Oliver Wirth/Photo by Noah Clooten
Fourteen Lake Region football players across five teams and three levels were named to various All-State Teams this week.
The nine-man champion, New Rockford-Sheyenne/Maddock, led the way with six selections. Junior quarterback Easton Simon, junior wide receiver Easton Benz and senior offensive lineman Brody Weisenburger were all named to the First Team Offense. Seniors Carter Engebretson and Kage Walford — both of whom were dynamic forces on offense as well — were named to the Second Team Defense. Senior wide receiver Bennett Meier was named to the Second Team.
Simon threw for nearly 3,000 yards this season, while Engebretson rushed for over 1,000.
Head coach Elliott Belquist was also named the Coach of the Year for nine-man football. Belquist has been coaching the team since 2006 and recently achieved the second state title in his tenure.
Nelson County quarterback Axel Anderson was also named to the Second Team after leading the Chargers to a playoff berth. Anderson, a senior, was a recent convert to quarterback after playing wide receiver and tight end for much of his high school career.
Four Winds had two selections to the Second Team: Kashton Keja Jr. and Francis Bellille. Keja Jr., the senior quarterback, ran for nearly 900 yards this season and threw for another 755. Bellille was a lineman on both sides of the ball. The Indians hosted a playoff game for the first time ever in a 5-3 campaign.
In Class A, three members of the Langdon Area/Munich football team received selections. Senior wide receiver Cody Amble was named to the First Team Offense after collecting more than 1,200 receiving yards. He was named the Region 2 Player of the Year.
Jax Johnson and Theo Romfo were both named to the Second Team. Johnson, LA/M’s junior quarterback, threw for almost 1,900 yards and rushed for over 700. Romfo, cousin of senior four-sport athlete Meredith Romfo and UND quarterback Simon Romfo, and also a standout baseball player, led the Cardinals’ defense.
LA/M reached a semifinal game this season and went 9-3 overall.
Finally, in Class AA, Devils Lake had a pair of honorees. Senior wide receiver Oliver Wirth, with more than 400 total yards, made the First Team Offense. Junior quarterback Mason Palmer, who threw for over 1,000 yards despite missing three games, was named to the Second Team.
Junior running back Bryar Exner, despite rushing for over 500 yards while also missing three games, did not crack either team.
Devils Lake went 5-5 and made a playoff game, posting its best record since 2017.
