Burlington gridders earn postseason awards

Seven Huskies earned post-season honors at the end of the 2025 football season and Trent Aagard and his staff were again honored as conference coaches of the year. 

Sophomore Trigdon Aagard earned all-conference for the first time. “Trig has really come a long way this season,” said Aagard. “He battled through a couple of injuries, but he was a very reliable guy on the back end of our defense. He didn’t let the other teams get off big pass plays, and did a great job of coming up and helping with the run game. He’s a great athlete and I can’t wait to see what he can do next season.” 

Sophomore James McNiven received all-conference for the first time. Aagard said, “James was really eager to contribute this year. He worked super hard and brought a certain intensity to practices that helped the team. He came a long way as a snapper and even made some strides as a receiver for us. On defense he had a motor that wouldn’t quit. It was awesome to have him on the team.” 

Junior Parker Cook received all-conference for the first time. “Parker was also a good contributor for us this year,” Aagard said. “He was a relentless rusher who really gave opposing teams problems. He also really had some nice runs and catches for us. Parker can really pack a punch and it will be fun to see how much he can grow next year.” 

Junior Taft Winters received all-conference and all-state honors. “Taft really stepped up this year,” Aagard said. “On defense, he did a great job of stopping the run and pursuing opposing quarterbacks. Taft has good speed and athleticism, so it’s fun to watch him out there. On offense, he turned into a very reliable receiver, and he was tough to bring down in space. He is also a good blocker and a great teammate. He brought a great attitude to everything he did. We’re excited to have him for another year.” 

Junior Matt Tempany received all-conference and all-state honors. “Matt is a super hard worker,” Aagard said. “He has great hands offensively, and was someone we liked to get the ball to. He was a guy we liked to run the ball behind because he is a good blocker. I thought he was one of the best defenders in the state. His open field tackling was impressive and not many kids got away from him. We will be glad to have him back.” 

Junior Kole Walker earned all-conference for the second year in a row as well as all-state honors. “Kole really showed a lot of growth this year. He really became a leader of the team, and was a big part of what we were able to accomplish this season. He was a tough runner and a good quarterback for us. On defense, he was smart and tough. He worked hard and only got better as the year progressed. It will be good to have him again.” 

Senior Paul McNiven received all-conference and all-state honors in his first year playing. “Paul was one and done for us, but we were glad to have him for the year,” Aagard said. “He is a very talented athlete and took to the game very well for a guy without much experience. His quickness allowed him to be a big part of what we did. Paul is a great guy, I wish we could have had him for longer, but he will do great things with himself in the future.

“All the kids on the team really helped us this year. There are many unsung heroes who work hard all season long to make us better. I wish we could have them all recognized because in football it takes everyone to make a successful season.”