Crocker makes all-state first team
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL
Brainerd senior Kyle Crocker on Tuesday was named to the Associated Press all-state football first team as a return specialist/all-purpose player.
Crocker, who has signed with Minnesota to play baseball, was voted Brainerd's most valuable player. He was the team's leading receiver with 36 receptions for 710 yards and five TDs and rushed for 238 yards and seven TDs.
He returned 14 kickoffs for 268 yards (19.1 average), returned eight punts for 239 yards (29.9) and four TDs and started at defensive back.
Crocker was an All-Central Lakes Conference selection, made the All-Section 8-5A team and was voted Brainerd's offensive player of the year.
Kyle Crocker was voted the Warriors' MVP this fall.
Lineman Dylan Peterson of Pierz was named to the second team along with Pequot Lakes running back Matt Michaelson.
Peterson, an All-Central Minnesota Conference pick, helped Pierz to the Class 2A state quarterfinals. He was the CMC's offensive lineman of the year.
Michaelson rushed for 2,060 yards and 20 touchdowns on 181 carries (11.4 average), helping Pequot Lakes to its first state tournament.
He passed for 145 yards and five touchdowns on 12-of-36 passing and caught two passes for 21 yards and a touchdown. He scored 161 points, with 16 on extra-point kicks and three on a field goal.
Player of the Year
Cretin-Derham Hall's huge lineman is named the Associated Press' Player of the Year.
Defensively, Michaelson led the Patriots with five interceptions, returning one for a touchdown, to go with two fumble recoveries and 79 tackles.
Crosby-Ironton's Mark Hoge also made the second team.
Receiving all-state honorable mention were running back Amos Schmidt of Verndale, Brainerd defensive lineman Aaron Pavek, Crosby-Ironton linebacker Reed Olander and Pequot Lakes linebacker Cody Chambers.