Warsaw’s Rhoades Earns Football Honor
Warsaw football standout Riley Rhoades was one of a large group of players from the Northern Lakes Conference chosen to the IFCA Region 2 All-Star football squad Wednesday.
The All-Star group was chosen by coaches from Region 2, which covers much of north central Indiana.
Rhoades had a stellar senior season this past fall for coach Phil Jensen’s Tigers. The 6-4 receiver hauled in 74 passes for 783 yards and eight touchdowns before being injured in the first half of the regular-season finale at Concord. Rhoades suffered a knee injury while being tackled and missed the remainder of that game as well as Warsaw’s loss to Carroll in the opening round of the Class 6-A playoffs the following week.
Rhoades is also a key member of the Warsaw boys basketball team which is currently undefeated on the season at 13-0 and ranked No. 7 in Class 4-A. He also was a key performer in track last spring, helping coach Matt Thacker’s team to another NLC title and its fifth straight sectional championship.
The list of Region 2 All-Stars includes a total of seven players from NLC programs. Included on the list are Bailey Gessenger of NorthWood, David Small of Concord, Derek Paz of Goshen and Jack Barron of Plymouth.
Running back Mitch DeWitt, the top scorer in Elkhart County in 2015, was also named to the team.
Bailey Burns of Triton was named as the manager of the All-Star squad.
Selected athletes from the area All-Star team are eligible for selection to the Indiana All-Star game this summer in Indianapolis.
IFCA Region 2 All-Stars
Offense
Center – Patrick Ernst (Marian), 6-0, 215.
Tight End – Trevor Hobbs (Jimtown), 6-4, 230.
Quarterback – Jack Barron (Plymouth), 6-0, 175.
Running Back – Mitch DeWitt (Fairfield), 5-10, 185; Gabe Brooks (SB Adams), 6-1, 190.
Guard/Tackle – David Small (Concord), 6-1, 270; Derek Paz (Goshen), 5-9, 225; Max Bernard (Penn), 6-2, 270; Austin Kisrow (Mishawaka), 6-2, 290.
Wide Receivers – Riley Rhoades (Warsaw), 6-4, 195; Ryan Topper (Bremen), 6-3, 205.
Fullback – J.C. Oudes (LaVille), 5-10, 195.
Kicker – David Pumarejo (Culver Academies), 5-8, 160.
At-Large – Darian Phillips (Mishawaka), 5-9, 180.
Defense
End – Zach Main (Penn), 6-1, 250; Jordan Holley (Goshen), 6-1, 200.
Inside Linebacker – Gage Nierzwicki (New Prairie), 6-2, 240; Kobe Woods (Penn), 5-11, 227.
Cornerbacks – Cam Eveland (Plymouth), 6-2, 185; Dylan Guldager (Jimtown), 6-1, 175.
Tackle – Noah Daniels (SB Adams), 6-2, 260; Simon Griffith (Culver Academies), 5-10, 235.
Strong Safety – Austin Martin (Knox), 6-1, 215; Joe Ravotto (Mishawaka Marian), 6-1, 180
Free Safety – Bailey Gessinger (NorthWood), 5-9, 165; Brandon Wadley (SB Adams), 6-1, 160.
Punter – Justin Baker (Bremen), 6-1, 180.
At-Large – Pat Coulter (Marian), 6-3, 210.
Manager – Bailey Burns (Triton).