Kuntz earns all-state honors

Six Rebels named to all-conference team after third-place finish

The Riverside Rebels were well represented on the all-North Conference football team, with Gavyn Cervantes, Corbyn Godfrey, Elias Jensen, Zack Kuntz, Brendan Powell and Paul Stone earning the recognition after leading their team to a third-place finish in the six-man football conference.

Kuntz was also on the all-state team announced last week by the Wyoming Coaches Association.

“Zack (had) an outstanding season on both sides of the ball,” said Coach Matt Jensen. “On offense, he did the tough, unglamorous work that keeps the offense moving, excelling as a blocker while also becoming a reliable threat in the passing game, averaging 12.5 yards per reception on play-action passes. Defensively, (he) was a force around the ball, recording seven fumble recoveries and two interceptions, and leading the team with 143 total defensive points. A physical presence who anchored a defense ranked third in the state, his impact was felt every play, making him one of the most complete players in the league.”

Kuntz was joined on the all-state team by the following players: Paul McNiven, Matt Tempany, Kole Walker and Taft Winters of Burlington; Zander Hawkins of Dubois; Dashaal Baysinger and Kannon Gilbert of Encampment; Kole Johnson of Farson-Eden; Ben Harrison, Hudson Reilly and Kyle Smith of Hulett ; Tymber Cozzens, Haydin Davis, Tucker Devlin, Jandro Kunsman, Deke Latham, Granit Ready and Quinn Sheaman of Little Snake River and Jacob Moody of Meeteetse.

As for Riverside’s other all-conference picks, Jensen called Stone “one of the most versatile and impactful players” in the conference. “As a wide receiver, he gave our offense tremendous flexibility — whether stretching the field as a reliable target or creating big gains on reverse plays. Defensively, Stone was equally impressive, serving as a lockdown defensive back whose strong coverage skills and sure tackling helped keep opposing offenses in check and prevented explosive plays. His all-around performance made him an invaluable contributor to our team’s success.

Powell, Jensen said, emerged “as the team’s most explosive running back this season, rushing for 675 yards, averaging over 13 yards per carry, and finding the end zone nine times. His big-play ability consistently ignited the offense, while defensively he provided a relentless pass rush in spread situations, disrupting backfields and creating pressure when it mattered most. Powell’s impact on both sides of the ball made him a standout force all year. 

Godfrey was one of Riverside’s most consistent and dependable players on both sides of the ball.  He finished second on the team in rushing, averaging 5.2 yards per carry and scoring eight touchdowns. Defensively, Godfrey was equally impressive, ranking third on the team in total defensive points and establishing himself as one of the most solid linebackers in the conference. “His steady performance and reliability made him a cornerstone of this year’s team,” said Jensen.

Cervantes, the field general at quarterback, threw for 710 yards, averaging 11.8 yards per completion. “He showed steady growth throughout the season, improving his command of the offense with each game, while also making a significant impact on defense, contributing at a high level on both sides of the ball,” said Jensen. “Defensively, Cervantes ranked fourth on the team with 103 total defensive points, providing steady, high-level play in the secondary and strengthening an already solid defensive backfield. His versatility and competitiveness were key to our season.” 

Jensen contributed at nearly every position on both offense and defense, Jensen said. He led the team in receiving, averaging 13.9 yards per catch, while defensively he ranked fifth in total defensive points. “What truly set Jensen apart,” Jensen said, “was his ability to step in wherever the team needed him, adjusting his role based on the opponent and providing consistent impact all over the field.”  

The six Rebels were joined on the all-conference team by Trigdon Aagard, Parker Cook, James McNiven, Paul McNiven, Matt Tempany, Kole Walker and Taft Winters of Burlington; Benjamin Harrison, Duncan Letellier, Hudson Reilly and Kyle Smith of Hulett; Austin Schmitt of Kaycee; Brian Anderson, Aiden Elliott  Jacob Moody, Johnathan Ogden and Clayton Yoder of Meeteetse, and Jesse Blazo of Ten Sleep.