FOOTBALL PLAYER OF THE YEAR
FOOTBALL PLAYER OF THE YEAR NOMINEES
COLIN KERNDT
Pella
Kerndt made the switch from wide receiver to quarterback for his senior season and would thrive there helping lead the Dutch to the 4A title game. Kerndt led 4A with 2,837 total yards as he was one of the top dual-threat QBs in the state and earned first team all-state honors. He completed 62.5 % of his passes for 2,014 yards( 4th in 4A) with 18 TDs against six interceptions. As a runner, he had 165 carries for 823 yards and 14 TDs( T-9th in 4A).
WILL ADAM
EMMANUEL DIERS
PEKIN
Adam closed out a record-setting career by leading the Panther football program to its first postseason win in a decade and the program’ s winningest season since 2018. Adam finished his career throwing for 2,367 yards and rushing for 1,965 yards, accounting for 55 total touchdowns while also collecting 86.5 tackles and five interceptions on defense securing first-team all-state honors at defensive back. At quarterback, Adam set Pekin’ s single-game passing record, throwing for 326 yards in Pekin’ s 54-0 win over Van Buren County on Sept. 6, ultimately earning Class A, District offensive MVP honors.
Pella
The junior running back was an explosive threat in the running and passing game this season for the Dutch as he would earn first team all-state honors. Diers finished second in Class 4A in all-purpose yards with 2,048. He had 154 carries for 1,112 yards( 10th in 4A) with 13 TDs. He also caught 45 passes for 502 yards and two TDs.
CHAPY AWARDS 2025 5