Sports in Kansas Offensive & Defensive Players of the Year by Class Announced, along with Non-Senior Players of the Year, Offensive Lineman of the Year and Special Teams Player of the Year. Over 40 media members in Kansas in all parts of the state determine the annual player of the year awards and votes are counted by Chet Kuplen of Sports in Kansas. Congrats to the Players of the Year that were honored this week at our all-state event – powered by Mammoth Sports Construction, Nex-Tech Wireless, SAFE, Lewis Automotive Group and Watco. All-State teams by classification and non-senior teams will be out 12/2-12/5. Click here for the all of the finalists for POY awards. Top 11-33 players have also been released here. Be sure to check back for more professional photos from the creative team we had in attendance and follow along for more postseason awards, honors, patches, apparel coming out over the weekend.
Sports in Kansas 6A Offensive Player of the Year
DaeOnte Mitchell, Wichita East, Sr. QB
DaeOnte Mitchell had an incredible career for Wichita East at QB and showed they belonged with everyone this season in 6A. 11,168 total yards in his career combined passing and rushing. He broke the GWAL career passing yards with 7,848 previously held by Blake Bell 5,992 (2009). He finished 2023 season with completion % of 82.4 and for a career with 77.6% – both of which should be state records once confirmed by the KSHOF. Mitchell had 93 touchdown passes in his career and also scored another 40 on the ground as he rushed for over 3,000+ in his career as a dual threat. He also broke GWAL total yards in a career with 11,168 total yards of offense (2023). Congrats on an amazing career at East and a big s/o to HC Ene Akpan for the East turnaround.
Sports in Kansas 6A Defensive Player of the Year
J.C. Heim & Jaren Heim, Washburn Rural
The Heim brothers have to go down as one of the best ever sets of twin football players in the state of Kansas and what a senior season they had as human highlight reels for Washburn Rural. While J.C. was named top 11 all-classes for his accomplishments on both sides of the ball, what each one of them brought to the defense this season was off-the charts. Jaren, 6’2” and 215-pound senior, had 123 tackles (10 TFLs) along with four interceptions, four fumble recoveries, three fumble recoveries for touchdowns. He had four defensive touchdowns this season, which almost sounds made up. J.C., a 6’3” 225-pound senior, had a school record 173 stops along with eight sacks, 17 tackles for loss and one defensive TD. On offense he also added 12 total touchdowns and over 600 combined yards. The two helped Washburn Rural to their best season in years, finishing 11-1, losing by a field goal in heartbreaker to Derby. The Rural defense allowed 15.2 points per game, it was their best season defensively since 1993, under HC Steve Buhler.
Sports in Kansas 5A Offensive Player of the Year & All-Classes Defensive Player of the Year
Omari Elias, Kapaun, Sr. RB
Omari Elias, a 5-10 192-pound senior, rushed for 3,100 yards this season on 392 carries for an average of 7.9 yards per carry. Elias had 40 rushing touchdowns in leading the Crusaders to their first state championship appearance since 1987. He also became the all-time leader in city league for rushing yards. After making the second 11 last year, Elias made the Top 11 this year and also was named the All-Classes Offensive Player of the Year from SIK. Last season he was the non-senior POY. He has committed to Air Force.
Sports in Kansas 5A Defensive Player of the Year & All-Classes Defensive Player of the Year
Jayden Woods, Mill Valley, Sr. DE
Woods, a four-star recruit nationally in the class of 2025, also proves the part on the field. The Sunflower League Defensive Player of the Year helped lead his team to another state title as they 5-peated in 5A under Joel Applebee. Woods, a 6-3.5 230-pound edge, had 71 tackles, 7 tackles, 10 TFLS, 8 pass deflections and two forced fumbles for the Jaguars. He was the non-senior DPOY last year and this season. Woods also set the school record in the discus last year, winning a state title as a sophomore despite it being his first year in track and field. Woods now has five Sports in Kansas major awards over two years: Back to Back Non-Senior DPOY, 5A DPOY, Top 11 and All-Classes DPOY. And he has a season left.
