season, as five players earned spots on the South Dakota Class 9AA All-State Football team.

After defeating the Ipswich Tigers 42-28 in the 9AA State Championship, it was only fitting that the Cobras had the highest number of players on the team.

Highlighting the Hurley/Marion selections is running back Brad Tunge. Tunge was named as an All State selection at running back.

Tunge proved himself as one of the best backs in the state by helping the Cobras (10-2 overall) bring home their first-ever state championship. Tunge was named the 9AA championship game's Most Valuable Player.

He ran for 2,197 yards and 26 touchdowns on just 182 carries during the season. His most notable performance came in the championship game as he ran for 229 yards and three touchdowns against the Tigers.

Tunge ran for over 100 yards in every game this season. He averaged 179 yards per game and has a total of 3,976 rushing yards in his career.

"Brad is an outstanding running back," Cobras coach Scott Meter said. "With his size and speed he is a threat on every play. He is our go-to guy."

Jeff Horton also received all-state honors for the Cobras. Horton was another horse in the Hurley/Marion backfield, rushing for 678 yards with 14 touchdowns during the season. He averaged 6.4 yards per carry and was the lead blocker on a team that averaged nearly 350 rushing yards per game.

"Jeff is a great all-around football player," Meyer said. "He was one of our team captains and kept everyone in line."

The Cobras would not have been able to have such a strong running game if it were not for some excellent blocking. This came in large supply from all-state guard Derek Handwerk (Sr.).

Handwerk never missed a start for the Cobras in three years. Handwerk's consistency helped the Cobras to always have someone reliable on the line. Aside from his skill set, Handwerk elevated his game in critical situations.

"Derek was the leader on our line," Meyer said. "He is equally skilled at bass, pass and pull." "Derek played his best when it really counted."

Cobra linebacker Darin Schoenwald (Sr.) was the next Cobra receiving all-state honors. He racked up 46 solo tackles, 46 assists and three sacks for a total of 95 tackles from the strong side linebacker position. He recovered two fumbles as well.

Schoenwald confronted blockers and took it upon himself to stop opposing rushing attacks.

It would have been difficult for Schoenwald to do all the work on his own. Defensive lineman Taylor Stanage (Jr.) did his part to disrupt opposing runners and put pressure on opposing quarterbacks from the nose guard spot.

Stanage earned a selection on the All State team after a season that included 56 tackles, two sacks and one fumble recovery. He did all this despite being double-teamed throughout the season.

Ipswich, the state runner-up, had four players make the all-state list. This begins with running back Jayson Geditz (Sr.). Geditz provided the Tigers with an impact player who helped them on their way to an 11-1 record.

Geditz provided the Tigers with an all-around threat, he rushed for 1311 yards and scored 13 touchdowns. He also caught 40 passes for 498 yards and scored six receiving touchdowns during the season.

"Jayson was a big part of our success this season," Ipswich coach Brian Hogie said. "He led the team in both rushing and receiving."

Geditz's big frame and versatility made it a nightmare for coaches to find ways to plan their defensive attacks. Geditz racked-up over 1,800 all-purpose yards during the season.

Complementing Geditz was all-state honoree Shaun Davis. A senior tight end for the Tigers, Davis took a lot of pressure off of Geditz. Davis had 27 receptions for 406 yards and five touchdowns during the regular season.

Tiger quarterback Taylor Weigel, who was named an all-state honorable mention, had his choice between the two targets.

"With Jayson and Shaun together we had two tough receivers who could make a lot of plays," Hogie said.

Tiger linebacker Matt Braun (Jr.) was the only Ipswich player to be selected to the all-state team on defense. He led the team with 142 tackles and two fumble recoveries.

Although Braun doesn't have a demanding physical presence, coach Hogie says that Braun doesn't lack toughness.

"Matt really brought attitude and toughness to a finesse team."

The Tigers' last selection to the all-state team was special teams returner Chad Dutenhoffer (Sr.). Dutenhoffer added an explosive touch to the Tigers. He had 1,175 all-purpose yards on the year.

Ipswich's Chris Gillick made it as an honorable mention selection as well.

The Chester Area Flyers (8-3) had two offensive players who earned their way to the All State team. They also had an honorable mention selection as well.

Quarterback Drew Kreutzfeldt was the only sophomore selected to the all-state team. Kreutzfeldt led the Flyers to a semifinal appearance against Ipswich, but broke his ankle in the second quarter of the game. Kreutzfeldt was an efficient passer as well as an effective runner. Drew was 60-for-118 with 1320 and 18 touchdowns. He also ran for 686 yards and 15 touchdowns on just 120 carries.

In total, Kreutzfeldt accounted for 246 of the Flyers' points.

"Drew is a special player," Flyers coach Brad Benson said. "We put him in the shotgun and gave him the option to either run of pass."

When Kreutzfeldt exercised the passion route, his favorite target was wide receiver Corey Alverson (Sr.). Alverson was selected to the all-state team for his 18 receptions, 539 receiving yards and eight touchdowns.

"Corey was a great perimeter blocker that helped to spark our running game," Benson added.

Senior Flyers tight end Andy Huve received Honorable Mention recognition. His numbers weren't gaudy, but he made a huge difference blocking for the Flyers' running game.