The trenches proved tough for the Wolverines to battle through the Spartans’ for yardage on the ground, but standout Ryker Thoren Ryker Thoren 6'2" | 215 lbs | LB Grundy Center | 2025 State IA seemed to close out any other holes that were created by the line. Thoren would finish the game with 8.5 tackles (5 solo) and 2 TFLs in the win. Thoren attacks the backfield with speed and precision, timing his attacks perfectly, and he proved that he didn’t take any push back from the ball-carriers, shutting down the play where the hit occurs. Thoren was the face of the Spartans’ defense for much of the season, and his excellence in leading such a potent unit should translate into the next level.

Ryker Thoren Ryker Thoren 6'2" | 215 lbs | LB Grundy Center | 2025 State IA controlled the interior gaps in the run-defense for Grundy Center, limiting Wilton’s prolific run-game to just 85 total rushing yards and 3.5 yards per carry. Thoren finished the game with a team-high 10.5 tackles (7 solo) and 1 TFL. Thoren is one of the most intelligent defensive players I’ve seen from Class 1A, reading play-designs well, and he did a great job once again this week attacking running lanes with great pursuit angles to limit the effectiveness of the run-game. Thoren has been the undisputed leader in the middle of the Spartans’ defense, and his leadership will be vital in helped Grundy Center to a third straight state title.

Ryker Thoren Ryker Thoren 6'2" | 215 lbs | LB Grundy Center | 2025 State IA controlled the interior gaps for the Spartans, proving to be the spark for a defense that forced Sumner-Fredericksburg to run when their passing game couldn’t generate any momentum, allowing the defense to keep them out of the end zone for much of the game. Thoren finished with an impressive 13 tackles and a TFL in the win. Thoren’s size and athleticism allows him to fall back into the second-level of defense as an ILB, and he helped limit the Cougars from breaking any big gains out of their potent run-offense. Thoren will remain as one of the stalwarts of the defense heading toward the end stretch of the playoffs.