Messenger photo by Britt Kudla: Kolson Kruse scrambles for Southeast Valley on Friday during the 2A state championship game in Cedar Falls. For more photos, please visit CU.messengernews.net

CEDAR FALLS — Kolson Kruse isn’t about recognition or stats.

The Southeast Valley senior is a competitor who just wants to win with his teammates.

Nearly 10 hours after leading the Jaguars to the school’s first-ever state championship, Kruse was named the Ken Winkler tournament MVP — given to the top overall player in the field, regardless of class.

When he found out about the award, it wasn’t about Kruse’s numbers or even about him — it was about everyone else.

“It’s a humbling experience for sure,” Kruse said. “I couldn’t have done it without God or my family.

“It’s really a dream come true for me. Having teammates like I do definitely makes me look good.”

The Jaguars entered the postseason a week after suffering their first loss of the season and falling from No. 1 to 6th in the polls.

The setback wasn’t talked about much, but the players knew what they wanted and that adversity reinforced it.

“It’s a huge honor for Kolson and our program. It’s one thing to win the title, but to get an individual honor like that is big, too,” said SV head coach Mike Swieter. “We put ourselves on the map, and Kolson was a big part of that.”

In the semifinals and finals at the UNI-Dome, Kruse made everyone take notice. In the semis against Waukon, the senior quarterback threw for 240 yards and two touchdowns and ran for 226 and five scores, combining for seven TDs and 466 yards.

“The kid just knows how to compete at a high level with the pressure on,” Swieter said. He helped make every one of his teammates better.

“He was voted captain for a reason. He puts the time in. He’ll probably be shooting baskets (getting ready for the upcoming basketball season) this weekend.”

Kruse had another big game in the championship, throwing for 300 yards and three scores, while rushing for a touchdown. In the two games at the Dome, he was 29-for-41 for 540 yards and five scores, while rushing 66 times for 295 and six TDs.

“My (offensive) line up front gives me opportunities to make plays and my wide receivers are always making plays for me,” Kruse said. “Ever since I was a freshman, the whole coaching staff has always been in my corner and trusted in my ability.

“Coach Swieter helped develop me in the weight room to be the athlete I am today. Then each Friday they trust in me and I trust the gameplan. Good things happen.”

Kruse put up video game-like numbers in five postseason games. He was 56-for-75 passing, throwing for 1,007 yards and 12 TDs. On the ground, he rushed 121 times for 696 yards and nine touchdowns.

Against Waukon, Kruse broke a 46-yard touchdown after being bottled up and seemingly going down by the hands of four defenders.

Kruse finished as the single-season school leader in passing yards (2,484) and touchdowns (28). He was the top passer in Southeast Valley history with 3,571 yards, ahead of Nolan Brand, who threw for 3,414 in 2015-16.

Kruse finished second on the all-time passing TD list with 39 — one behind Brand. He had a career passing percentage of 58 percent.