Congratulations Jayden and the Mill Valley Jaguars!!! Sports in Kansas All-Classes Defensive Player of the Year, Top 11, Back-2-Back Non-Senior DPOY! We are so proud of you!!! – Dad, Mema and Papaw
Sports in Kansas 4A Offensive Player of the Year
Colton Brusven, Tonganoxie
Brusven is one of Kansas’ best athletes in 4A and showed he was one of the best players in all of Kansas this football season in leading his team to a state semifinal. He rushed for 2,047 yards along with 29 touchdowns (2,424 all-purpose yards). He has 4,100 career rushing yards which is a school record for career rushing yards at Tongie. He is also a two-time state wrestling placer and a two-time state golf placer, so expect him to have a big year in his other two sports. His mother, the former Amelia Holmes, was a collegiate athlete in track and basketball at KU, making the Olympic Trials in track and field.
Win Chiropractic congratulations Colton Brusven of Tonganoxie, 4A Offensive Player of the Year from Sports in Kansas! We are proud of your hard work and determination and are honored to have helped you perform at your highest potential on and off the field. Tongie Tough! Visit us online at www.winchiropracticst.com or on Facebook and Instagram @ Win Chiropractic & Sports Therapy.
Sports in Kansas 4A Defensive Player of the Year
Justyce Betts, Bishop Miege, LB
Betts, a 6’0” 222-pound senior, had one of the best tapes in Kansas this fall and also led one of the best defenses in Kansas, playing in arguably the states best league (EKL). Betts, who was a non-senior all-state pick from SIK last year, registered 98 tackles this season along with 16 TFLS and eight sacks. He was named the EKL Co-DPOY as a senior for the Stags under head coach Jon Holmes.
Congrats to Justyce Betts of Bishop Miege HS 4A Defensive Player of the Year. Your family is so incredibly proud of you. Go STAGS!
Kian Payne, Aquinas, DL
Payne, a senior, definitely passes the eye test at 6’4” and 255-pounds. He was the Co-EKL DPOY this season along with Betts who is listed above. Payne had 62 tackles, seven sacks, eight tackles for loss against some of the top lineman in the state this season. He helped lead his Aquinas team to the 4A state championship, their second in school history under HC Randy Dreiling. He has committed to North Dakota State at the FCS level. He was also an all-state pick from Sports in Kansas in 4A last season. Payne is also a rugly player and had 10 division I offers before choosing NDSU.
Congratulations to Kian Payne on being named the 4A Defensive Player of the Year by Sports in Kansas. Your entire family is so proud of you!
Sports in Kansas 3A Offensive Player of the Year
Jackson Voth, Cheney WR/ATH
Voth had an incredible year for the Cardinals as he led them to their first ever state title and also earns a Top 11 selection in addition to the SIK 3A OPOY. He was a swiss-army knife on the offense with 1,030 yards receiving on 77 receptions with 10 touchdowns along with 359 yards rushing for another 11 Touchdowns, on just 39 carries. He’s also an all-state linebacker on defense. He has committed to play football at New Mexico State University at the next level, who is coached by Cheney native Jerry Kill. Voth’s older brother, Harrison, was the Sports in Kansas 3A Player of the Year in 2021.
Congratulations Josh, Jackson, Coach Wehrman and the Cheney Cardinal football team on an outstanding season! Go Cardinals! J.Rae’s Bakery is a proud supporter of Cheney High School Athletics, visit us at jraeswichita.com
Congratulations to Josh Burdick, Jack Voth and coach Shelby Wherman for their Sports in Kansas Coach and Player of the Year Awards. Citizens State Bank is a proud supporter of Cheney cardinal athletics.
Congratulations Josh, Jack and Coach Wehrman on your Sports in Kansas Coach and Player of the Year Awards! – The Burdick Family
Sports in Kansas 3A Defensive Player of the Year
Brody Hayes, Clay Center, Sr. DB
Hayes has been outstanding in the Clay Center rebuild in helping them to be one of the top teams in 3A the last couple of seasons. As a senior there wasn’t much that he didn’t do as he had 101 tackles on defense, two interceptions, six pass breakups and a pick six. On offense he had 1,441 all prupose yards and over 3,600 in his career along with 45 career touchdowns. He was a finalist for the award last season as a junior but comes out on top this year in a loaded 3A division. He lists his best moment in sports as clinching an outright league and district title at Clay Center for the first time in 30 years.
