This kid caught everybody’s attention during the state championships in the UNI-Dome. The sophomore helped West Lyon win its seventh state title and second in a row with his dynamic, big-play ability. The highlight of the overtime win against Regina in the title game was his 97-yard kick return for a touchdown. He also hauled in a 33-yard reception. Kramer will need to continue developing strength and durability to compensate for a smaller frame, but there’s time for that. The foundation of speed, quickness and the ability to make would-be tacklers miss is there. He runs good routes and sees the field well. For the season, he averaged 11.5 yards and scored a pair of TDs on 24 carries, and caught 18 balls for 230 yards with three house calls. He averaged 31.4 yards and scored three times on seven punt returns, and brought two of his four kick returns back for touchdowns.

Described as a “stick of dynamite” by West Lyon Head Coach Jay Rozeboom, River Kramer River Kramer 5'9" | 150 lbs | ATH West Lyon | 2028 State IA lived up to that nickname in the second half for the Wildcats.

Down 27-13 in the first minute of the fourth quarter following Wallace’s touchdown catch and run, WL needed a big play in the worst way. Enter Kramer. Kicking the all to Jaxton DeJong Jaxton DeJong 6'5" | 185 lbs | WR/LB West Lyon | 2028 State IA , the sophomore tossed it to the opposite side of the field into the hands of his classmate, who took off up the sideline for a 97-yard score, making the game 27-20.

On what looked to be a methodical drive that would take a chunk of time off the clock by Regina, Kramer recovered a a fumble three minutes later on the WL 25-yard line.

Need another big play? Kramer caught a backwards pass to the flat, reversed field and gained 19 yards on the ensuing play. Later in the drive he completed a 33-yard pass to Jared Ciesielski Jared Ciesielski 6'2" | 205 lbs | TE/DB West Lyon | 2026 State IA , putting the West Lyon offense on the one-yard line, scoring just one play later, tying it up at 27 to go into over time.

Oh, and he led the Wildcats in tackles with ten, adding a TFL and a forced fumble.

Yet another weapon for 1A powerhouse and 2A reigning state champions, West Lyon, River Kramer River Kramer 5'9" | 150 lbs | ATH West Lyon | 2028 State IA has burst onto the scene as a threat in the third phase of the game this fall.

Of the four punts he’s returned so far this season, Kramer has taken three back for scores and is averaging just under 50 yards per return. Going into the Friday of Week Six, he’s the only returner in 11-Man football to put together three punt return touchdowns this season. Kramer isn’t the only member of the West Lyon team to return a punt for a score this season, either, as senior teammate Jordon Meyer has also taken one back for a touchdown.

Presumably, opposing teams have learned their lesson, as they have with Hobart on kickoffs, avoiding Kramer at all costs on punts. The Wildcats have forced quite a few punts this season, too, only allowing 13 points total through their first five games.