Midgets sweep WDA postseason awards

On November 13 in Dickinson, the Midgets had a remarkable conference season, powered by a strong group of seniors and juniors. Their season saw them achieve a 6-4 record and remain undefeated in the division AA Western Dakota Association conference. They shut out two opponents with a combined score of 100 points and claimed victory in their challenging homecoming game against the reigning state champion Jamestown Blue Jays. This unforgettable season brought immense pride not just to the Midgets but to the entire conference.

Although their postseason journey ended in the quarterfinals, the state-ranked DHS’s season-long efforts and achievements were recognized, with 10 athletes named to the All-WDA team and sweeping the awards.

Senior leader Kaeden Krieg and head coach John Tuchscherer were both honored with the titles of Senior Athlete of the Year and Coach of the Year, respectively, commended for their outstanding talents and leadership qualities.

Krieg, a versatile two-way player, made significant contributions on both offense and defense. The senior, who excels in three different sports, brought unmatched strength, morale, and experience to the team. He recorded 38 tackles, 7.5 sacks, and 425 passing yards with seven touchdowns, showcasing his dominance on the field. Another nominee, Watford City’s senior Martin Waggoner Jr., displayed his skills with 2 touchdowns, 345 rushing yards, and 95 receiving yards.

Coach Tuchscherer, responsible for leading DHS into the postseason for the past three years, was particularly praised for developing strong athletes who demonstrate maturity and character both on and off the field. His genuine care for his players’ well-being was evident after every game, win or lose, as he always offered words of encouragement, setting an exemplary standard for his team.

The All-WDA first team included eight DHS athletes, comprising seven upperclassmen and a standout 10th-grader.

Sophomore Dylan Glasser, the only underclassman representing DHS, made a significant impact as a game-changing safety, with 6 interceptions for 343 yards, four of which resulted in touchdowns. The senior class, particularly on the defensive end, was well-represented by Krieg, Ethan Halverson, Cole Skabo, Dylan Smith, and Colin Tschetter, each contributing to the team’s formidable strength.

Tschetter, in addition to his defensive statistics, stood out on offense as the Midgets’ key running back, averaging 74 yards per game with 8 touchdowns and a 58.3% field goal completion rate. Next season, DHS will welcome back all-region juniors Isaac Schulte and Tristan Stallsworth, who have played pivotal roles in fortifying the defensive line, emerging as the team’s top two tacklers.

Seniors Madox Tolman and Noah Wilhelm were also recognized for their honorable mentions, highlighting the Midgets’ strength on defense. While the departure of several key seniors will present a challenge for the next season, the returning talent is eager to compete and uphold the high standards set by the departing senior class, pushing the program to even greater heights.