The John Anderson Award is given annually to the state's top senior linebacker as part of the WSN Senior Football Awards presented by Taco Bell. The award is named after John Anderson, a former Waukesha South standout who went on to star at the University of Michigan and later with the Green Bay Packers.
The pre-season watch list was trimmed down to 25 semi-finalists, and six finalists for the award have now been selected. Winners are announced the week of the state finals.
John Anderson Award Finalists:
Vince Biegel, Wisconsin Rapids -- "Vince is the best athlete I have ever coached," Rapids head coach Tony Biolo said of his star linebacker. "These types of players only come around once in a lifetime." Biegel was a First Team All-Conference and WFCA All-State selection last season, and earned All-Conference honors again this year as well. He also added Defensive Player of the Year recognition in the VFA-South and is one of the favorites for WFCA Defensive Player of the Year. He committed to Wisconsin back in April.
Conor Cannon, Milwaukee Marquette -- Cannon continued the great tradition of Marquette defensive players that includes recent standouts Mark Scarpinato, Marcus Trotter, Michael Trotter, and Cameron Botticelli. He carved out his own place in Hilltopper history this year with an outstanding senior season that will likely end in a First Team All-Conference selection when awards are announced in the coming weeks. "He is an impact player on our defense," head coach Jeff Mazurczak said. "He secured and stuffed the middle run and had a knack for making big plays and forcing fumbles." On the season Cannon recorded 59 solo tackles, 41 assists, 4 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 6 forced fumbles, and 2 fumble recoveries.
Bennett Goff, Middleton -- Goff earned Second Team All-Conference recognition last year despite missing several games due to injury, but showed himself to be fully recovered this year. While Big Eight awards have not been released yet, you can be sure he will be among the nominees for First Team All-Conference recognition and Defensive Player of the Year honors after helping the Cardinals to an 8-1 record in league play. Goff may have as much potential as anyone on this list due to his outstanding athletic ability, solid frame, extra gear when pursuing the football.
Jordan Gruettner, Muskego -- Gruettner has led the Warriors in tackles each of the last three seasons and is the leader of a defense that has given up just 10.6 points per game this season. He was a First Team All-Conference pick as a junior and likely First Teamer when awards are announced for the Southeast Conference in the coming weeks. He shows great instincts from his linebacker spot and is not afraid to step into the hole and deliver the blow to the running back. He also lined up at running back quite often for the Warriors and served as the team's kicker and punter. He is ranked as the top punter in the state and one of the best in the entire country. Gruettner claimed the Division 1 state wrestling title at 215 pounds last season and will walk-on at the University of Wisconsin for wrestling and football next year.
Clint Nievinski, Mosinee -- Nievinski was the leader of an Indians defense that has allowed just 7.2 points per game so far this year and is 10-0 heading into Level 2 of the playoffs. Despite playing in the fourth quarter of only six games this year as Mosinee dominated the Great Northern Conference, he accumulated 68 solo tackles, 73 assists, 2 blocked punts, and 2 interceptions. Nievinski holds the school's all-time career tackles record. "Clint is my son so I have higher expectations for him," Mosinee coach Paul Nievinski said. "He has met all my expectations and much more."
Nathan Taylor, Monona Grove -- Taylor may be the smallest player on this list at 5-9, 190 pounds, but his production and impact on the Monona Grove defense are nothing but big-time. A First Team All-Conference pick last year, you can be Taylor will be a repeat selection this year. "Nathan really makes our defense go," head coach Mike Stassi said. That defense holds opponents to just 6.6 points per game this year after allowing just 4.9 points per contest last season. Taylor led the Silver Eagle defense in solo tackles, total tackles, and tackles for loss this season.
Tag(s): News Travis Wilson Senior FB Awards
