Kpreps Top 11

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Over the next few days, Kpreps.com will continue to unveil its 2010 postseason awards culminating in our Kpreps All-State teams and Players of the Year for each classification. 

 

In a classification known headlined by offense, Allen was the best defensive player from his linebacker position. He recorded an astounding 161 tackles on the season, including 95 solo stops as the Tigers got past their semifinal hurdle and won the school’s fifth state football championship. Allen was named the Eastern Kansas League defensive most valuable player for his efforts.

Among the state’s leaders, Bromley rushed for 2,155 yards and 34 touchdowns this season. It was a fitting cap to a stellar career in which he rushed for 4,795 yards and 63 touchdowns while leading the Bulldogs to four consecutive playoff appearances. Bromley was a key component in the resurgence of Independence football; just four years removed from a 38-game losing streak.    

Ewy was nothing short of dominant from his defensive line position during the 2010 season. The senior recorded 140 tackles, including 25 tackles for loss, and 10 sacks in leading the Wildcats to their first ever state championship in football. On the other side of the ball, Ewy paved the way for a Louisburg offense that rushed for more than 3,500 yards on the season.

Heeney made a successful transition from an all-state safety a year ago, to an all-state running back this season. The senior rushed for 2,083 yards and 39 touchdowns this season; both school records at Hutchinson. He was also the Salthawks’ second-leading receiver this fall with six receptions for 129 yards and two touchdowns. Heeney has made a verbal commitment to continue his football career at Kansas next fall. 

Ray is a disruptive force from his defensive line position. He averaged double digits in tackles per game,  and also broke double digit in sacks for the second consecutive season. As a junior last season, Ray tallied 131 tackles including 32 for loss, 15 sacks, and four forced fumbles. He has verbally committed to Missouri, but has received interest from other schools recently such as Notre Dame.

Smith averaged nearly 13 yards per carry in leading Wichita Heights to its first ever state football championship. The senior, who has verbally committed to Kansas, accumulated 1,837 rushing yards and 34 touchdowns this season, and finished with more than 3,200 yards in his career. Smith saved his best performance for his last in rushing for 286 yards and four touchdowns in the state championship against Olathe North.

Thought by many to be the premier athlete in the state, Starling impressed again this season in rushing for 2,417 yards and 31 touchdowns. Through the air, Starling completed 40 of 93 passes for 812 yards and eight more scores. Although the Trailblazers fell to eventual champion Blue Valley in the state semifinals, Starling had his biggest game rushing for 396 yards and five touchdowns in the 45-42 loss.

Ulsaker was the primary target in one of the state’s most explosive offenses. The senior wideout caught 67 balls for 1,154 yards and 12 touchdowns while helping the Bullpups reach the state quarterfinals. Ulsaker hauled in 127 receptions for 2,072 yards and 23 touchdowns in his McPherson career, but has chosen to play basketball collegiately at Washburn.

Wessel was the leader of the Heights’ defense that allowed less than 12 points per game and posted five shutouts. He recorded 99 tackles, including 68 solo stops, and had eight of his career 12 interceptions this season. Wessel has committed to play basketball at Wichita State next season.

Whitehair led Abilene to the state playoffs as a starter all four years, including a 19-3 mark in his final two seasons. A natural offensive lineman, Whitehair has already verbally committed to Kansas State. He recorded more than 80 tackles this season on defense, and his blocking led the way for a Cowboy offense that averaged more than 300 yards per game on the ground.

Prior to the season, we predicted that Willingham would be one of the most exciting players in the state this fall, and Brandon certainly held up his end. The senior rushed for more than 1,700 yards and 23 touchdowns in leading the Hawks to a 10-2 mark and a state semifinal appearance. He was equally effective on the defensive side of the ball contributing 40 tackles and two interceptions from his secondary position. As a junior last season, Willingham rushed for more than 900 yards and totaled 60 tackles on defense.

 

Dylan Admire (6-3, 265), OL/DL, Blue Valley West – verbally committed to Kansas

Beau Bell (6-0, 215), DL, Bishop Carroll – recorded 17 sacks in 2010

Tanner Fisher (5-9, 190), RB, Buhler – the junior rushed for 2,374 yards and 40TD

Brady Foltz (6-4, 290), OL/DL, Rose Hill – verbally committed to TCU

Drew Goodger (6-4, 250), DE, Shawnee Mission Northwest – 103 tackles including 24 for loss

Kirk Harris (6-5, 285), OL/DL, Blue Valley – Stilwell – verbally committed to Indiana

Jared Helfrich (6-2, 180), QB/DB, Dodge City – dual threat QB that led team to state semifinals

Terrell Lane (5-11, 220), RB, Norton – rushed for 1,766 yards and 26TDs in 10 games

Jordan Phillips (6-6, 300), DL, Towanda-Circle – verbally committed to Oklahoma

Adonis Saunders (5-11, 170), RB, Olathe North – 1,554 yards and 20TDs; verballed to Kansas

Victor Simmons (6-2, 185), DB, Olathe North – verballed to Kansas; 85 tackles, 1,455 rushing yards