McKenzie County Farmer - Sports

By Neal A. Shipman
Farmer Editor

While the Watford City football team came up just one win away from earning a trip to the State Class A Football championship game, the Wolves had an outstanding 11-1 season.
And now, 10 players from this year’s squad have been recognized by the coaches from the conference and region by being named to the All-Conference and the All-Region football teams.
Leading the way for the Wolves is Trey Jacobson, a 170 lb. senior, who was selected as the Region IV Player of the Year, as well as an All-Conference quarterback/defensive back and an All-Region IV quarterback.
“Trey was a game-breaker for the Wolves with his arm or his legs,” stated Fred Fridley, Wolves’ head coach. “He was a complete and intelligent football player. He was every coaches’ choice in Region IV.”
Offensively, Jacobson completed 80 of 136 passes for 1,605 yards and 17 touchdowns for the Wolves while carrying the ball 59 times for 256 yards and eight touchdowns.
Defensively, Jacobson had 18 solo tackles, 18 assists, one fumble recovery and four interceptions for the Wolves.
All-Region IV Team
Other Watford City players named to the All-Region IV offensive first team were Douglas Nordby, a 185 lb. senior offensive guard; Shawn Fulwider, a 205 lb. junior tight end; Nick Liebel, a 165 lb. senior wide receiver; and Brady Lund, a 150 lb. running back; while Douglas Rolfson, a 210 lb. defensive end; Kalin Mogen, a 190 lb. senior linebacker; and Tyler Flatland, a 175 lb. senior defensive back were named to the defensive first team.
Fulwider averaged 23 yards per catch as he scored six touchdowns with 18 pass receptions for 409 yards.
Liebel, who was Jacobson’s favorite target, averaged 20 yards per catch with 24 receptions for 471 yards and five touchdowns.
Brady Lund was the workhorse in Watford City’s backfield as he ran for 784 yards and 11 touchdowns on 128 carries. He also gained 250 yards and scored two touchdowns on 16 pass receptions.
Rolfson had 107 defensive points for the Wolves with seven solo tackles, 13 first hits, 23 assists and two fumble recoveries.
Kalin Mogen had 203 defensive points with nine solo tackles, 35 first hits, 48 assists and one fumble recovery.
Tyler Flatland had 152 defensive points with six solo tackles, 21 first hits, 34 assists, two blocks and three interceptions.
Named to the All-Region IV offensive second team were Jake Thomas, a 160 senior center; and Nolan Kalberer, a 180 lb. senior running back, while Karson Knudtson was selected to the defensive second team.
Kalberer was the Wolves’ second leading rusher as he ground out 709 yards and seven touchdowns on 110 carries while receiving one pass for 10 yards.
Knudtson led the Wolves in defensive points this past season as he had 20 solo tackles, 48 first hits and 40 assists, one block, two fumble recoveries and two interceptions.
Region IV All-Conference Team
Watford City players named to the Region IV All-Conference Team were Trey Jacobson, quarterback/defensive back; Nick Liebel, wide receiver/defensive back; Brady Lund, running back/defensive back; Douglas Nordby, offensive guard/linebacker; Kalin Mogen, offensive guard/linebacker; Shawn Fulwider, tight end/defensive end; Karson Knudtson, running back/linebacker; and Nolan Kalberer, running back/linebacker.
Watford City’s Fred Fridley shared the Region IV Coach of the Year honors with Rick Phillion of Hazen and Lou Dobitz of Killdeer.