John Anderson Award Finalists for top senior linebacker
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 five finalists for the award have now been selected. Winners are announced the week of the state finals.
John Anderson Award Finalists:
Matt Austin, Saint Mary's Springs – Austin has been a tackling machine for the Ledgers the past three seasons, racking up a total of 83 tackles as a senior, with 8 tackles for loss. He's added a force fumble and a recovered fumble which he returned for a touchdown, along with 2 sacks on the season. “Matt is a three-year starter at linebacker for us and the Conference Player of the Year the last two seasons,” legendary coach Bob Hyland said of his senior standout. “He is one of the most coachable athletes we have ever had at Saint Mary's Springs.”
Connor Flynn, Lancaster – The Flying Arrows feature an outstanding, explosive offense, but their defense has been just as good this season, with the first team unit allowing just 14 points during the regular season. Flynn is the leader of the unit, a three-year starter that has earned First Team All-Conference honors each of the past two seasons. “He has great speed and hits with a lot of power and strength,” veteran head coach John Hoch said. Flynn has 46 solo tackles to go with 39 assists plus 9 tackles for loss and a sack.
Markus Goff, Monona Grove – Goff has seen his role on offense increase this year, but his biggest value for the Silver Eagles continues to be on defense. He continues a long line of outstanding linebackers for head coach Mike Stassi, earning Unanimous First Team All-Conference honors the past two years. “Statistically Markus is our leading tackler and the quarterback of our defense,” Stassi said. On the season Goff has recorded 71 total tackles and added 5 sacks and a pair of interceptions.
Dalton Kind, Waunakee – Kind plays a hybrid linebacker position for head coach Pat Rice and the Warriors, but no matter where he lines up or how he is used, he creates havoc for the opposition. Waunakee is in search of a fourth straight Division 2 state title, and as always the defense has been outstanding. Kind is the team's leading tackler, with 73 total tackles during the eight game regular season. Thirteen of those tackles went for loss, while he also recorded 9 sacks and 3 forced fumbles on the year.
Nathan Paup, Green Bay Southwest – Paup has been a big play producer for his father, former Packers All-Pro Bryce Paup, the past few years. As a senior he's continued his development into one of the top outside linebackers in the state. “Nathan is a student of the game who can rush the passer, stop the run, and cover top receivers,” Bryce said. Paup repeated as a First Team All-Conference selection this year, and added FRCC Defensive Player of the Year honors to his name.
