Governors Earn Four Honors for 11AA All-State

Governors Earn Four Honors for 11AA All-State

For the fifth consecutive year the Pierre Governors are on top of 11AA and they’ve done it with their fifth straight all-state quarterback.

Peyton Zabel started the trend in 2017 when he led the Governors to its first state title in the run defeating Harrisburg. Garrett Stout took over in 2018 and 2019 leading the Governors to another two state titles as he was selected as the All-State quarterback. Now, Lincoln Kienholz has done the job twice winning the state title and All-State selection in 2020 and 2021. Head Coach of the Pierre Governors Steve Steele says it was an easy decision amongst the coaches…

Jack Merkwan joined Kienholz on the All-State team as both he and Kienholz broke season records for the Governors. Kienholz set a state record with 3359 passing yards, 17 more yards than Austin Sumner in 2008. Merkwan caught 1297 of those yards which is also the third highest in state history. Merkwan caught 15 touchdown passes which broke Bradley Dean’s 13 in 2016. It was also a no-brainer for Merkwan to be All-State.

Defensively for the Governors, Jaden Flor and Jacob Mayer received All-State recognition. Flor led the team in tackles for loss with 17 while being fifth on the team in total tackles with 44. He recovered a fumble on defense as was one of the most consistent guys along the defensive front. Jacob Mayer finished the season with five interceptions, tops on the team picking up his fifth which lead the state championship winning drive. Mayer, as a defensive back was second on the team in total tackles with 66. Steele speaks highly of both kids starting with Flor saying he’s the ultimate solider…

Steele says for these four players and the rest of the team, it’s no question on if they would pick All-State or state championship…

Jayden Wiebe and Christian Busch were selected as an honorable mention for Class 11AA. You can see a full list of the team below.

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