KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - The Heart of America Athletic Conference has unveiled its 2024 Heart Football All-Conference North Awards, with the Grand View Vikings dominating the honors. The Vikings led the conference with an impressive 22 awards, along with four major awards, highlighting yet another exceptional regular season.
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2024 Heart North Head Coach of the Year – Joe Woodley
Head Coach
Joe Woodley continues to raise the bar for excellence in the Heart of America Athletic Conference. This season, he guided the Vikings to their 51st consecutive regular-season victory with a statement win over then-No. 12 Benedictine. Under his leadership, Grand View has secured six straight Heart North titles while amassing an impeccable 59-0 record in regular-season play. With an overall record of 68-5 through six seasons, Woodley's only losses have come in the postseason, further solidifying his status as one of the premier coaches in the nation.
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2024 Heart North Assistant Coach of the Year – Defensive Coordinator, E.J. Peterson
In his sixth season as Defensive Coordinator, EJ Peterson has cemented Grand View's reputation for defensive dominance. This season, the Vikings' defense has been nothing short of elite, allowing just 8.0 points per game (80 total) to lead both the Heart of America Athletic Conference and the NAIA. Under Peterson's guidance, the unit has also limited opponents to a mere 184.1 total yards per game, ranking first nationally and in the Heart. The Vikings top the nation in rushing defense, giving up just 42.3 yards per game, while their pass defense, allowing only 141.8 yards per game, ranks third nationally and first in the Heart.
2024 Heart of America North Player of the Year – Jackson Waring (QB)Â
Jackson Waring's impressive performance this season solidifies his case for an MVP award. As a redshirt senior in his second season with the Vikings, he has demonstrated consistency and efficiency, completing 59.8% of his passes for 1,739 yards across 10 games, averaging 173.9 yards per game. His ability to make smart, high-impact plays is reflected in his stellar efficiency rating of 153.0 and a strong 8.1 yards per attempt. Waring has also thrown for 18 touchdowns while limiting mistakes with just three interceptions, showcasing his poise under pressure. Highlighted by a long pass of 68 yards, his passing game has been a cornerstone of the Vikings' success.
In addition to his passing, Waring has been a dual-threat weapon, rushing 91 times for 388 yards, averaging 4.0 yards per carry, and finding the end zone nine times on the ground. His versatility as both a passer and runner has made him a nightmare for opposing defenses in the Heart and a vital leader for the Vikings' offense.
2024 Heart of America North Defensive Player of the Year – John Argo (LB)
John Argo's outstanding season on defense makes him a worthy choice for the Heart of America Defensive Player of the Year. In 10 games, Argo racked up 49 total tackles, with 31 of those being solo stops, proving he's always around the ball when it matters most. He made his presence felt in the backfield with 8 tackles for loss, setting opponents back a total of 21 yards.
What sets Argo apart is his versatility. He grabbed two interceptions and broke up four passes, showing he's just as dangerous in coverage as he is against the run. Argo's ability to consistently make big plays and his knack for being in the right place at the right time were crucial to the Vikings' defensive success, cementing his place as the conference's top defensive player.
OFFENSEÂ
2024 All-HOA 1st Team Offense: Noah Clark (OL),
Nate Timmons (OL),
Aisea Toki (WR),
Jayson Weiland (OL),
Jackson Waring (QB), and
James Wartick (OL).
2024 All-HOA 2nd Team Offense: Ryan Saddler Jr. (OL),
Dalten Van Pelt (RB), and
Nate Willcockson (TE).Â
2024 All-HOA Honorable Mention Offense: Christian Stoler (OL).Â
DEFENSE
2024 All-HOA 1st Team Defense:Â
John Argo (LB),
Aaron Brown (DL),
Prince Brown (DB),
Jackson Filer (DL),
Daviere Jones (DB), and
Cade Sheedy (LB).
2024 All-HOA 2nd Team Defense: Krishawn Butler (DB).Â
2024 All-HOA Honorable Mention Defense:Â
Skylar James (DB), and
Dane Johnson (DT).
DEFENSE
2024 All-HOA 1st Team Special Teams:Â
Adam Caudle (LS), and
Kody Kruschwitz (P).Â
2024 All-HOA 2nd Team Special Teams:Â
Cory Wood (K).
Grand View football returns to action on Saturday, November 30th, for the Second Round of the NAIA FCS. Kickoff is set for Noon at Mediacom Stadium in Des Moines. Their opponent will be decided following the Opening Round games on Saturday, November 23rd.
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Gallery: All-HOA Awards
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