John Raybourn, Staley

Raybourn was simply unbelievable, with 3,170 passing yards and 44 touchdowns, as well as 1,109 rushing with 12 rushing scores. And the 44 touchdowns (tied for 9th all-time single season in MO history) came with just four interceptions. The 4,279 pass + rushing yards also is 9th all-time in MO history. Raybourn was named the Class 5 Offensive Player of the Year.

Oh yeah, he led the Falcons offense in an undefeated season, engineering the title-winning drive with just :57 left against Pattonville, with a touchdown and two-point conversion pass to win the state title.

Unreal!

Graham Mertz, Blue Valley North

In his first year as a starter, Mertz merely:

• threw for 3,684 passing yards
• fired 45 touchdowns to just 6 interceptions
• landed an offer from, and committed to, Wisconsin
• led Blue Valley North to its first state football title

So, what's for an encore? Be excited to find out!

Tanner Clarkson, Platte County

Waiting until his senior year to start, Clarkson made it worthwhile. The senior passed for 3,390 yards and 38 touchdowns - and even held a state record in his debut - six touchdowns in a half - before Billy Maples broke it a week later for Park Hill.

Clarkson earned first-team all-state in Class 4.

Carter Putz, Bishop Miege

This may be the easiest award to choose - how can the all-time leader in career passing yardage (9,336) and passing touchdowns (124), which is even more amazing with just 13 interceptions. He added 18 rushing touchdowns for his career.

Putz also engineered the Stags to three straight Class 4A state titles and amassed a 37-2 record as a starter.