Congrats to Brody Hayes of Clay Center HS on being named 3A Defensive Player of the Year from Sports in Kansas. All of your coaches and teammates are very proud of you! #TIGERFAMILY!
Congrats to Brody Hayes of Clay Center Community HS on being named 3A SIK Defensive Player of the Year. Your family is proud of you. Go Tigers!
Sports in Kansas 2A Offensive Player of the Year
Carter Hajek, Nemaha Central QB/RB
Hajek does not look like a sophomore or play like a sophomore. He dominated in 2023 on his way to having the best sophomore season in the state in any class. He had 2,431 yards rushing and another 962 passing for 53 combined offensive touchdowns in 2023. The Thunder repeated as state champs in 2A. He also stoodout on defense this season with 46 tackles and an impressive six interceptions, despite not seeing as many reps due to blowouts. His brother, Carter, was last seasons SIK 2A OPOY and a Top 11 selection. Carter made the Top 22 as a sophomore this fall and was the lone sophomore on the Top 33 all-classes list from SIK. His favorite food is wings and his role model is his mom. Interesting fact on Carter, since 5th grade he’s only lost one football game and he’s not yet lost in high school with two state titles.
Bergman Remodeling, LLC is very proud of Carter Hajek for being named Sports in Kansas 2A Offensive Player of the Year and non-senior Small Classes Defensive Player of the Year! We are very proud of you! Go Thunder!
Congrats to Carter Hajek on being named 2A POY and leading the Thunder to an undefeated season! Hajek Truckline, LLC / Grandpa Paul is proud of you!
Congratulations Carter on leading your team to an undefeated season, the 2A State Championship, and being named one of Kansas’ top players by Sports in Kansas. Your family is so proud of you on and off the field! Roll Thunder Roll!
Congrats to Carter Hajek of the Nemaha Central Thunder on 2A offensive player of the year. The Friday Nighters, and whole community are proud of your accomplishments!
Sports in Kansas 2A Defensive Player of the Year
Holden Bass, Nemaha Central, Sr. DL
Bass, 6’3.5” 280 DL/OL, is likely the best two-way player in Kansas along with Jackson Voth (Cheney) and J.C. Heim (Washburn Rural). All three voted to the Sports in Kansas Top 11 team this season. He’s certainly the top two-way lineman in the state. Bass had over 110 tackles this season from his defensive tackle spot and was also a part of one of the best small school offensive liens in 2A history over the last two seasons. The Nemaha defense allowed just five points per game being anchored by Bass up front. He is a three-time 2A all-state pick from Sports in Kansas and has verbally committed to D2 powerhouse Northwest Missouri. One random fact that he told us nobody would know about him is that he is a published poet.
Your family is proud of you very much! Roll Thunder Roll!
Congrats to Holden Bass of the Nemaha Central Thunder on 2A defensive player of the year and Top 11. The Friday Nighters, and whole community are proud of your accomplishments!
Congrats to Holden Bass on Top 11 and 2A Plyer of the Year from Sports in Kansas. Spring Creek Golf Course has enjoyed watching you grow both on and off the football field. Congrats!
Sports in Kansas 1A Offensive Player of the Year
Brayden Kunz, Conway Springs, Sr. RB
Kunz, a 6’2” 205-pound senior, is one of the best running backs in the state as he rushed for 2,806 yards this season along with 107 tackles on defense in leading the Cardinals (10-2) to a state title for the first time since 2011 under HC Matt Biehler. His rushing total broke the school single season record of former KSU Wildcat Tanner Wood. Kunz, last season’s SIK 1A DPOY, was also a Top 11 selection this season. He had 6,322 rushing yards in his career with 83 total touchdowns. Kunz also had 271 career tackles with four interceptions. The “Conway Springs Cowboy” as noted by Chet Kuplen of Sports in Kansas is also one of the top calf ropers in the world for his age, ranking 17th world-wide and taking third nationally. His cowboy post from Kuplen of Sports in Kansas went viral a few weeks back for over two million views on Facebook. His role model is his father, Shaun, and his favorite food to eat is steak.
Sports in Kansas 1A Defensive Player of the Year
R.B. Tweed, Jefferson County North, DL Sr.
