Mitchell junior Justin Greenway named to Class 11AA all-state football team

In the Mitchell High School football team’s home opener Sept. 3 against Brookings, Justin Greenway and Matt Thomas got to know each other very well.

Mitchell defensive coordinator Arend Kuyper had Greenway, a junior defensive back for the Kernels, follow Thomas all over the field with hopes of slowing down the Bobcats’ most dangerous offensive weapon.

The idea worked that night as Greenway allowed Thomas, a talented threat out of the backfield and as a receiver, just 36 yards receiving on two catches. The plan continued to pay dividends for the rest of the season, as well.

And the rest of the state took notice.

After a season-long effort that solidified his position as one of the state’s shut-down corners, Greenway was honored as one of four defensive backs on the Class 11AA all-state team. The team, announced Monday, was voted on by the South Dakota Football Coaches Association.

“It’s pretty fun when you have a chance to shut someone down,” said Greenway, who said he was surprised to be selected to the all-state team based solely on his defensive efforts. “I definitely wasn’t thinking for defensive back. I thought maybe special teams, but either way it was exciting to hear.”

Greenway, a 5-foot-10, 175-pounder, had 47 tackles, two fumble recoveries and one forced fumble on the season, of which he missed one game due to a knee injury. But his coach says his importance went beyond the stat sheet.

“We were fairly confident that he would get the votes necessary after his performance,” Kernels coach Kent VanOverschelde said. “Knowing that Justin is going to be able to perform at that level like he did, it just makes it easier because it forces our opponent away from one of their strengths.

“It’s just been a great experience to have him available to really accept the challenge.”

Greenway was joined on the all-state team by five other Eastern South Dakota Conference performers. Pierre senior Terrelle Walker and Watertown senior Kirk Gilbertson were also honored as defensive backs, while fellow Pierre seniors Adam Deneke (running back) and Brian Long (guard) also were selected. Watertown senior Mitch Schwanke was honored as the long snapper on the all-state team.

Greenway was one of five juniors to be selected to this season’s all-state team. All other selections will be graduated when next fall rolls around.

“I’d say I look forward to football all the time,” Greenway said. “But it’s already exciting to think about next year because I think we’ll have a chance to do some good things.”

After its second-consecutive state championship and undefeated season, Sioux Falls Washington landed seven seniors on the all-state team.

Linebacker Brandon Mohrisa was a repeat selection and quarterback Matt Hermanson, a University of Montana recruit, also was named to the team.

O’Gorman, which ended Mitchell’s season in the first round of the playoffs, had five all-staters. Senior halfback Kelby Tague and junior fullback Sam Steffl led the way for the Knights.

Roosevelt, which beat Mitchell in the season opener at Howard Wood Stadium, also had five players selected to the team. Senior linebacker Chris Cook and junior defensive back Shea DeJong paced Roosevelt to a 10-2 season.

Class 11AA all-state team

Offense

QB - Matt Hermanson, sr., Sioux Falls Washington

FB - Sam Steffl, sr., Sioux Falls O’Gorman

RB - Kelby Tague, sr., Sioux Falls O’Gorman

RB - Adam Deneke, sr., Pierre

WR - Trey Naasz, jr., Sioux Falls Lincoln

WR - Blaine Dunne, sr., Sioux Falls Washington

TE - Scott Mulder, jr., Sioux Falls Lincoln

OT - Derek Farniok, sr., Sioux Falls Washington

OT - B.J. Wright, sr., Sioux Falls Roosevelt

OG - Brian Long, sr., Pierre

OG - Matt Betsworth, sr., Sioux Falls Roosevelt

C - Hayden Ziegler, sr., Sioux Falls O’Gorman

Defense

DE - Austin Ridl, jr., Sioux Falls O’Gorman

DE - Kenny Fideler, sr., Sioux Falls Washington

DT - Konnor Wildfeuer, sr., Sioux Falls Washington

DT - Austin Whaley, sr., Sioux Falls O’Gorman

LB - Bradon Mohr, sr., Sioux Falls Washington

LB - Clint Wilson, sr., Sturgis

LB - Chris Cook, sr., Sioux Falls Roosevelt

LB - Alex Schnell, sr., Rapid City Stevens

DB - Terrelle Walker, sr., Pierre

DB - Kirk Gilbertson, sr., Watertown

DB - Shea DeJong, jr., Sioux Falls Roosevelt

DB - Justin Greenway, jr., Mitchell

Special Teams

K - Jordan Taylor, sr., Sioux Falls Roosevelt

P - Tom Schleusener, sr., Rapid City Stevens

Player - Serkaut Aware, sr., Sioux Falls Washington

Long snapper - Mitch Schwanke, sr., Watertown

Honorable mention - Alex Schultz, Sioux Falls Lincoln; Devon O1Farrell, Sioux Falls Washington; Seth Johnson, Rapid City Stevens; Marquese Brooks, Sioux Falls Roosevelt; Keyen Lage, Sioux Falls Washington; Blake Lohr, Watertown; Kyle Benne, Rapid City Stevens; Kyle Thomas, Watertown; Drew Iddings, Rapid City Stevens; Zach Lewallen, Sioux Falls Roosevelt; Jeff Maassen, Brandon Valley; Steven Payne, Sioux Falls O1Gorman; Alex Millard, Sioux Falls O1Gorman; Cole Halgerson, Sioux Falls Washington; Matt Thomas, Brookings; Kris Klapprodt, Rapid City Stevens.

Tags: high school football, sports, kernels