After missing the first several games due to injury, Busch made a noticeable impact once healthy and the result was one of the most prestigious awards in Class 1A District 2.

In addition to being named a first-team all-district running back, Busch was also voted as the Co-Most Valuable Player of the district by the coaches, it was recently announced.

A total of 12 South Hamilton players were honored by the district following a season in which the Hawks went 4-5 and reached the state playoffs.

Joining Busch on the all-district first team were offensive linemen Owen Duns and Brent Greenfield, linebacker Landen Skartvedt and defensive back Prestin Van De Pol.

South Hamilton junior Landen Skartvedt (above) was recently named a first-team all-district linebacker in Class 1A District 2. Skartvedt was also named the Hawks’ MVP at the team banquet. DFJ file photo/Angela Hewitt

Second-team nods went to wide receiver Nic Flaugh, offensive lineman Stellen Willis, defensive lineman Jack Moline, linebacker Gatlin Johnson and punter Tycin Barkema.

Offensive linemen Landon Stolee and Kaden Schwandt were honorable mention selections.

Busch rushed for 702 yards and 13 touchdowns from his fullback position, and also served as the lead blocker for Skartvedt, who rambled for 1,087 yards and nine scores at one of the Hawks’ halfback positions. Skartvedt was also the Hawks’ leading tackler with 55, including 38 solo stops, and ranked first in interceptions with three. Busch collected 371⁄2 tackles, 22 of them solo including one tackle for loss.

Duns, Greenfield, Willis, Stolee and Schwandt anchored a South Hamilton offensive line that helped the Hawks rush for a district-leading 2,317 yards. The team accumulated 3,555 all-purpose yards and rushed for 33 touchdowns.

Johnson had 36 tackles and Van De Pol came up with 291⁄2.

Barkema averaged 38 yards per punt before his season was cut short due to injury.

At the team banquet on Sunday, Skartvedt was named the Hawks’ MVP.

Hawks’ Honors

Class 1A District 2 Football

1st Team — *Austin Busch, RB; Owen Duns, OL; Brent Greenfield, OL; Landen Skartvedt, LB; Prestin Van De Pol, DB.

Second Team — Nic Flaugh, WR; Stellen Willis, OL; Gatlin Johnson, LB; Jack Moline, DL; Tycin Barkema, P.

Honorable Mention — Landon Stolee, OL; Kaden Schwandt, OL.

*Voted as the district’s Co-Most Valuable Player.

Team Awards

MVP — Landen Skartvedt.

Most Improved — Prestin Van De Pol.

Hawk Award — Austin Busch.

Coaches’ Award — Gatlin Johnson.

Dude Award — Brent Greenfield.