Tweed led the Jefferson County North Chargers to their first ever state championship appearance in 2023 as a standout defensive lineman. Tweed had 63 tackles, 17 TFLs, nine sacks, forced fumble and four pass defelections as a senior. Tweed has great size at 6’3” and 235 pounds and was recently offered from Butler Community College. He has 110 career tackles, 30 TFLs, 16 sacks over the last two years. His favorite food is a cheeseburger and favorite sports moment is winning sub-state in 2023. Coach Jeff Schneider describes Tweed as a self-made player that created all of this success with his effort in the weight room in the off-season. One random fact about Tweed is that he has six siblings.
Sports in Kansas 8M-I Offensive Player of the Year
Tanner Heckel, Lyndon, QB Sr.
Heckel had one of the best 8-man seasons in the history of the sport in Kansas. He had 2,313 yards rushing for 50 touchdowns along with 1,062 passing for 19 more scores. Along with seven interceptions, three that went for pick sixes to give him 72 total touchdowns this season for the 8M-I champion Tigers (13-0). Heckel, who transferred in the off-season from Inman where he led them to back to back 1A runner-up finishes, had 4,138 career rushing yards and 2,198 career passing along 2ith 477 career receiving. He has been honored all-state (honorable mention all the way to Top 11 all classes) in some capacity four consecutive years. He also has a 42” inch vertical, 45+ foot triple jump, 24-foot long jump, 10.9 100 meter dash and throws the javelin 180 plus. He’s also a three-time all state pick in basketball and two-time state champion in track with five runner-up finishes. You are reading about one of Kansas’ best overall athletes in any class. Heckel has a Division I track offer from KSU and could blow up in football this month.
AJ Construction & Remodeling would like to congratulate Tanner Heckel for 8M-I Offensive Player of the Year and Top 11!
Wildcat Feeds would like to congratulate Tanner Heckel and Lyndon Tigers on a perfect season. GO TIGERS!!
Sports in Kansas 8M-I Defensive Player of the Year
Casten Wirth, Lyndon, LB
Wirth had a great career at Lyndon with 288 total tackles (197 solo) along with 15 career TFLs. Wirth, who has great length at 6’3” and 195 pounds, made 98 tackles this season, nine TFLs, three sacks, three interceptions and two fumble recoveries in limited time due to blowouts. He’s also a state qualifier in golf and track at Lyndon. One fact the average person wouldn’t know about him is that he has 10 siblings. One very successful 8-man coach, from an opposing team, told us he thought Wirth was the best 8-man linebacker he’s seen in the last 10 years of 8M-I. With added weight and the weight room in college, Wirth could be worth taking a look at with his length and field vision.
South Shore Animal Hospital, Jennifer Roy, DVM, would like to congratulate Casten Wirth on 8M-II DPOY. Congratulations to Casten Wirth of Lyndon HS on 8M-I Defensive Player of the Year. You make us proud!
Sports in Kansas 8M-II Offensive Player of the Year
Eli Broxterman, Axtell, ATH
Broxterman was the Swiss-Army Knife for the Eagles in helping them to their 39th consecutive win and third straight state title in 8M-II under HC Eric Detweiler. The junior rushed for 608 yards with 13 touchdowns and had 520 receiving with 10 more scores. He scored 23 times and touched the ball just 69 times. Axtell had limited reps all year due to point ruling teams, a common thing they’ve done in recent memory. Broxterman has 1,408 career rushing and 1,690 career receiving with 58 combined touchdowns with a season left. He also has 193 tackles on defense with six interceptions in his career. His role model is his father, Brad, and his best moment in sports is beating Canton-Galva last year, who he says is the best team he’s seen in his high school career up to this point.
