Fries, McLaughlin named first team All-State
DES MOINES (Nov. 26) -- Led by first-team selections Allen Fries and Will McLaughlin of Harlan Community, four area players have been named to the 2019 Iowa Print Sports Writers Association’s All-State Football teams.
The IPSWA announced its all-state teams on Tuesday following Saturday’s voting in Des Moines.
Fries, a senior defensive lineman, and McLaughlin, a sophomore linebacker, were both named to the Class 3A first team after helping the Cyclones finish 7-3 overall and tie for first place in 3A District 9 with a mark of 4-1. Also receiving all-state recognition were AHSTW sophomore Raydden Grobe and IKM-Manning senior Colten Brandt.
In addition to naming three all-state teams per class, the IPSWA selected the following team captains: Thomas Even, Don Bosco (8-Player); Tate Hagen, West Hancock (Class A); Hunter Dekkers, West Sioux (1A); Wyatt Wegener, Algona (2A); Calvin Harris, Western Dubuque (3A); and Michael Keough, Dowling Catholic (4A).
Allen Fries, HCHS, sr. (Class 3A First Team DL) - A 5-foot-11, 220-pound defensive end, Fries didn’t join the football team until his sophomore year but quickly developed into one of the most ferocious pass rushers in District 9, totaling 50 tackles for loss and 20 sacks during his junior and senior campaigns.
Will McLaughlin, HCHS, so. (Class 3A First Team LB) - McLaughlin (6-4, 215) moved up to the varsity level during the second half of his freshman season and became a leader of the Cyclone defense as a sophomore with 43 solos tackles and 64 assists (both team highs).
Showcasing an above-average combination of strength, speed and instincts, McLaughlin had 16 tackles for loss and a sack assist, blocked four kicks on special teams (3 PATs, 1 punt) and added one interception - a long pick six that was called back by a penalty.
Raydden Grobe, AHSTW, so. (Class A Second Team DB) - Grobe (6-2, 165) provided a spark in all three phases of the game for the Vikings this fall, including a team-high four interceptions (42 return yards) from his spot in the secondary. Offensively, Grobe hauled in six of the team’s eight TD receptions, including a 72-yarder against Underwood, and finished with 12 catches for 224 yards. He was successful on 21-of-23 PAT kicks and 3-of-6 field goals, averaged 33.2 yards per punt attempt and had three kickoff touchbacks.
Colten Brandt, IKM-M, sr. (Class A Third Team At-Large) - The start of the Wolves’ six-game winning streak coincided with Brandt’s return from an early-season injury. A key fixture at linebacker as well as the offensive backfield, Brandt (6-1, 184) finished with 43 solo tackles and 60 assists (second on the team to Kyler Rasmussen). Brandt also averaged 7.7 yards per carry (35-271) with two rushing touchdowns and added seven receptions for 106 yards.