Morrison County Record All-Area Football Team

Quarterback/Defensive end

Mitch Messman, junior, Holdingford

Messman was the leader for a Huskers team that captured the Central Minnesota Conference and Section 6AA championships this fall, passing for 1,473 yards and 18 touchdowns and rushing for 512 yards and seven scores. He added eight sacks along the defensive line.

 

Running back/Linebacker

Mitch Lange, junior, Upsala-Swanville Area

Lange, the Morrison County Record Player of the Year, led to the Patriots to one of their top seasons ever with his ability to tackle ball carriers on defense while avoiding being brought down on offense. Lange finished with 1,448 rushing yards and 24 touchdowns, while registering 138 tackles, five fumble recoveries and three interceptions defensively.

 

Running back/Linebacker

Josh Lanners, senior, Pierz

Lanners capped off one of the top careers in Pierz’ storied history by rushing for 1,508 yards and 24 touchdowns, surpassing 3,000 yards for his career. Lanners also added 198 yards receiving out of the backfield and recorded 46 solo tackles and 22 assists on defense.

 

Running back/Linebacker

Jalen Wuchko, junior, Little Falls

Wuchko was a bulldozer in the backfield for Little Falls, racking up 1,177 yards rushing on 156 carries for a 7.5-yard average, scoring 11 touchdowns. In addition to being reliable in short-yardage situations, Wuchko broke several big gains, including a season-long 72-yard scamper.

 

Wide Receiver/Defensive Back

Cody Schwinghammer, senior, Holdingford

Opposing quarterbacks didn’t test Schwinghammer often this fall. When they did, they usually paid for it, as Schwinghammer intercepted a school record eight passes. On the offensive side of the ball, he hauled in 36 passes for 523 yards and eight touchdowns.

 

Wide Receiver/Defensive Back

Collin Eckman, senior, Little Falls

Eckman was a big-play threat for the Flyers catching the ball and on special teams, making 37 receptions for 415 yards and five touchdowns, averaging 11.2 yards per catch. Eckman also amassed 277 kickoff return yards, bringing one back 88 yards for a score.

 

Offensive Guard/Linebacker

Jack Fulford, senior, Royalton

Fulford was a tenacious blocker for the Royals this season, overcoming a small frame to bolster Royalton’s interior on both sides of the ball. Fulford was named the team’s MVP and top offensive lineman, earning All-Conference and All-Section honors.

 

Offensive Lineman/Defensive Lineman

Tom Tabatt, junior, Little Falls

Tabatt served as the anchor for Flyers’ offensive and defensive lines this fall, paving the path for all-area teammate Wuchko to run his way to a 1,000-yard season, while providing time for Little Falls’ downfield passing attack.

 

Offensive Tackle/Nose Guard

Travis Johnson, senior, Pierz

Johnson was the lynchpin of a stellar offensive front for the Pioneers that led the team’s backs to 3,244 rushing yards, earning the Central Minnesota Conference Offensive Lineman of the Year Award. Johnson also added 21 tackles on defense while taking on multiple blockers.

 

Offensive Tackle/Linebacker

Alec Griffith, senior, Upsala-Swanville Area

When Player of the Year Lange needed a running lane, the Patriots followed Griffith at right tackle, who excelled at sealing the end on outside carries. Griffith also was USA’s second leading tackler, logging 64 solo stops and 38 assists.

 

Offensive Tackle/Defensive End

Mitch Merten, junior, Holdingford

While protecting All-Area quarterback Messman as a sturdy force on the offensive line, Merten reached opposing passers a conference leading nine times this season. Merten also finished with 49 tackles, proving equally adept at stopping the run and pass and allowing Holdingford to get pressure without blitzing.

 

Honorable mention