May 21, 2024

Panthers place 16 on all-district football

By CHEYENNE ROCHE
Creston captains, from left, Brennan Hayes, Austin Evans, Cael Turner and Max Chapman take the field for the coin toss last Friday against Ballard. All four are ranked high statistically in Class 3A. Hayes is sixth in rushing (493 yards) and third in all-purpose yards (749). Evans ranks 17th in total tackles (23.5). Turner leads Class 3A passers with 770 yards and third in TD passes (9). Chapman is second in tackles for loss (8.5).

Creston captains, from left, Brennan Hayes, Austin Evans, Cael Turner and Max Chapman were all named to the first-team all-district. (Larry Peterson)

After the Panthers wrapped up their season Saturday at the UNI-Dome against Bishop Heelan, District 6 released its all-district players.

As the district champions, it comes as no surprise the Panthers placed 16 on the list, nine of them being first-team and seven of those being unanimously selected.

First Team

Senior Cael Turner was unanimously selected as the first-team quarterback. A team captain, Turner finished the season 181-284 for 2,993, averaging 16.3 yards per catch and leading Class 3A. His yardage surpasses the program’s single-season record of 2,868 yards by Alex Nielsen from the 2014 Dome season that ended at 10-3. Creston played one less game this year, ending 11-1. His 181 completions is also a new single-season record.

Creston quarterback Cael Turner throws downfield early in Friday's 48-28 victory. Turner completed 18 of 28 passes for 399 yards and four touchdowns.

Creston quarterback Cael Turner throws downfield early in a 48-28 victory over Ballard. Turner completed 18 of 28 passes for 399 yards and four touchdowns. (Larry Peterson)

Turner threw for 34 touchdowns this year, taking program record and ranking 35th in the state, all time. Also a threat on the ground, Turner had six rushing touchdowns and 375 yards. He had two receptions this season, one for a touchdown.

Senior Brennan Hayes, a team captain, was unanimously selected as a first-team running back after another fantastic year for the Panthers. Hayes rushed for 1,784 yards, averaging 8.2 yards per carry. He had 17 rushing touchdowns. He was a triple threat between running, receiving and kicking. He had 42 receptions for 881 yards and eight touchdowns. His single-season receiving yards are second only to this season’s effort by Brandon Briley.

Creston all-state running back Brennan Hayes drags five Winterset defenders for a first down in the second quarter of their matchup Friday. Hayes had 23 carries for 201 yards, four receptions for 36 yards and a rushing touchdown in the 36-17 win over the Huskies.

Creston all-state running back Brennan Hayes drags five Winterset defenders for a first down in the second quarter of their matchup. Hayes had 23 carries for 201 yards, four receptions for 36 yards and a rushing touchdown in the 36-17 win over the Huskies. (CNA photo by CHEYENNE ROCHE)

His career rushing yardage of 3,806 is second only to Chase Shiltz’s total of 5,329. Hayes was the Class 3A all-purpose yardage leader this season at 2,470 yards.

He was also named to first team as a kicker. He went 50/51 on PATs this season and kicked a game-winning field goal on homecoming against Harlan.

Also a senior, Briley was selected unanimously as a first-team wide receiver. Briley led the Panthers in receiving with 52 catches for 897 yards and 13 touchdowns. He holds these Panther records now — receptions in a season (52), receiving yards in a season (897), TD receptions (13), career receptions (91), career wide receiver yards (1,621) and career wide receiver touchdowns (17).

Creston receiver Brandon Briley leaps for a 40-yard reception from Cael Turner during the scrimmage against Carlisle. Briley had a touchdown reception in the scrimmage. (Larry Peterson)

Quinten Fuller, a senior offensive lineman for the Panthers, was also selected unanimously to first team. Center Jagger Luther was also selected. The Panthers’ offensive line was integral to its dynamic offense that averaged 38.75 points per game.

Offensive linemen Quinten Fuller, left, and Jagger Luther, center, block a Ballard defensive player from getting to running back Brennan Hayes.

Offensive linemen Quinten Fuller, left, and Jagger Luther, center, block a Ballard defensive player from getting to running back Brennan Hayes. (Photo contributed by LARRY PETERSON)

Team captain, senior Max Chapman, was unanimously selected as a first-team defensive lineman. This season, Chapman logged 55.5 total tackles including 33 solo and two sacks. His 26.5 tackles for loss led Class 3A.

Creston defensive end Max Chapman chases Harlan quarterback Will Arkfeld in Creston's homecoming game Sept. 22. Chapman is the Class 3A leader with 20.5 tackles for loss.

Creston defensive end Max Chapman chases Harlan quarterback Will Arkfeld in Creston's homecoming game Sept. 22. Chapman is the Class 3A leader with 20.5 tackles for loss. (TERRY FREEMAN)

The Panthers’ final team captain, senior Austin Evans, was named a first-team linebacker. Evans recorded 74 total tackles including 34 solo, two sacks, 7.5 tackles for loss, two fumble recoveries and three interceptions.

Creston linebackers Austin Evans (32) and Lucas Travis (37) pull down Harlan running back Lucas Francis (7) during Friday's 25-22 victory.

Creston linebackers Austin Evans (32) and Lucas Travis (37) pull down Harlan running back Lucas Francis (7) during Friday's 25-22 victory. (Photo contributed by LARRY PETERSON)

Seniors Dylan Calvin and McCoy Haines were both unanimously selected as first-team defensive backs. Calvin led Class 3A in interceptions this season with six. Calvin had 30.5 total tackles including 23 solo and a tackle for loss.

Dylan Calvin (No. 31) intercepts a pass thrown by Bishop Heelan quarterback Quinn Olson Saturday while teammate Dillon Starlin looks on. The Panthers lost 16-13 in the semifinal match. Calvin’s six interceptions this season leads Class 3A

Dylan Calvin (No. 31) intercepts a pass thrown by Bishop Heelan quarterback Quinn Olson Saturday while teammate Dillon Starlin looks on. The Panthers lost 16-13 in the semifinal match. Calvin’s six interceptions this season leads Class 3A (Photo contributed by THAYER ROONEY)

Haines was a force against both the run and pass. He logged 54.5 total tackles including 37 solo, 1.5 tackles for loss and four interceptions.

McCoy Haines (No. 15) gets a hand on the ball on a touchdown pass attempt to Briar Klaver on fourth-and-12 in the third quarter. Also defending is Jack Walter.

McCoy Haines (No. 15) gets a hand on the ball on a touchdown pass attempt to Briar Klaver on fourth-and-12 in the third quarter. Also defending is Jack Walter. (Photo contributed by DAN DICKINSON)

Second team

Three Panthers earned second-team honors, one on offense and two on defense.

Senior offensive lineman Tucker Rohrig earned unanimous second-team honors after a great season at guard.

Senior Will Bolinger was named as a linebacker, leading the Panthers in sacks with five. He recorded 64 total tackles this season including 30 solo and eight tackles for loss.

Defensive back Dillon Starlin, a senior, was a unanimous second-team selection. This season, Starlin had 59.5 tackles including 35 solo and two tackles for loss.

Honorable Mention

Named to the offensive honorable mention were juniors Weston Trapp and Josh Schaefer. On defense, senior Jackson Kerr and junior Jack Walter were selected to honorable mention.

Cheyenne Roche

CHEYENNE ROCHE

Originally from Wisconsin, Cheyenne has a journalism and political science degree from UW-Eau Claire and a passion for reading and learning. She lives in Creston with her husband and their two little dogs.