Playoff Quarterbacks to Follow In Round Two

The post-season is off and running and with each game the competition ratchets up as the best and brightest go to war to earn the right to hoist the state championship crown.   There are numerous subtleties that play into winning a championship: teamwork, staying healthy, solid coaching, consistent execution - all critical success factors that play a key role every year. There is also a key positional impact needed to ensure the championship quest is a success.   Great quarterback play.   The playoffs are when quarterbacks make a name for themselves. In some instances, the QB is a game manager, galvanizing the team when they need it most. In other situations the QB is the coach on the field pulling the right strings and providing critical game leadership.   Still others do all of the above as well as make the incredible plays and come through in the clutch. These guys are the difference makers, the stars in the making who can transcend the moment and deliver in the most challenging environments.   In this report we will take a look at some of the quarterbacks leading their respective teams into the second round of the 2024 post-season. The first game of the playoffs is not always a good barometer for QB play as the best teams play the lower-ranked teams. Many of the games are blowouts before the first quarter is over, minimizing time for the starters.   But, the good QBs find a way to make a difference. It is in their DNA and the playoffs are the ultimate high school stage for them to show their stuff.   So, without further adieu, let's take a quick look at some of the top playmakers from the first round.   Manny Meyers, 5'11, 180, ATH, Mulvane '26, is a multi-sport standout who is playing some of his best football coming down the home stretch. Last week he piled up 120 yards passing, 159 yards rushing and two touchdowns to help his team advance. On the year the dual-threat ace has passed for 1,285 yards, rushed for 1,115 yards and accounted for 29 total TD's. He is on a very short list of QBs who have passed for a thousand yards and rushed for a thousand this year.   [player_tooltip player_id='1552938' first='Carter' last='Allen'], 6'0, 190, QB/DB, McPherson '25, has quietly put together a sensational season and continued that into the playoffs. In the Bullpup's opening win over Abilene he completed 16 of 24 passes and rifled four touchdown passes. On the year he has completed 120 of 206 passes for 1,600+ yards and 20 touchdown passes to only four picks. He has his work cut out for him against #1-seed Wamego this week.   [player_tooltip player_id='442342' first='Max' last='Huston'], 6'1, 195, QB, Seaman '25, has been one of the state's most prolific quarterbacks the last few years and has been blazing hot down the stretch. Last week in a blowout, he completed 10 of 18 passes for 218 yards and six total touchdowns. On the year the dual-threat destroyer has completed 122 of 194 passes for 2,078 yards and another 600+ yards rushing and accounted for 35 total TD's. They don't get much better than this guy.   [player_tooltip player_id='354613' first='Drew' last='Kemp'], 6'1, 185, QB, Derby '25, hasn't got as much playing time as he would probably like in leading the undefeated Panthers, but when he has been on the field he has been electric. Despite playing less than half the time he has completed 70 of 94 passes for 1,000+ yards, a sizzling 75% completion percentage and a QBR of 144 (above 110 is stellar). He also fired 20 touchdown passes to only a single pick and picked up another 453 yards and nine TD's on the ground.   [player_tooltip player_id='1113374' first='Kasen' last='Parsons'], 6'1, 195, QB, Osage City '26, has been one of the most dangerous dual-threat quarterbacks in the state this year and last week was much of the same, as he completed 11 of 14 passes for 300+ yards and six TD's. On the year he has completed 115 of 149 passes for 1,521 yards, a sparkling 77% completion percentage and 19 TD passes to only three picks. He also rushed for just under 800 yards and another 16 TD's to give him 2,300+ yards and 35 total touchdowns.   [player_tooltip player_id='285538' first='Cole' last='Pladson'], 5'10, 175, QB, Clay Center '25, the Oklahoma State baseball commit has also delivered on the gridiron this year, leading his team to a wild 47-46 win over Pratt in the first round. Doing a little bit of everything he passed for 233 yards and two touchdowns and rushed for another 100 yards and two more scores. On the year he has just under 1,600 total yards and 18 TD's on offense, while stacking up 55 tackles and a couple tackles for loss and a sack on the other side of the ball.   [player_tooltip player_id='716132' first='Eli' last='Jones'], 6'2, 210, QB/LB, Norton '25, has been one of the most dominating athletes in the state the last few years and this year has been no different. Last week he was 15 of 23 for 200 yards and a TD through the air and added 90 yards rushing and a pair of scores in the win over Hillsboro. On the year he has accounted for 1,467 yards passing, 628 yards rushing and 28 total touchdowns. He also had 79 tackles, 10 TFL and three interceptions on defense. He will need one of his best games against 9-0 SE Saline this week.   [player_tooltip player_id='1403641' first='Gannon' last='Jacobson'], 6'1, 170, QB, SE Saline '26, speaking of SE Saline, on the other side of the ball the Trojans will counter with Jacobson, who has been a dangerous dual-threat QB himself all year. Last week he wasn't called on to do as much in his team's 76-12 rout of Larned, but still completed 8 of 9 passes and had three touchdown strikes. On the year he has completed 100 of 176 passes for 1,467 yards and 23 touchdowns. He also ran for 615 yards and seven more TD's to give him 30 total TD's so far.   [player_tooltip player_id='1466120' first='Jack' last='Vilela'], 6'2, 195, QB, Columbus '25, is another stud quarterback flying under the radar in SE Kansas who has played a hot hand all year. Last week in a 21-0 shutout over Parsons he completed 13 of 14 passes, for 135 yards and a TD strike to help his team advance. On the year he has completed 87 of 122 for a 71% completion percentage, 1,378 yards and fired 18 TD passes to only a pair of interceptions.   [player_tooltip player_id='1398426' first='Keegan' last='Johnson'], 5'9, 175, QB, Holcomb '25, has been a playmaker all season and last week helped his team edge Marysville in a close one, 12-7, on 10 of 15 passing for 140 yards and another 80 yards rushing and a TD. On the season he has completed 91 of 163 passes for 1,406 and eight TD passes, and added another 240 yards rushing and 14 total touchdowns.     In conclusion, these guys are too good not to get out and see them perform before it is too late. Additionally, if you know of any teams or players getting overlooked or flying under the radar, give me a shout via DM on X.

The post-season is off and running and with each game the competition ratchets up as the best and brightest go to war to earn the right to hoist the state championship crown.