Wisconsin High School Sports | Wisconsin Sports Network | WisSports.net

The Jim Leonhard Award is given annually to the top senior defensive back as part of the WSN Senior Football Awards. The award is named after former Flambeau High School and University of Wisconsin athlete Jim Leonhard, who went on to great success in the NFL with the Bills, Ravens, Jets, Broncos, and Saints.

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.

Boston Brindley lives to pick off passes, as evidenced by his 16 interceptions in the last two years. That includes nine interceptions this season in 10 games, as he also had 40 tackles, two tackles for loss, and three forced fumbles. "During the regular season, he was only targeted 23 times and allowed four completions," said head coach Mitchell Olson. "Throwing in his general direction meant that it was two times more likely that the ball would be intercepted than completed."

Wilmot's Anthony Corona has put up some gaudy numbers the last two years, eclipsing well over 100 tackles each year from his safety position. As a senior, he recorded 135 tackles, three tackles for loss, a sack, four forced fumbles, and two interceptions in just eight games. "He is the most instinctive defensive player I have coached," said Wilmot head coach Keiya Square. "He has a knack for the ball and when he gets there, he very rarely missed." Corona tied the state record for single-game tackles with 32 in his final high school game in Week 9.

A.J. Courchaine is a three-year starter for the Pirates and a key part of a defense that has helped the team to an unbeaten regular season and top seed in the playoffs. As a senior he had 72 tackles and three forced fumbles, earning unanimous First Team All-Conference recognition and FRCC-North Defensive Back of the Year honors.

Dawson Goodman is a three-year starter on the Chippewa Falls football team, recording 93 tackles and two interceptions as a senior, when he flew all over the field to make plays for the Cardinals. "Dawson is without a doubt the best defensive back I have coached and quite possibly one of the best overall football players period," said veteran head coach Chuck Raykovich.

Carter Kriewaldt is one of the elite two-way players in the state, rushing for more than 1700 yards with 25 touchdowns and catching another five scores. Also a big-play threat in the return game and the team's punter, he excels in the defensive backfield. This season he had 64 tackles, six tackles for loss, a sack, and five interceptions in 11 games for his father and coach Clint Kriewaldt. "Carter is a physical player who has great instincts and athleticism," said the elder Kriewaldt. "He is a smart player which allows us to play him at almost linebacker depth while still having deep coverage responsibilities."

Brock Salm is a two-time All-Conference performer, adding FVA Defensive Back of the Year accolades as a senior this season. He had 51 tackles and five interceptions, including a pick-six, in 2022. "Brock is a coach's dream," said Lightning head coach Rob Salm. "He plays the run and the pass equally well and is on every special team, and was the returning of the year in the conference."

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.