All-Section football

Four Staples-Motley football players were named to the Section 6AA All Section team.

Hunter Berggren, Alex Erpelding, Matt Miller and Trey Skeesick were the four Cardinals on the team.

The Cardinals were also honored by the Mid-West District (which replaced conferences this year).

Miller was named Specialist of the Year for his kickoff and punt return skills.

Erpelding was named linebacker of the year.

Joining them on the All-Sistrict First team were Berggren and Skeesick.

Three players were named to the All-District Honorable Mention team, Dolton Holmberg, Kyle Serich and Eric Lisson.

The Staples-Motley team also released their team awards:

• Cardinal Award - Hunter Berggren (for school/team pride, leader in the classroom, a leader on/off the field, and active in the community; someone who is viewed as “doing the right thing” on a consistent basis)

• Most Improved Player - Mason Nyhus (first year playing varsity; starting wide receiver and punt return duties)

• Back of the Year (offense & defense) Alex Erpelding (98 solo tackles  and 35 assists for team leading 133 tackles as linebacker)

• Lineman of the Year - Trey Skeesick (3rd highest ranking for tackles with 47 total, 9 tackles for loss, 6 fumble recoveries)

• Most Valuable Player - Erpelding (two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, 12 tackles for loss)

• Junior varsity player awards: Cade Schmidt, Nathaniel Rodrigues, Blayne Dumpprope

The Cardinal team was also awarded the silver academic award from the Minnesota Football Choaches Association.

Four players were named to the Mid-West District All-Academic Team: Berggren, Zac Carlson, and Matt Miler.