Congrats to Eil Broxterman on the 8man division II player of the year from Sports in Kansas. Axtell Lumber is proud of you. Visit us on Facebook! Axtel Eagles home of the back, to back, to back STATE CHAMPS
Congrats to Eil Broxterman on the 8man division II player of the year from Sports in Kansas from B&D Buildings. We are very proud of you. GO EAGLES visit us online at www.bdbuildings.net
Congrats to Eil Broxterman on the 8man division II player of the year from Sports in Kansas. Your mother is very proud of you – Broxterman Accounting, Andrea Broxterman
Congrats ot Eil Broxterman from Axtel High School on the 8man division II Sports in Kansas Player of the year. Axtel Car Wash is a very proud supporter of Axtell High School Sports
Congrats to Eli Broxterman on the 8 man division II player of the year from Sports in Kansas. Your father is very proud of you and al the hard work you put in daily. – B&D Storage, Bradley Broxterman
Sports in Kansas 8M-II Defensive Player of the Year
Brandon Schmelzle, Axtell, DB
Schmelzle is the best two-way 8M-II player in Kansas. The versatile junior can do it all. After earning two all-state 8M-II seasons at WR he moved to quarterback after the graduation of 8-Man record breaker Isaac Detweiler. On defense had had nine interceptions this season along with a kick off return and a punt return for TD. On offense, he had 1,571 passing along 2ith 790 rushing for 50 combined touchdowns in blowouts. In his career he has 1,716 passing, 2,044 rushing, 1,434 receiving. Has there ever been a 2,000 by three in Kansas? His best moment in sports is playing in the snow game at the 2023 state championship against South Central. He’s also a standout in track and field, a multiple time all-stater in the sport. He was also an all-state pick in 1A-II basketball last season. Although his high school doesn’t have baseball, he plays for the legion in the summer where he was on the junior legion state title time, batting .446 last summer.
BD Buildings is a proud supporter of the Axtell Eagles. Congrats to Brandon Schmelzle on the 8 man division 2 POY from Sports in Kansas. We are proud of you. GO EAGLES visit us online at www.bdbuildings.net
Congrats to Brandon Schmelzle on the 8 man division 2 POY from Sports in Kansas. Axtell Lumber is proud of you. Visit us on Facebook! Axtell Eagles home of the back, to back, to back STATE CHAMPS
Congrats to Brandon Schmelzle from Axtell High School on the 8 man division 2 POY from Sports in Kansas. Ace’s Bar & Grill is a very proud supporter of Axtell High School Sports.
Sports in Kansas 6-Man Offensive Player of the Year
Logan McCarty, Cheylin, QB/ATH
McCarty led the Cougars to their first ever KSHSAA state football title after winning the 6-Man title in 2020 as a freshman when it was not yet sanctioned under HC Chris Walden. He Had an incredible senior year in which he passed for 2,222 yards (42 TD/1 INT) along with rushing for 1,030 more and 20 more scores. On defense he had six interceptions and 84 tackles (15 TFLs). McCarty had one of the best careers in 6-man history with 5,813 passing, 2,810 rushing along with 157 career TDs. 8,738 yards with 572 points scored, 323 tackles on defense, 19 career interceptions. His older brother Colton was also the SIK POY in 6-Man in 2020 and is one of the best, if not the best 6-man player in 6-man Kansas history. His favorite food is steak and his role models are his parents, Mike and Amy.
Congrats to Logan McCarty on 6-Man POY. Your family, team and school are very proud of you! – McCarty Family Farms
Sports in Kansas 6-Man Defensive Player of the Year
Pablo Bermudez, Cheylin, DB
Bermudez had 253 career tackles and 17 career interceptions for the Cougars in helping them to the 6-man state title under HC Chris Walden. He had six pick sixes in his career. This season as a senior, he had 75 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, four sacks, one interception, eight fumble recoveries and scored on five different occasions defensively. Bermudez had 3,997 all-purpose yards in his career. He is also the school record holder in the triple jump where he is also all-state. He was last seasons Western Kansas Liberty Legue champion in the triple jump and the 100 meters. His role model is his father Urbano. He lists his favorite food as Mac and Cheese. He also loves living in a small town.
Congrats to Pablo Bermudez on 6-Man POY. Your family, team and school are very proud of you!! GO Cougars!!
Sports in Kansas Non-Senior Offensive Player of the Year – Small Classes
Josh Burdick, Cheney Jr. QB
Burdick helped Cheney to the 3A state title going undefeated this fall for the first time in school history. The junior passed for 2,625 yards with 37 touchdowns to just three interceptions. He also added 234 rushing yards on the ground with six more scores. Burdick has 4,851 yards passing in his career with 60 touchdowns for a 66% career completion percentage. He was a member of last seasons SIK Non-Senior team before taking home top offensive honors this season in 3A. Burdick was also an honorable mention all-state catcher from Sports in Kansas last spring as a sophomore. His role model is his dad and his favorite food is a Big Mac. He tells us the one thing an average person wouldn’t know about him is that he can play the piano.
