Recap: Show-Me State Class 5 Champs Francis Howell

The St. Charles (Mo.) Francis Howell Vikings capped off a dream season with the school's first state championship in it's history by winning the Class 5 championship and finishing undefeated at 14-0. I was able to watch the Vikings in person a couple of times in 222 and I take a look at and recap some of the top performers and prospects who helped lead them to becoming the Missouri Class 6 Champs.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />     <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   [player_tooltip player_id='130185' first='Adam' last='Shipley'] | QB | 2024 | 5'11" 180 | One of the top dual-threat quarterbacks in the state of Missouri in 2022 ran the Vikings offense masterfully and used both his arm and legs to rack up 1,945 yards passing with 26 touchdowns through the air while also adding 872 yards and 13 more touchdowns on the ground. Shipley is a smart signal-caller who really plays within himself and the offense, while also being a great leader. He had his offense running like a well-oiled machine. It truly was a team offensive effort every game and it all began with him.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   [player_tooltip player_id='37667' first='Brady' last='Hultman'] | RB | 2023 | 6'0" 215 | Hultman was a machine all by himself on both offense and defense for the Vikings. He made plays on a large scale early and often. On offense the powerful running back with above average speed was a go to weapon and led the ground game overall with his 1,274 yards and 24 touchdowns. Whenever the Vikings needed a tough yard they would turn to Hultman who would not be denied. A tough North/South runner who had the burst and speed to break big plays to the house when he got the opportunity. Defensively Brady was a monster who led his team in tackles with a 131, and in sacks with 6, plus 2 fumble recoveries.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   [player_tooltip player_id='188583' first='Jude' last='James'] | WR | 2024 | 6'3" 200 | Another two-way starter and major piece of the puzzle behind the Vikings championship was the rangy and talented James. While he came into the season known for his ability as a receiver, he really impressed with his defensive play as well. On offense he was the number one receiving threat on the team and provided a big-play threat with his speed and pass catching ability. Jude really did a nice job making difficult catches as well as with his blocking while leading the team in receiving yards with 584 yards for a 21.7 ypc average and 6 touchdowns. He already holds a couple of D1 offers and should continue to pick them up in the off season. On defense he was second the team with 119 tackles from his safety spot along with 4 interceptions.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   [player_tooltip player_id='37661' first='Brett' last='Norfleet'] | TE | 2023 | 6'7" 230 | The University of Missouri signee for football and baseball saved his best for last during his senior season. The 6-7 Norfeet was a tough match-up for high school linebackers and defensive backs with his size, ability to run and athleticism. He was a tremendous red zone and short yardage target, but he could also run well after the catch for yards with the ball. Norfleet led the team in receiving touchdowns with 7 while having 404 yards of receiving.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   [player_tooltip player_id='194997' first='Jaylen' last='Pearson'] | RB | 2023 | 5'8" 165 | Peason was the lightning to Hultman's thunder in the Vikings running game. The speedy back was a big-play threat running the ball, catching it and also on special teams. He scored 13 touchdowns rushing, receiving and on special teams using his speed and elusiveness in all aspects of the game and had 765 yards total offense. He also added 29 tackles and a pick at cornerback for Howell and was a major part of their strong defense.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />     [player_tooltip player_id='37671' first='Taj' last='Gurley'] | WR | 2023 | 6'0" 195 | The talented Taj is another major player on both sides of the ball for Howell and has been for four years. The physical Gurley does a great job blocking as well as when receiving the ball in traffic. He has good speed and runs good routes which is why he used to haul in 20 passes for 329 yards and 4 scores. On defense he recorded 83 tackles and a pick from his defensive back position and was a major contributor.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   [player_tooltip player_id='126277' first='Kendall' last='Gurley'] | WR/CB | 2024 | 5'8" 165 | The younger Gurley never left the field and was a threat on offense, defense and special teams in returns. The speedy Kendall was a big time playmaker, especially at cornerback, but on offense contributed 11 touchdowns receiving, rushing and in specials team and defensive returns. He did it all for the Vikings. On defense he tied for the leading the team in picks with 4 and also had 21 tackles from his corner spot. Great awareness and ball skills.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   [player_tooltip player_id='321988' first='Logan' last='Scrivner'] | OL | 2024 | 6'3" 290 | Scrivner caught my attention as a sophomore and in off season training. What I was able to see in the off-season with his work he put in was implemented on the field in 2022 and helped pave the way for the outstanding offense the Vikings had. Logan not only has good size but is very athletic and strong. He also has solid technique both in his run and pass blocking. I look for him to continue to improve and get attention from colleges in offseason.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   [player_tooltip player_id='276971' first='Mitch' last='Weisenborn'] | OL | 2025 | 6'2" 235 | A very talented young lineman to watch on both sides of the ball in the future who really solidified the Vikings offensive line in 2022. Athletic and strong with some good football smart and technique already who will continue to get better. Also played some on the defensive side of the ball and looks like he will have an opportunity to get a lot more work their next year.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   Ethan Bryles | DE | 2023 | 6'2" 230 | Quick senior defensive lineman who did a great job also as a junior. Was a leader on the DL who had 50 tackles, 3 sacks and 2 fumble recoveries.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   Todrey Gentry | DT | 2023 | 5'9" 245 | Compact and strong interior DL who did a nice job working the middle of the defense. Had 36 tackles and 2 sacks. Getting looks from some smaller colleges.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   [player_tooltip player_id='224375' first='Wyatt' last='Robbins'] | LB | 2023 | 5'11" 195 | A very active linebacker who was third on the team in tackles overall with 113 during his senior championship season. Also had 2 sacks and 2 fumble recoveries.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   Bryant Thomas | LB | 2023 | 5'11" 190 | Another member of the strong Howell linebacking corps who played an important part in their stingy defense. 66 tackles, 2 sacks, 3 fumble recoveries and 3 INTs in the championship senior year.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   [player_tooltip player_id='254753' first='Josh' last='Deal'] | PK/P | 2023 | 6'0" 205 | One of the top kicking prospects in the Midwest. 4 field goals, 93 extra points, and consistently pinned opponents back on their own 20 yard line to start drives with his booming kickoff into the end zone while averaging 58.8 yards per kick.

The St. Charles (Mo.) Francis Howell Vikings capped off a dream season with the school's first state championship in it's history by winning the Class 5 championship and finishing undefeated at 14-0. I was able to watch the Vikings in person a couple of times in 222 and I take a look at and recap some of the top performers and prospects who helped lead them to becoming the Missouri Class 6 Champs.