There’s always a first for everything, include the Simone Awards.

Arland Bruce IV was named the 37th annual Thomas A. Simone Award winner for the outstanding player in the Kansas City area on Thursday morning. The award presentation was held at Olathe North high school, where his father also earned the award in 1995.

Host Dave Stewart joked with Bruce IV about becoming the first father-son duo to win the award. Bruce then went on to say that the award was for the team to celebrate in front of a packed gym.

Bruce, a junior running back for Olathe North, helped lead the Eagles to the Class 6A state title game with 2,487 rushing yards and 43 touchdowns.

Other award winners:

Frank Fontana

Josey Meierarend, Odessa
The senior quarterback helped lead the Bulldogs to a 15-0 record and the Missouri Class 3 state title with 2,566 passing yards, 37 touchdowns and just four interceptions while completing 70% of his passes

Buck Buchanan

Johnny Wilson, Park Hill
Wilson notched 97 tackles at defensive end – with 44 for loss and 13 sacks – as the Iowa State commit was being named the Suburban Gold Conference Defensive Player of the Year.

Bobby Bell

Garret Watson, Platte County
Watson racked up 16 sacks with 79 tackles at defensive end en route to being named the Suburban Blue co-Defensive Player of the Year. The senior helped the Pirates reach the Missouri Class 4 state title game.

Otis Taylor

Daniel Jackson, Bishop Miege
Jackson snared 74 balls for 1,511 receiving yards and a Kansas state record 27 touchdowns in 2019. The Minnesota commit helped Bishop Miege to the Class 4A state title.

Eric Driskell Coach of Year

William Lowe, Lincoln Prep