Thanksgiving is around the corner, and gratitude and gratefulness were plentiful at the Annual Agates Football Banquet held at the Moose Lodge in Two Harbors on November 14th. After an opening prayer led by Anders Hastings, the team, cheerleaders, coaches, families, and guests enjoyed great food served by Jessica and the kitchen crew.
Head Coach Tom Nelson had a lot of help this year and recognized each of the coaches who put in time and dedication to the team, including Coach Ryan McIntyre, Coach Bill Anderson, Coach Jim Anderson, Coach Scott Libal, Coach Josh Widdes, Coach Ryan Endicott, Coach Kyle Imholte, Coach Andy Morsette, Coach Ben Eliason, Coach Todd Beck, and Coach Kyle Anderson.
The coach thanked Coach Mick Nelson and announced he is retiring to spend more time with family, and he also thanked Coach Jon McDannold, who is leaving due to a job change. Coaches Jeremy Eskola, Jeff Dwyer, and Garin Hogan were recognized for their contributions to youth flag football. For pony football, Derrick Hietala, Travis Mettner, Jon McMillen, Chase Turnquist, Greg Moon, and Alex Fabini were thanked for their assistance, along with coaches Ryan Endicott, Troy Carlson, and Mike Loisel for coaching the junior high team.
In addition to the many coaches involved in the program this year, support staff like Rick Ray, Kevin Pettis, and Corey Hulst were thanked for their help with stats, spotting, and filming. Team managers Luke Senst, Bo Emmeott, and Max Mettner were recognized as well.
School faculty members were also appreciated, with Athletic Director Scott Ross and administrator Jenny Falk included in the gratitude. Custodian Gary Molitor, who retired earlier that day, was thanked, along with bus drivers Pat and Jim. Athletic trainers and Lake County Ambulance were also recognized.
Coach Tom Nelson also thanked the coaches’ families for their support, rides, fundraising, and for cheering on the team all season.
It was another winning season for the Agates, with a final record of 5-4, marking thirteen years for the program without a losing season. Though there were injuries and tough opponents, Coach Tom Nelson expressed pride in the effort from the entire team.
“We started the season off on a great run as we sat at a 5-1 record after six games,” he recounted. “Remember now, a lot of people did not think we would win more than a game or maybe two this season. During that time, we had the awesome opportunity to play at TCO Stadium and get the victory. We had some nice wins in that span and our kids played hard.”
Moving into the awards portion of the evening, Coach Tom Nelson explained he has mixed feelings about presenting the awards.
“In one way, I love this part of the night. In another, I’m not too fond of it,” the coach said. “The reason why [awards] is hard is because of the numerous players who will not win an award tonight but gave all they could all season long to the team. I want you to know that I see you. I see your effort. I see your sacrifice. I see your commitment. You may not win an award tonight, but you are a huge part of our success and I thank you.”
The team trained hard off the field this season, and the coach explained that the program has a requirement to put time into the weight room, comparing it to a time card: you put in the work, you get paid.
“We are a program that believes that the weight room has put us in a position to compete year in and out,” he said. “It is so important to our success, and we want to recognize those who reached an 85 percent or higher attendance level. It takes a tremendous amount of dedication and sacrifice.”
Those recognized for achieving at least 85 percent weight room attendance over the past year included Carter Nelson, Paul Schottenbauer, Junior Lucero, Axel Morsette, Ryan Stone, Anders Hastings, Hugo Helstrom, Tyson Kussatz, Silas Fournier, and Cam Poe-Johnson.
The team also studied hard, earning the academic honor of a Gold Level team, with the average GPA for all players in grades 10 through 12 at 3.27. Five players earned Academic All-District honors for maintaining a GPA of 2.7 or higher: Zach Johnson, Austin Maas, Anders Hastings, Axel Morsette, and Junior Lucero.
“We also had nine others who were very, very close,” said Coach Tom Nelson. “Very proud of you all!”
Working hard off the field also includes many community service projects that the Agates proudly take part in. Whether using their strength to move a family into a new place or serving veterans a meal at the American Legion this Veterans’ Day, the team has strong community service engagement. This year, the team put in 411 total hours, with many individuals putting in over 20 hours of their time. Carter Nelson was recognized for over 40 hours of service, and Tommy DeChantal had over 30.
“Fantastic job, gentlemen,” said the coach. “Men built for others!”
The All-District Award, which recognizes top football players for their performance, leadership, and impact on the field, is selected by coaches within each district. The All-District first team this year included Ryan Nelson, Carter Nelson, Tommy DeChantal, and Junior Lucero, with honorable mentions Anders Hastings, Axel Morsette, and Austin Maas.
The Agates had nine seniors this year: Will Fransen, Cooper Nelson, Hugo Helstrom, Carter Nelson, Zach Johnson, Tommy DeChantal, Austin Maas, Scout Pfeffer, and Anders Hastings. The cheerleading squad also had many seniors: Sophia Ray, Larrissa Pitkanen, Atlanta Ness, Lydia Lifto, and Emerson Backen. Each senior was recognized during the banquet. Special thanks were given to Matt and Tami Bailey for donating the flowers.
The 2026 captains were announced during the banquet, with positions voted on by both players and coaches. Congratulations to Ryan Stone, Axel Morsette, Junior Lucero, and Colton Hyopponen for earning the title and leading the team.
The banquet also featured team awards, voted on by the coaches and players. Team awards included:
- Burlsworth Award: Cooper Nelson
- Rookie of the Year: Axel Morsette
- Most Improved: Paul Schottenbauer
- Most Valuable Defensive Player: Ryan Stone
- Most Valuable Lineman: Anders Hastings
- Most Valuable Offensive Player: Carter Nelson
- Most Valuable Player: Carter Nelson
The Drew Fleck Heart Award, presented to the player who demonstrates commitment, dedication, heart, and passion for the Agate Football Program, ended in a tie this year between Carter Nelson and Tommy DeChantal.
Wrapping up the season is always bittersweet, and the banquet is a great chance to reflect on all the successes the team has had over the year.
“Only seven teams in the entire state of Minnesota will end the season with a victory, although that is our goal, there has to be more than just that,” said Coach Tom Nelson. “I think about all the practices, the games, weight room sessions, all of the community service jobs, all of the summer practices, all of the serious talks, and the light-hearted razzing that goes on. Those are what truly make this whole thing special. We love you guys…FAMILY!”
Congratulations to the entire team, coaches, cheerleaders, and family. It was a good season to be an Agate and an Agate fan, and we’re all looking forward to next year!
