Fuerst, Mastel make all-conference team

The Mitchell Kernels had two defensive players make the all-Eastern South Dakota Conference team.

Linebacker Kirby Fuerst and defensive back Evan Mastel made the team, in which players were voted on by ESD head coaches.

Mitchell head coach Kent VanOverschelde said the senior leaders deserved this honor.

“It’s great that these two got the recognition of the performance and their ability to lead by example throughout the season,” VanOverschelde said. “They were a big part of the improvement by the team throughout the year.”

The Kernels (1-8) ended their season on a high note, defeating ESD rival Huron 12-0.

Fuerst led the Kernel defense with 43 tackles and two interceptions this year.

“(Kirby) came back with the most experience on defense and obviously had an understanding of what it took to compete,” VanOverschelde said.

Mastel was Mitchell’s second-leading tackler with 22 and had two interceptions this year.

“(Evan) was familiar with how physical football was and raised his level of performance,” VanOverschelde said.

2012 ESD all-conference football team

Quarterbacks: Chase Marson (BV); Kaleb Vig (B); Michael Rucker (Y)

Running backs: Austin Wagner (P); Tony Tripp (BV); Shay Bratland (W); Mikey Daniel (B)

Offensive linemen: Parker Hook (H); Lane Lettau (P); Kellen Soulek (Y); Joe Sandoval (BV); Erik Ode (BV)

Full backs:Tyler Kleinsasser (H); Kyle Sarringar (P); Josh Hilgemann (AC)

Tight ends: Zach Page (B); Troy Hunhoff (Y); Nate Winter (BV) Lane Severyn (P)

Receivers: Matt Vandeberg (BV); A.J. Garrow (BV); Austin Christopherson (P)

Defensive linemen: Gabe Eggebrecht (B); Ben Leidholt (P); Dustin Hopper (Y); Steven McKee (Y); Adam Guthmiller (BV)

Linebackers: Trey Maier (P); Alex Thorson (W); Kirby Fuerst (M); Reagan Francom (H); A.J. Dorschner (P); James Hisek (Y); Luke Hyronimous (BV); Lucas Lunstra (BV) Schyler Kumpf (AC)

Defensive backs: Hartman Katz (H); Evan Mastel (M); Alex Grey (P); J.J. Hejna (Y); Adam Bauer (BV)

Pnter: Adam Zwanziger (H)

Kickers: Garrett Pochop (P); Lane Sawatzke (Y)

Returner: Dayton Bender (B)

Tags: sports, updates, football, kernels