Gridiron Glory

It was a tough year for Sanders County football as neither the Savage Horsemen nor the Blue Hawks reached the playoffs. In fact, the two teams suffered to a combined record of 2-13.

There is a silver lining, however, as each team had several players recognized for their outstanding performance on the field amidst the worst of circumstances.

Representing the offensive unit for the Plains Hot-Springs Savage Horsemen were  junior Tanner Ostrum, and seniors Taylor Firestone and Trevor Brass.

Firestone and Brass, who’s seasons were cut short due to injury, and Ostrum were selected as honorable mentions. Firestone was honored for carrying the load at half-back, and Brass and Ostrum because of their play-making at the wide receiver position.

Seniors Carson Lilja and Cody Hoff were the only Savage Horsemen to be selected on defense. Lilja was named a first teamer for his play at defensive back and Hoff an honorable mention despite battling a calf injury at middle linebacker.

On special teams both Lilja and Firestone got their second selections. Both were first-teamers, Firestone due to his kick return ability and Lilja for his role as place-kicker.

Seven members of the Blue Hawk offense were named to the all-conference team including three offensive linemen, two receivers and two running backs.

Representing the second team offense for Thompson Falls were senior guard Shawn Sacchi, senior tackle Erik Hilety, and junior receiver Cody Phillips.

Offensive Honorable Mentions included junior center Blade Jacobsen, senior fullback Nick Adler, junior half-back Chris Hart and junior receiver Dalton Groshong.

Almost as decorated as their offense, Thompson Falls’ defensive unit received six awards.

On the second team, second time nominees Hilety, defensive tackle, and Adler, inside linebacker, joined Josh Hojem a senior defensive back.

Defensive Honorable Mentions included Jaron Laws, a junior defensive end, senior defensive tackle Ricky Romero and senior outside linebacker Jared Abbott.