Superior’s Erickson up for linebacker of the year award

Superior High School’s Ben Erickson is one of 25 semifinalists for the John Anderson Award, which is given annually to the state’s top senior linebacker.

The award is named after the former Waukesha South standout who went on to star at Michigan and later with the Green Bay Packers.

Five finalists will be chosen after Level 1 playoff games. Winners will be announced the week of the state finals.

“He’s the best linebacker in the state,” DeMeyer said. “What more could you ask out of a linebacker than what he gives us. He’s a leader in every phase of the game. He’s physical, fast, very bright, understands our scheme and he prepares himself so he knows what the other team’s going to do out of different formations.

“He’s an outstanding linebacker, football player. He also does a great job for us on offense.”

Erickson, who unofficially leads the state with 87 unassisted tackles, is fifth in overall tackles with 123. He also has 5 ½ sacks.

Matthias Haschke of New Lisbon leads the state with 144 tackles, which includes 114 assisted tackles.

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