The Thayer Central Football team finished the 2021 season with a trip to the NSAA Class D1 State Playoffs. Nine members of the team have received all-district honors for their performances this season. Earning first team honors are Gunner Mumford, Cameron Schulte, Sam Souerdyke and Grant Wiedel. Earning second team honors are Jordan Mariska, Brenner McLaughlin, Triston Wells and Duncan Wiedel. Jayden Hissong earned honorable mention honors.
Gunner Mumford, a junior, started at both guard and linebacker. He led the team with 109 tackles, his second straight season with over 100 tackles, and also had 6 tackles for loss and an interception. Cameron Schulte, also a junior, started at both guard and nose tackle. On defense, he had 60 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks. He led the team in both tackles for loss and sacks. Freshman Sam Souerdyke started at running back and linebacker. Souerdyke led the team in rushing, gaining 971 yards and 15 touchdowns. He added 6 catches for 136 yards and 3 touchdowns. On defense, he had 60 tackles and a team-leading 5 interceptions. Souerdyke also was the team punter and kicker. Junior Grant Wiedel, a wide receiver and defensive back, led the team in receiving, with 23 catches for 427 yards and 6 touchdowns. On defense, he added 30 tackles and an interception. Wiedel was also the team’s kick returner, returning two kicks for touchdowns this season.
Jordan Mariska, a junior, started as the team’s fullback. He rushed for 220 yards and 4 touchdowns and also caught 22 passes for 246 yards and a touchdown. Brenner McLaughlin, a senior, was the starting QB this season. He completed 61 of 119 passes for 933 yards and 11 touchdowns. Junior Triston Wells was a starting defensive back, making 54 tackles and intercepting 2 passes. Junior Duncan Wiedel was the team’s starting center and defensive end. On defense, Wiedel had 28 tackles and 2 tackles for loss. Jayden Hissong, a sophomore, started at tight end and defensive end. He caught 7 passes for 115 yards on offense and had 38 tackles and 3.5 tackles for loss on defense.