Class 5A State Championship Preview: Players to Watch

The <em>Class 5A State Championship Game</em> features an intriguing matchup between two of the top 5A programs over the past three seasons. Maize vs. Mill Valley will be a clash of two explosive offenses, with roasters loaded with next level talent. Fans could see a high-scoring affair at <em>Pitt State</em> on Saturday afternoon. Here’s a quick preview of each program and some players to keep an eye on during the big game. <strong><em>Maize:</em></strong> After coming up short the past few seasons, the Eagles finally punched their ticket to their first ever state title game. They sit at 10-2 on the year and have been battle tested during their playoff run, defeating Bishop Carroll, Hays, and Kapaun Mt. Carmel. Maize will be faced with one last challenge when they take on the 2x defending state champs. The Eagles should feel confident though with this group of talented juniors leading the way. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="87642" first="Avery" last="Johnson"]</strong>, QB, <em>Class of ’23</em> All eyes will be on the No. 1 ranked quarterback in the Class of ’23 on Saturday afternoon. Johnson has been special this season for the Eagles. He’s arguably one of the most dangerous players in the state, and the Eagles are never truly out of it with him under center. He displays great confidence in the pocket and can make some impressive plays when things breakdown. Johnson could be the key to Maize winning their first state championship. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="87658" first="Justin" last="Stephens"]</strong> &amp; <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="166970" first="Bryce" last="Cohoon"]</strong>, <em>Class of ’23</em> Johnson has been blessed to have these two wide outs to throw to this season. This duo has looked impressive, and they’ve drastically improved from their sophomore year. Both Stephens and Cohoon stand at 6’3”, giving Johnson big targets in the passing game. Stephens does most of his damage out of the slot, while Cohoon is a vertical threat out on the perimeter. These two could present a challenge for the Jaguars’ secondary. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="122945" first="Caden" last="Miranda"]</strong>, DL, <em>Class of ’23</em> One of the leaders on defense for the Eagles will be their standout defensive tackle. Miranda has been a monster during his junior campaign. He finished the regular season piling up 81 total tackles with 22 coming from behind the line of scrimmage. The junior fires off the ball and has quick hands to shed off blockers. Maize will need Miranda to help control the trenches and continue to make plays in the backfield. <strong><em>Mill Valley: </em></strong> <em>Carnie Smith Stadium</em> is starting to feel like home for the Jaguars, as this is Mill Valley’s third consecutive state title appearance, and fifth appearance since 2015. They could reach a major milestone in their program’s history with a win on Saturday. The Jaguars are looking to complete their first ever three-peat. These are four players that could help Mill Valley hoist their third-straight state title. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="35652" first="Hayden" last="Jay"]</strong>, QB, <em>Class of ’23</em> While Johnson will receive a lot of recognition for his play at quarterback, fans shouldn’t overlook the signal caller from Mill Valley. The Jags haven’t skipped a beat this season with Jay as their full-time starter. Through 12 games, Jay has completed 65% of his passes and has thrown for 2,171 yards with 25 touchdown passes and has rushed for 428 yards with nine scores. He got some snaps in last year’s championship game, but this time, he gets to lead the way for Mill Valley. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="215619" first="Reice" last="Kennedy"]</strong>, RB, <em>Class of ’22</em> Getting their lead back going could be a key to victory for Mill Valley. When they’ve leaned on Kennedy this season, he’s delivered in a big way. The senior has rushed for over 1,100 yards with 14 scores as a first-year starter. Kennedy has the speed to break away once he hits the open field, and even though he’s a smaller back, he can rack up yards after contact. Don’t be surprised to see the Jaguars call his number often. <strong>Broc Worcester</strong>, LB, <em>Class of ’23</em> Worcester is a defender that Maize is sure to have watched plenty of film on. He mans the middle of the Jaguars’ defense and is arguably their most physical defender. The junior is second on the team in total tackles with 88 and has an interception and sack to his name as well. Worcester displays good habits by constantly keeping his feet moving, and does a great job of flowing to the ball. Look for him to be a difference maker for the Jags’ defense. <strong>Truman Griffith</strong>, DL, <em>Class of ’24</em> Mill Valley boasts a strong defense line of upperclassmen, but this underclassman has been a nice surprise for them this season. Griffith leads the team in sacks with 9.5 on the year and has also racked up 41 total tackles with a forced fumble. He’s a player the Jags like to move around along their defensive line because of his relentless pass rush and physical play. This may be his first start on the big stage, but expect for the sophomore to step up and make some plays.