Six members of the Winner High School football team have been named to the Class 11B all state team. Winner (12-0) is represented by Sam Kruger, Preston Norrid, Bosten Morehart, Kaden Keiser, Charley Pravecek and Brady Fritz.
Winner defeated Bridgewater/Emery-Ethan in the state 11B football championship 18-14. Both teams were powered by dominate offensive lines so it is no surprise that all state linemen were Warriors or Seahawks.
Norrid and Morehart paved the way for Winner’s rushing attack. The seniors were both three year starters while Norrid also played fullback this season.
“Great leader and very versatile player,” said coach Trent Olson about Norrid. “Extremely physical and hard nosed.” Olson said of Morehart: “Stout player in the middle for us on both sides of the ball.” Olson said Morehart was a big part of why Winner was effective in running the ball and stopping the run.
Kruger paced Winner’s ground game with 810 yards and 12 touchdowns. He added four touchdown receptions and 45 tackles. The 6-2 175 pound senior was chosen as the most outstanding back of the state championship.
Olson said Kruger always got the tough yards for Winner. Keiser was selected to the all state team as an athlete. Keiser had 423 yards rushing and seven touchdowns while posting 29 tackles and four interceptions on defense. The junior speedster had close to 300 return yards.“ He had a great postseason for us,” Olson said. “Played big in the biggest games. He had four interceptions in the last three playoff games and made a bunch of big tackles.”
Pravecek was chosen for the defensive line. He had 25.5 tackles and seven sacks to earn all-state defensive line honors. Pravecek was named the outstanding lineman at the Class 11B championship game.“ Excellent two way lineman,” said Olson. “Our most productive defensive lineman. He has good technique and disciple,” said the Winner coach.
Fritz was an all state defensive back while also orchestrating Winner’s offense from his quarterback position. Fritz finished with seven tackles, two fumble recoveries and one pick six. The senior threw for 504 yards and seven touchdowns. He rushed for 499 yards and had 8 touchdowns.
“Incredible athlete with great speed,” said Olson. “Excellent leader. True dual threat QB. He speed and experience at free safety really prevented a lot of big plays for our opponents,” said Olson.