Four Wildcats earn all-state recognition

Louisburg senior Mason Koechner (53) was selected to the Class 4A all-state first team by the Topeka Capital-Journal and Wichita Eagle. Koechner led the Wildcats with 67 tackles on the year.

Louisburg football had its best season in four years and some members of the team are continuing to receive honors because of it.

The Wildcats, who won a regional championship, had four players earn all-state recognition by two major Kansas newspapers when teams were released Sunday.

Senior lineman Mason Koechner led the way as he was named to the Class 4A all-state first team offense by the Topeka Capital-Journal and first team defense by the Wichita Eagle. Koechner was also selected as an honorable mention offensive lineman by the Eagle.

Three other Wildcats also earned honorable mention honors.

Senior Dustyn Rizzo was selected by both papers as an honorable mention lineman. The Capital-Journal and Eagle also placed senior running back Thomas San Agustin as an honorable mention.

Korbin Hankinson, another Louisburg senior, earned honorable mention defensive back honors from the Eagle.

Louisburg senior Korbin Hankinson (left), Thomas San Agustin (middle) and Dustyn Rizzo were selected to the Class 4A all-state honorable mention team.

Koechner had a big season on the defensive side of the ball as he led the Wildcats with 67 tackles, including two sacks, and two tackles for a loss. Offensively, Koechner, along with Rizzo, led a Lousiburg offensive line that opened holes for more than 3,800 yards of total offense.

Defensively, Rizzo finished with 39 tackles, two sacks and a forced fumble.

San Agustin had a good season in the Wildcat backfield as he finished with 916 yards on the ground to go along with 18 touchdowns. He also had 213 yards receiving on the year.

As for Hankinson, he had a big season in the defensive backfield for Louisburg. Hankinson led the team with five interceptions and five deflections.