Congratulations Josh, Jackson, Coach Wehrman and the Cheney Cardinal football team on an outstanding season! Go Cardinals! J.Rae’s Bakery is a proud supporter of Cheney High School Athletics, visit us at jraeswichita.com
Congratulations to Josh Burdick, Jack Voth and coach Shelby Wherman for their Sports in Kansas Coach and Player of the Year Awards. Citizens State Bank is a proud supporter of Cheney cardinal athletics.
Congratulations Josh, Jack and Coach Wehrman on your Sports in Kansas Coach and Player of the Year Awards! – The Burdick Family
Congratulations, Josh Burdick, on your Sports in Kansas Non-Senior Offensive Player of the Year Small Classes Award! We are so proud of you! – Grandma and Grandpa Brown, Grandma and Grandpa Burdick
Sports in Kansas Non-Senior Defensive Player of the Year – Small Classes
Carter Hajek, Nemaha Central Soph, RB
Hajek does not look like a sophomore or play like a sophomore. He dominated in 2023 on his way to having the best sophomore season in the state in any class. He had 2,431 yards rushing and another 962 passing for 53 combined offensive touchdowns in 2023. The Thunder repeated as state champs in 2A. He also stoodout on defense this season with 46 tackles and an impressive six interceptions, despite not seeing as many reps due to blowouts. His brother, Carter, was last seasons SIK 2A OPOY and a Top 11 selection. Carter made the Top 22 as a sophomore this fall and was the lone sophomore on the Top 33 all-classes list from SIK. His favorite food is wings and his role model is his mom. Interesting fact on Carter, since 5th grade he’s only lost one football game and he’s not yet lost in high school with two state titles.
Bergman Remodeling, LLC is very proud of Carter Hajek for being named Sports in Kansas 2A Offensive Player of the Year and non-senior Small Classes Defensive Player of the Year! We are very proud of you! Go Thunder!
Congrats to Carter Hajek on being named 2A POY and leading the Thunder to an undefeated season! Hajek Truckline, LLC / Grandpa Paul is proud of you!
Congratulations Carter on leading your team to an undefeated season, the 2A State Championship, and being named one of Kansas’ top players by Sports in Kansas. Your family is so proud of you on and off the field! Roll Thunder Roll!
Congrats to Carter Hajek of the Nemaha Central Thunder on 2A offensive player of the year. The Friday Nighters, and whole community are proud of your accomplishments!
Sports in Kansas Non-Senior Offensive Player of the Year – Large Classes
Tate McNew, Maize South Jr., QB
McNew, a 6’1” 185 pound junior, had a monster junior season for head coach Brent Pfeifer and Maize South in which he passed for 2,876 yards along with 450 yards on the ground for 45 combined TDs at the 5A level. In his career he has passed for 5,596 yards with 54 passing TDs along with 14 rushing touchdowns with a season left to play. McNew has 69 combined touchdowns with 6,203 combined yards. He was a second team non-senior pick as a sophomore last season and takes home top offensive honors as a non senior this season for the 4A, 5A, 6A schools. McNew holds an offer from Wichita State in baseball and is receiving interest from several division one schools in football. His top sports moment is beating Maize High this season at Riverfont Stadium, the first time they had done so since 2015, with over 6,000 in attendance at the game.
Congrats to Tate McNew on being Non-Senior Offensive Player of the Year. Aegis Group is a proud supporter of Tate and Maize South Athletics. Go Mavs, visit us at www.aegis.insurance
Sports in Kansas Non-Senior Defensive Player of the Year – Large Classes
Jayden Woods, Mill Valley, Jr. DE
Woods, a four-star recruit nationally in the class of 2025, also proves the part on the field. The Sunflower League Defensive Player of the Year helped lead his team to another state title as they 5-peated in 5A under Joel Applebee. Woods, a 6-3.5 230-pound edge, had 71 tackles, 7 tackles, 10 TFLS, 8 pass deflections and two forced fumbles for the Jaguars. He was the non-senior DPOY last year and this season. Woods also set the school record in the discus last year, winning a state title as a sophomore despite it being his first year in track and field. Woods now has five Sports in Kansas major awards over two years: Back to Back Non-Senior DPOY, 5A DPOY, Top 11 and All-Classes DPOY. And he has a season left.
