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Al Toon Award Finalists for top senior wide receiver or tight end

10/26/2022, 12:00pm CDT
By Travis Wilson

Sun Prairie East receiver Jonathan Vande Walle

The Al Toon Award is given annually to the state's top senior wide receiver or tight end as part of the WSN Senior Football Awards. The award is named after former University of Wisconsin athlete Al Toon, who went on to play in the NFL for several very successful seasons before multiple concussions ended his career early. Toon is an active member of the community in the Madison area both in the business world and in various charitable endeavors.

The pre-season watch list was trimmed down to 25 semi-finalists, and five finalists for the award have now been selected. Winners will be announced the week of the state finals.


DeMarcus Conner, Belleville

Belleville features a powerful up-tempo passing attack with three excellent, high-volume receivers, but DeMarcus Conner is the best of the bunch. An outstanding multi-sport athlete, he has elite physical tools and feel for playing receiver that have led to a senior season with 58 catches, 1,063 yards, and 12 touchdowns. He's smooth in his route running and catching the ball, and has the speed to break it each time. In the team's 27-20 win over Westby in Level 1 he had 11 catches for 132 yards and a touchdown.

Gabe Egan, Cedar Grove-Belgium

Gabe Egan is the epitome of offensive weapon, as the senior has actually had more rush attempts than catches the last two seasons, but still puts up huge numbers as a receiver. This year he is among state leaders in both receiving yards (1,165) and receiving touchdowns (20), hauling in 44 passes for a crazy 26.5 yards per reception average. He's also rushed for 389 yards and three touchdowns on 46 carries.

Noah Heinen, Kohler/Sheboygan Lutheran/Christian

Noah Heinen continues the strong track record of receivers at Kohler/Sheboygan Lutheran/Christian, as he's tied for second in receptions this year with 82 and in the top ten with 1,008 receiving yards. In a Week 7 loss to Kiel, he set a new state record with 24 receptions (breaking former teammate Casey Verhagen's mark), as his 336 yards in that one is second behind another former teammate, Colin Girdaukas. 

Davin Stoffel, Mosinee

Davin Stoffel lines up all over the formation for Mosinee, from a split end to tight end to the slot. Regardless of where he lines up, he makes an impact in all facets. In addition to being an elite down field blocker and excellent run blocker, the 6'6", 215-pound Stoffel caught 51 passes for 1,012 yards and 17 touchdowns. The South Dakota State tight end recruit is also a standout linebacker for the Indians.

Jonathan Vande Walle, Sun Prairie East

Jonathan Vande Walle is a big-play threat in the Sun Prairie East offense, though with a number of blowout victories this season, he hasn't had as many chances as others. Vande Walle caught 42 passes for 753 yards, averaging 17.9 yards per catch. He hauled in 16 touchdowns, including three against new crosstown rival Sun Prairie West earlier this year.


About the Author

Travis Wilson serves as the WisSports.net General Manager, Football Editor, and contributing writer for other parts of the site. Wilson was selected as part of the Sports 40 Under 40 list by Coach & AD Magazine and the National High School Athletic Coaches Association for 2019. The Wisconsin Football Coaches Association (WFCA) named Travis the 2015 recipient of the Dave McClain Distinguished Service Award. He currently serves on the WFCA Executive Board and is a member of the Executive Board of the Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association. A graduate of Richland Center High School and Mount Mercy College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Travis was a three-sport athlete in high school (football, baseball, basketball), inducted to the Richland Center High School Hall of Fame in 2023, and currently resides in Reedsburg. You can follow him on Twitter at @travisWSN.

For the latest and most up to date football news and recruiting information, follow Travis on Twitter @travisWSN. Email story ideas, recruiting info, etc. to Travis at travis(at)wissports.net.

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