The West Central Trojans high school football team had a dream season this year. So outstanding was their performance that MaxPreps has chosen West Central as just one of thirty teams in the nation to receive the coveted Tour of Champions Trophy. On Monday, January 28th, MaxPreps and the Army National Guard were on-site at a packed house during a West Central basketball game to present the MaxPreps Tour of Champions National Ranking Trophy.
West Central completed a perfect 12-0 season by whipping St. Thomas Moore of Rapid City, 51-13, on Nov. 8 to capture the South Dakota Class 11 A state championship. It was the Trojans 12th appearance in the championship game since 1993, and they have won 11 titles. West Central is one of 30 high schools nationwide being honored in the MaxPreps Tour of Champions presented by the Army National Guard.
“It’s quite an honor to be recognized on a national level,” said Kent Mueller, who completed his 18th season at the school and fourth as head coach. “South Dakota is a small part of this country and our kids worked hard and deserve the recognition.”
Working behind an experienced offensive line, Mike Galliger rushed for 1,975 yards and 35 touchdowns to lead an offensive that scored 472 points and averaged more than 39 points per game. Center Josh Krier, guard Mike Kadinger and tackle Jon Rehfeldt were key performers who paved the way for Galliger.
Galliger was also effective on defense as he had five pass interceptions and returned four of those for touchdowns. Safety Cody Lowe made 45 tackles and picked off three passes and end Brady Clark had 55 tackles. Cornerback David Kapperman and punter Trevor Pierce also played vital roles. The defense posted four shutouts and held seven foes to seven points or less.
On behalf of the school, Coach Mueller was presented with an 18-inch tall bronze statue on a wood block base from South Dakota Army National Guard Brigadier General Keith Corbett during halftime of the boys’ varsity basketball game.
It was a great pleasure to attend West Central High School this year for the MaxPreps Trophy Presentation. Coach Mueller has had outstanding success in his tenure as head football coach and we expect to be back in the near future. Go Trojans!
