skip navigation

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

10/24/2018, 12:00pm CDT
By Travis Wilson

Waunakee receiver Sawyer Maly

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 22 semi-finalists, and six finalists for the award have now been selected. Winners are announced the week of the state finals.
 
Al Toon Award Finalists:

Cade Christensen, Saint Mary’s Springs - Christensen has taken advantage of the few opportunities he's gotten, as Springs has dominated most opponents and rarely thrown in the second half of games. Still, he's hauled in 50 receptions for 1,065 yards and nine touchdowns, averaging 21.3 yards per reception. At 6-4, 210 pounds, he is also a dominating blocker on the edge for the Ledgers and head coach Bob Hyland.

Jared Creen, River Falls - An injury in Week 1 of last year kept Creen sidelined during his junior season, but he has broken out as a senior. He caught 57 passes for 1,001 yards and 18 touchdowns, averaging 17.6 yards per reception. "Jared is one of the most explosive players that I have had the opportunity to coach," said head coach David Crail. "His ability to separate from defenses is what has allowed for him to be in the top 20 in the state in receiving yards as well as lead the state in touchdown receptions."

Sawyer Maly, Waunakee - Maly was a solid contributor last year as the Warriors claimed a Division 2 state title. He's developed into the team's go-to big-play weapon as a senior, catching 50 passes for 1,169 yards and 13 touchdowns, averaging 23.4 yards per catch. He's also a weapon in the return game for head coach Pat Rice.

Cooper Nelson, Sun Prairie - The lanky 6-5 wideout caught 39 passes for 794 yards and 6 scores, averaging more than 20 yards per catch as a junior. He's improved upon those numbers this season, catching 60 passes for 1,027 yards and 13 touchdowns to place among the state leaders. He recently received a scholarship offer from Western Illinois and a preferred walk-on invite from Iowa State.

Will Pytleski, Green Bay Southwest - A three-year starter, he's put up big numbers despite being the focus of opposing secondaries throughout the year. Pytleski caught 71 passes for 1,034 yards and eight touchdowns during the nine-game regular season.

Jakob Ulman, Fox Valley Lutheran - Ullman led the state in both receptions (86) and receiving yards (1,129) through Level 1 of the playoffs. The 5-11 senior has caught seven touchdowns, bringing his career total to 14. He's set school records for yards and receptions in a season, also breaking the program mark for career receiving yards.

Tag(s): News Archive  News  Travis Wilson  Senior FB Awards