Hawks earn region, state honors

In sport, the thought of a team leader is synonymous with their respective team. When you think of the 2004 Colony Knights, the first thought for many is Rhett Magner; the 2002 Moose, the first thought is Ali Larijani; the 2002 Warriors, the first thought is Abe Salmon. And the 2004 Hawks, the first thought is Andy Kappler.

The difference?

Magner, Larijani and Salmon earned vast accolades at high profile positions, Kappler has earned his recognition on the offensive line and at linebacker.

Houston head coach Norm Bouchard said it is a testament to Kappler to earn that recognition at positions which don't regularly receive the attention.

"It's a big deal -- he's our best player, he'll do whatever it takes," Bouchard said. "You think of other programs, Kenai has Dakota Craig, Soldotna has Garrett Gardner, we have Kappler."

Kappler earned the due recognition, receiving first-team All-Great Land Conference honors at offensive guard and linebacker, first-team small school all-state honors at linebacker and second-team all-state honors at guard.

Even more remarkable than the honors themselves is the fact opposing coaches recognized his play on the offensive line after moving from fullback in the third week of the season.

"Kappler's a team guy, the ultimate team player," Bouchard said. "He wasn't super excited, but knew it had to be done."

Kappler's success in the transition back to his old position showed his ability to lead by example, Bouchard

said.

On offense Kappler earned region and state honors despite not playing the first two games on the offensive line, and on defense Kappler was recognized as one of the top four linebackers in the state at the 3A level. Kappler was described as such an impact linebacker by opposing coaches, he was named first-team all-state inside linebacker over Seward's Ray Ledet, the Great Land Defensive Player of the Year.

One of Kappler's linemates, Chris Minsch, was honored for the third consecutive season. Minsch, an All-Great Land Conference selection in his freshman and sophomore seasons, was named first-team offensive line and second-team defensive line. The junior was also named first-team all-state offensive line for the second straight season.

"Chris has got a great reputation," Bouchard said.

Bouchard said Minsch, like Kappler, are undersized lineman -- both are 5-foot-9 -- but have success against opponents of all sizes. Bouchard said Minsch, physically, is able to compete at a high level, and has the technique to push around and control players substantially larger.

Justin Vasquez also earned state and conference honors for the Hawks. The senior was named first-team all-conference on defense, second-team as a utility player and second-team all-state defense.

Kappler, Vasquez and Minsch were among 10 selections on the All-Great Land Conference second team.

Seniors Daniel Harvey and Steven Dubose earned second-team honors on both offense and defense. Bouchard said both players had a big impact for Houston and deserved first-team recognition. Dubose was Houston's leading receiver at tight end, and a playmaker at defensive end. Harvey helped the Hawks have success on the ground at fullback and against the run at inside linebacker.

Clinton Banzoff was named second-team all-conference at center.

"At the state meeting Clinton got a lot of accolades because of what he did in non-conference play," Bouchard said. "Two coaches thought he was the best center."

Karl Thistle was named second-team all-conference running back for the Hawks. He was sixth in the 3A ranks with 561 yards rushing and four touchdowns.

Defensive back Victor Waag also earned second-team all-conference honors.

"Teams were able to throw against Houston, but they weren't able to throw against Victor," Bouchard said.

Bouchard said Waag received first-team votes, but lost in a tiebreaker.

Overall, Bouchard said he was very happy with the recognition Houston received.

"I was very happy, the people we wanted to get recognized, got recognized," Bouchard said.

Bouchard said one player he would have like to receive some notice was outside linebacker Steven Sorenson.

"Steven Sorenson was a big part of what we were able to do," Bouchard said. "We appreciate what he did for the program."