810 Varsity unveils its preseason Elite 81 list of the top Metro players in the area.
Leading off: Quarterbacks
Senior, 6-foot-4, 215
Mertz threw for 3,684 yards and a ridiculous 45 TDs to 6 interceptions while leading led the Mustangs to their first state title. Mertz is a Wisconsin commit, after offers from nearly everyone nationwide from Alabama, Ohio State, Notre Dame, Oklahoma , USC - you name it.
Senior, 6-foot-3, 195
Baker helped lead Fort Osage to a 9-3 record, with 1,859 passing yards and 16 TDs to 5 INTs. The Missouri State commit will lead a senior laden Fort Osage team as a Class 5 contender in 2018.
Junior, 6-foot-1, 200
Campbell returns after gunning for 2,607 passing yards and 28 TDs - the second-highest returning totals in the Metro behind Graham Mertz.
Senior, 6-0, 165
Kobel gunned for 2,206 passing yards and 20 touchdowns with just four interceptions in 2017. The Titans will return receivers Cade Clemons and Trevor Kardell for Kobel to target.
Senior, 6-foot-3, 200
Simoncic threw for 1,317 yards and 16 scores as a junior, in helping the Warriors to a 9-2 record. Simoncic and SHS will get a chance to display their talents on a bigger stage in the Suburban League this year.
Senior, 6-foot-3, 215
In split duty last year, Kinney still threw for 857 yards and 12 touchdowns to just 2 picks. Kinney will get the starting nod to himself, with many good weapons around.
Senior, 6-foot-2, 175
In backup time last year, Roush threw for 174 yards for the Blue Jays. Now the senior will have the starting gig all year long.
Dakota Ah-mu, Kearney
Andy Maddox, SM East
Spencer Stewart, Platte County
Hunter Thomas, Olathe East