Congratulations Jayden and the Mill Valley Jaguars!!! Sports in Kansas All-Classes Defensive Player of the Year, Top 11, Back-2-Back Non-Senior DPOY! We are so proud of you!!! – Dad, Mema and Papaw
Sports in Kansas Special Teams Player of the Year
Jackson McWilliams, Tonganoxie, Kicker
McWilliams had an incredible kicking career for Tonganoxie, especially as a senior where he made 10 field goals for the Chieftains in helping them to a state semifinal appearance in 4A. The 5’11” 190-pound senior made 10/12 field goals with a long of 41 this season and made 55/56 PATs on the year, along with 43 touchbacks. McWilliams was 20/24 on field goals in his career with a long of 43. Even more impressively that he was 151/155 on PATs. You’re reading about one of the most consistent kickers in Kansas history. After earning all-state honorable mention three years in a row from 4A and Sports in Kansas, he will now go out as a first team all-state kicker as senior. McWilliams was also a four-time first team all-league Frontier pick, one of the only players in league history to repeat as a four year first team selection in football. He has several offers from the Division II, III, NAIA and NJCAA levels, and could see even more in the next month. In addition to football, he is also a first team all-state and first team all league soccer player. He is the KSHSAA state record holder for career saves (690) and state record holder for single season saves (271). And he’s don’t all this while being diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes in the spring of 2022.
Congratulations Jackson on being awarded the Sports in Kansas Specialist of the Year! It has been fun coaching you since you were an 8th grader. What a ride it has been for you starting since a true Freshman. You deserve this and I look forward to watching you grow on and off the field as you go to college. Punt 21 is the proud supporter of KS Specialists, Visit punt21kickingservices.com to start your training today.
Congrats Jackson on being named Sports in Kansas Special Teams Player of the Year. Getting to watch you chase your dreams has been a dream for us! Stay hungry, remain hungry and get better every day! We Can’t wait for your next chapter! Love, Mom and Dad
To our amazing grandson: We wish you could see yourself the way we do – your living spirit, great kindness, intelligence, athletic ability and determination to succeed. We are so very proud of you and excited to watch you continue to pursue your dreams. We love you! Grandma Sharn, Grandma Michelle and Papa Jerry
Congratulations to Jackson McWilliams of Tonganoxie High School on 4A Sports in Kansas Player of the Year!!! – McGraw Fertilizer Service, Inc
Sports in Kansas Offensive Lineman of the Year – Small Classes
Kaedin Massey, Lyndon, OL
Massey, a 6’8” 290-pound senior, had a huge senior year in leading the Tigers to the 8M-I state championship paving the way for players like Tanner Heckel and Jalen Massey. He also helped the defensive unit led by Heckel and Casten Wirth to a dominating season in which the school won their first ever state title under Michael Massey. Massey is a Kansas State commit and had offers from Nebraska, Oklahoma, Ole Miss, Duke, Iowa State, Kansas, Michigan State, Minnesota, Missouri, Northwestern, Oklahoma State and Staford. He’s also a state heavyweight champion in weight lifting for the clean. He is also an all-state performer in discus and shot put as well as all-state second team in basketball.
Thank you Tiger Nation for a memorable season, we are proud of Kaedin Massey O Lineman of the Year. Love Dad, Mom and Kylee
Sports in Kansas Offensive Lineman of the Year – Big Classes
Gus Hawkins, Mill Valley, Sr. OL
Hawkins is a 6’7” 275-pound senior that has committed to Kansas State. The top 11 selection helped Mill Valley to their fifth straight state title. Hawkins, a former standout basketball player at Scott City, is in his second year with the MV program. He also used to play Tight End before moving to tackle. He is ranked as a four star recruit and was a non-senior pick as a junior last year in also helping MV to a state title. Hawkins also had an Ole Miss offer. His favorite HS memory in football is winning sub-state on a walk-off touchdown this season.
