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2A Star
1. Maddox Kirkland (Kendrick)
The sophomore completed just 13 passes in the game but made the most of them - the completions went for 393 yards and six touchdowns in Kendrick's win over Butte County. The Tigers have won four consecutive state titles, three at the 1A Division 2 (now 1A) level and this year at 2A.
Honorable Mention: Razor Duke (Butte County)
Twenty carries for 87 yards and two touchdowns.
1A Star
1. Preston Wood (Carey)
The senior dazzled, particularly in the second half, and ended up accounting for 316 yards of total offense and four touchdowns (two passing, two rushing), helping the Panthers overcome an early deficit en route to a win over rival Dietrich. The Panthers now have nine state titles (1992, 1994, 1997, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2017, 2018, and 2024).
Honorable Mention: Chase Norman (Dietrich)
Six receptions for 145 yards and three touchdowns, contributed eight tackles on defense.
Ralli's Big Day
Kendrick junior Ralli Roetciscoender had a game for the ages in the 2A title contest against Butte County, turning four of his five receptions into Tiger touchdowns. Lost in the mix is how close Roetcisoender came to truly legendary status - on his only non-scoring reception of the day, he was tackled a yard short of the goal line. Three feet away from a five-reception, five-touchdown game.
Ready When Called
Carey found itself in an early hole on the field and in the lineup after the ejection of senior Matthew Young in the 1A championship game against Dietrich. Perhaps one of the keys of the entire game, beyond the play of Wood, was the way Eddie Gamino and Stockton Sears stepped up to help fill the void. The overall numbers aren't overwhelming but Gamino's touchdown reception on 4th down helped get Carey off the ropes and Sears' touchdown run gave the Panthers their first lead of the game in the third quarter. The duo combined for 54 rushing yards, 34 receiving yards, 11 tackles, and half a sack in the game.
Looking Ahead
Can Kendrick make it five in a row? Can Carey capture another state title? Can Council or Tri-Valley (or someone else) win the Long Pin's first state title since Salmon River hoisted the banner in 2016? Can District 1 host its first-ever 8-man championship trophy? Mullan won back-to-back state titles under John Drager in 1983 and 1984, but that was at the 1A (then called A-4) 11-man level. Can Hageman, which has reached the state semifinals in back-to-back years, get over the hump and play for a state title next year? Like Cascade and Shoshone this year, is there a a darkhorse team that will end a lengthy playoff drought in 2025? Will North Gem throw more than 25 passes in 2025? Stay tuned.........
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