The 2024 Michigan Sportswriters Division 7-8 All-State football team has been announced, determined by a group of 11 sports writers.
In a noteworthy achievement, Dallas Walsh from Millington was named the Player of the Year for this season.
The All-State selections include a variety of standout athletes across several positions.
**Quarterbacks** on the All-State team feature Truk Terbush from Millington and Jacob Halfmann of Fowler, both seniors.
Leading the **Running Backs**, Grayson Bills from Hudson (junior), along with seniors Dallas Walsh (Millington), Brayton Thelen (Pewamo-Westphalia), and Drew Harris (Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central), received accolades for their exceptional performances.
In the **Receiver** category, standout players include Jayden Colby (Leslie), T.J. Byard (North Muskegon), Ethan Wakefield (Saginaw Michigan Lutheran Seminary), Austin Long (Vassar), Derek Lesko (Riverview Gabriel Richard), and junior Derek Lesko.
The **Offensive Line** is anchored by seniors Lloyd Stoneman (Ithaca), Logan Broekhuizen (Saginaw Michigan Lutheran Seminary), Joe Epkey (Fowler), Jake Bailey (Schoolcraft), Chaz Underwood (White Pigeon), Frank Conforti (Decatur), and Lucas Those (Menominee), while sophomore Dominic Stein (Maple City Glen Lake) also earned a spot.
On the **Defensive line**, the roster includes Nathan Fletcher (Manchester), Alec Haferkorn (Iron Mountain), Brevin Hendricks (Millington), Mason Mayne (Lawton), Brody Ross (Decatur), Caden Hughes (Union City), Adam Ley (Hanover-Horton), and Jack Smaglinski (Harbor Beach).
The **Linebacker** unit features talented athletes such as Brady Hines (SMCC), and seniors Nathan Mikesell (Ithaca), Henry Husmann (North Muskegon), Benji Allen (Maple City Glen Lake), along with juniors Trevor Spicer (Fowler) and Cass Stanberry (Saugatuck).
In the **Defensive Back** positions, Garrison Zuker (Beal City), Kam Brackett (Bronson), Cullen Bartos (North Muskegon), and Reece Thelen (Pewamo-Westphalia) have secured esteemed placements.
Kyle Martin (Beal City) was acknowledged as a top **Kicker/Specialist**, while Chad Brown (Hemlock) and Warren Asher (Traverse City St. Francis) were named as punters.
For the **Athlete** category, the list includes Owen McKenny (Beal City), Benson Harper (Harbor Beach), Asher Koenigsknecht (Fowler), and Bryan Convertini (Muskegon Catholic Central).
Co-Coaches of the Year honors went to Brad Gross of Beal City and Jason Germain from Millington, notable for their leadership and guidance throughout the season.
Additionally, the Second-Team All-State has been recognized, showcasing players who received at least two votes in various positions such as Quarterbacks, Running Backs, Receivers, and more.
Honorable mention awards also went to talented athletes who garnered at least one vote in their respective categories, including Quarterbacks, Running Backs, and Defensive Players, highlighting the depth of talent across the league this season.
The voting panel for this selection process included multiple respected sportswriters from various newspapers, contributing to a well-rounded representation of the season’s achievements.
This announcement reflects outstanding contributions and performances throughout the football season among Michigan’s high school athletes.
