Photo by Tyler Anderson, The Graphic-Advocate: Southeast Valley teammates Aaron Graves (68) and Colton Brant (80) both made the Iowa Print Sports Writers Association Class 2A all-state team on Monday.

GOWRIE — Kolson Kruse wasn’t even a quarterback two years ago, but after the transition, the Southeast Valley senior became one of the best in the state.

On Monday, Kruse was named the captain of the Class 2A Iowa Print Sports Writers Association all-state team as a quarterback.

“It’s definitely an honor, but I couldn’t do it without my teammates and coaches,” Kruse said. “It puts into perspective all the hard work that goes into this for all of us.

“It was our goal from the start to win the state title, and it felt even better than expected.”

Joining Kruse on the first team was University of Iowa recruit Aaron Graves (defensive line) and offensive lineman Pierce Woodruff.

Justin Loseke (linebacker) and Tre Fisher (wide receiver) were on the second squad. Senior running back Lathe Muench and classmate Colton Brant (defense/utility) landed in the third group.

As a sophomore, Kruse was the Jaguars’ leading receiver. After the graduation of Hunter Kruse, head coach Mike Swieter needed a signal-caller.

Kolson Kruse fit the bill.

Two years later, Kruse was helping the Jaguars to the school’s first-ever state championship in a record-breaking run.

“It’s a surreal accomplishment for Kolson to achieve this status,” Swieter said. “If I knew what he was going to do, I would have made him a quarterback sooner…but he was a great receiver too. He was our ‘Cooper DeJean’ (former OA-BCIG star and current Iowa Hawkeye). It would be very scary to see what he could do with another year.”

Kruse put up gaudy numbers in the five postseason games of 2021 for SV. He was 56-for-75 passing, throwing for 1,007 yards and 12 touchdowns. On the ground, Kruse rushed 121 times for 696 yards and nine TDs.

For his senior season, Kruse threw for 2,484 yards and 28 touchdowns. He was 125-for-202 (61 percent) and only tossed three interceptions.

Kruse also ran for 1,573 yards and 19 scores.

Kruse finished as Southeast Valley’s single-season leader for passing yards (2,484) and touchdowns (28). He was the top passer in Southeast Valley history with 3,571 yards.

It was Graves’ third time on the first team and fourth all-state honor in as many varsity seasons. Graves changed the way teams ran their offense, and the Jaguars’ offense benefited from his attributes on the line.

“It’s an honor to be recognized,” Graves said. “It was special to do what we did — especially with my dad (Mark, a Jaguars’ assistant coach).

“Playing for your dad is everything a kid wants. It’s really special for me, because I see the work he puts in.”

The future Hawkeye finished as Southeast Valley’s career leader in tackles (221), sacks (37) and tackles for loss (59.5).

“There are no stats to show how good and important Aaron Graves is, but ask West Lyon (Southeast Valley’s 2A championship opponent),” Swieter said. “When most teams are running a six-man front against them and they still run for 400 yards and we use a three-man front with Graves, that says a lot.

“He requires a double- and triple-team every single play.”

Woodruff had a strong season on the line, opening holes for Kruse and Muench.

“Receiving an all-state football honor is incredible. I am fortunate to receive this recognition,” Woodruff said. “It means a lot to me because I have worked incredibly hard for my senior season.

“I would like to thank my teammates and my coaches. It would not be possible without them.”

Woodruff was also a key on the Jaguar defense with 44 tackles and three and half sacks.

“He was a JV player last year and did everything he could in the offseason,” Swieter said. “Pierce went from JV to first team all-district and now first team all-state.”

Loseke was the leading tackler for Southeast Valley on the edge. He recorded 82.5 tackles, including a team-high 64 tackles.

Loseke also had a team high eight sacks. Loseke is currently third on the school’s tackle charts with 196, behind Kyler Fisher (199.5) and Graves heading into his senior campaign.

Fisher had a breakout year for the Jaguars and a strong postseason. He had 43 grabs for 984 yards and 11 touchdowns. Fisher scored in every postseason game.

“Justin is one of the best backers I’ve ever coached. One of the reasons he might have not made the first team is because he is a junior,” Swieter said. “Tre has been my most improved player since Week 3. He took it upon himself to keep getting better and he was unbelievable in the Dome. He is very solid.”

Muench finished with 972 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns. He ended as the school’s career leader in points (316), rushing TDs (45) and carries (478). He is second in rushing yards (2,494).

Brant, who didn’t even play defense last season, was the fifth-leading tackler for the Jaguars with 39.5. He had three fumble recoveries and two interceptions to go along with a playoff touchdown.

The senior also finished with the most yards as a tight end in a career. Brant had 42 catches, 719 yards and nine scores.

“Lathe is a great player and is a bull to bring down,” Swieter said. “I would have loved to give him the ball more in the Dome, but we needed him as an extra lineman to block. He was a critical part of our offense. He didn’t get enough credit for freeing up Kolson.

“Colton played some receiver last year, but never played defense. He started lifting and in nine month he transferred to a complete player. He is a very good running back/tight end and a very physical blocker. He was one of our defensive leaders.”