Five Governors Headline All-ESD Football Team

Five Governors Headline All-ESD Football Team

The Pierre Governors have picked up five players on the 2021 All-ESD Football team including three on the high powered, highest scoring offense in the conference.

This year’s team had more representatives because of ties in votes so both offensive and defensive teams. Junior Lincoln Kienholz is this year’s ESD quarterback after throwing for over 3000 yards leading up to Friday’s championship game. Kienholz has thrown for 35 touchdowns and just six interceptions as he is 170-305 through the air. Kienholz favorite target by the numbers, junior Jack Merkwan is one of two receivers on the team. Merkwan has 51 catches for 1176 yards and 15 touchdowns this season. He’s averaging 23.1 yards per catch. While the offensive line has been solid all season for the Governors, Christian Busch is the lone representative for Pierre on this year’s O-line as nine players were selected overall.

On defense, junior Jacob Mayer, out of his cornerback position is on this year’s team. He had two interceptions in last Friday’s win over Aberdeen Central, has five in total, a recovered fumble and is second on the team in tackles with 63 total and 46 solo. Jaden Flor is the other defensive player for Pierre on the All-ESD squad as he is leading the team with 17 tackles for loss, fifth on the team in tackles and has four and a half sacks in his senior season.

The Governors will face Tea Area on Friday for the 11AA state title. You can see a full list of the teams here.