Justin St. Ours | Daily Press Gladstone’s Hunter Potier (center) sacks Sault Ste. Marie’s Jakob Davie (1) Oct. 22 in Gladstone.

MARQUETTE — Many opposing teams tried to run away from Hunter Potier during his high school football career.

Not everyone succeeded.

The Gladstone senior received his due by earning Defensive Player of the Year honors during the 72nd annual football meeting of the Upper Peninsula Sportswriters and Sportscasters Association here Wednesday.

Potier collected 63 tackles this year, including 15 1/2 quarterback sacks, 15 for loss and forced two fumbles from his end position.

He was also voted Defensive Player of the Year in the Great Northern Conference this year and was a Detroit Free Press all-state selection last season.

Joining him on the Dream Team is classmate and defensive tackle Mason Kinnonen, who finished with 25 tackles. Four of his tackles went for losses to go with two sacks a forced fumble.

Braves’ senior Brett Boudreau landed a first-team berth at offensive guard, with classmate John Hansen earning a spot at linebacker.

Hansen tallied 33 tackles, including four for losses. He also had five sacks, two interceptions and forced a fumble.

“Hunter was the most dominant defender in the U.P.,” said Braves coach Jeff Hansen. “Brett anchored a 1,500-yard rushing attack and gave up zero sacks. He was a three-year starter, a team captain and our best lineman. John was also a captain and made big plays in big games.”

Bark River-Harris senior Trevor Lippens achieved first-team recognition at running back and was named the WestPAC Iron Division’s Offensive Back of the Year. He rushed for 1,002 yards and eight TDs and collected 35 tackles, four interceptions and a TD on defense.

“Trevor is a senior leader on and off the team,” said BR-H coach Al Stenberg. “He’s a smart, kind and articulate leader of a very young team.”

Broncos’ sophomore Charlie Guenette is an All-U.P. first-team pick at defense end and was selected Iron Division Lineman of the Year, and junior teammate Corbin LaFave received recognition at linebacker.

“Charlie played guard, tackle and tight end on offense and tackle and end on defense,” said Stenberg. “We also put him in pass coverage at times. He is a special athlete. He’s a very nice kid with a great football IQ.”

Area players receiving special mention include Gladstone junior Cole Potier and sophomore Eli Berthaume, Escanaba senior running back Karson Krutina, center Matt Zimmerman and sophomore defensive back Ben Johnson and BR-H junior defensive back Josiah Javurek.

Krutina ran for 687 yards and seven TDs and passed for 271 yards and had a TD reception, and Johnson had 38 total tackles, four interceptions and a defensive score.

“Karson was our best player, and every team we played planned their defense to take him away,” said Esky coach Dave Wilson. “Karson also started at linebacker. He was our kicker and never came off the field for us. Matthew was the glue on our offensive line and one of the true leaders on our team. He took pride in playing on the offensive line and always worked extra hard on his blocking, snapping, etc.”

Area honorable mention recipients are Gladstone sophomore QB Nate Young, BR-H junior defensive tackle Austin Mosier and sophomore running back Noah Gagne and Esky senior wide receiver Trevor Brown.