Joe Fortwengler, MLB, New Ulm, Sr.

Fortwengler went from defensive line to linebacker this year and had no problem doing so. He set a new single season tackles record with 125 combined tackles, 56 solo and 69 tackle assists, while adding a sack and a forced fumble. The previous New Ulm tackles record in a season was 104.

Tyler Wilson, LB, Cathedral, Sr.

Wilson was a two-time all-district player and had 111 tackles in his senior year, 69 solo and 42 assists, while adding a sack. He finished his career with 190 tackles.

BJ Mages, DL, Cathedral, Sr.

A two-time all district player, Mages finished his senior year with 96 tackles, 67 solo and 29 assists, six sacks, three forced fumbles, and two blocked passes. Aside from being a threat on defense, he was chosen as the district’s most valuable offensive lineman.

He ends his career with 144 total tackles and three forced fumbles.

Ty Kemp, MLB, Wabasso, Sr

Kemp had 86 tackles this year, along with two interceptions and two pass break-ups. The three-year starter has almost 200 total career tackles and six pass break-ups.

Isaac Schmiesing, DE, Wabasso, Sr.

Cracking the starting line-up this year, Schmiesing dominated for Wabasso with 91 combined tackles, 3.5 sacks, 18.5 tackles for a loss, four fumble recoveries and three interceptions.

Tory Nelson, DL, Nicollet, Sr.

Nelson was a senior OL/DL captain of the team this past year and was two-way starter for Nicollet for three years. He had 106 total tackles, 11 sacks and two fumble recoveries.

He finishes his career with 198 tackles, 14 sacks, and four fumble recoveries.

Colton Collum, LB, MVL, So.

Collum, an all-district selection, had 90 tackles for the Chargers this year, four for a loss, and recovered four fumbles. It was the sophomore’s second year of varsity play and in his first two years, he has amassed close to 150 tackles and five fumble recoveries. MVL coach Jim Buboltz said that the future is very bright for Collum.

Avery Northquest, LB, Nicollet, So.

Northquest played a major role for the Nicollet defense this year with 136 total tackles and five fumble recoveries. The sophomore led the team in tackles and fumble recoveries and currently has 225 total career tackles and seven fumble recoveries.

Isaac Velasquez, DT, Sleepy Eye, Sr

An all-district selection, Velasquez had 37 solo tackles and 82 tackle assists for the Indians this year with six sacks and three fumble recoveries. The three-year starter led the Indians in total tackles this season and was described by coach Haala as one of the best defensive lineman that he has coached.

Jacob Plaetz, MLB, Wabasso, Sr.

The senior had 74 tackles this year with 7.5 for a loss, and he also picked off a pass. A three-year starter on both sides of the ball, Plaetz finishes his career at Wabasso with more than 160 career tackles and three interceptions.

Brett Bianchi, MLB, New Ulm, Sr.

Bianchi was limited to playing seven games this year for New Ulm because of injuries, but in those seven games, he had 95 combined tackles with two sacks and a forced fumble. The senior was described by New Ulm coach Corey Kneeshaw as a tackling machine and the heart and sole of the defense.

The team named him their Defensive MVP. In his final game against Hutchinson, Bianchi had a very impressive night with 27 combined tackles.