Quarterfinals Top Performers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It was a weekend of exciting quarterfinal playoff games this past weekend. Here are some of the top performers from the playoff action.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1452148' first='Kingston' last='Miles'], 2027 RB St. Mary's<br>- 33 carries for 203 yards and 2 touchdowns. Rising recruit and big time running back Miles was a workhorse for the Dragons and helped lead his team to the final four in Class 4 with a big 91-yard touchdown run to seal the deal.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2060815' first='Trevor' last='Beckermann'], 2028 QB Pattonville<br>- 19 of 25 for 354 yards and 3 touchdowns passing, 11 carries for 144 yards and another touchdown. One of the top sophomore quarterback performers in the state this season with a record setting year and a big game to help take his Pirates to the semifinals against Nixa.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1128410' first='Manny' last='Ellis'], 2026 RB Cardinal Ritter<br>-21 carries for 199 yards and 3 touchdowns. The explosive, speedy senior running back continued his difference making senior season in helping his team continue in their playoff run with three big touchdown runs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Drew Parsons</strong>, 2026 QB Jackson<br>- 15 of 22 for 255 yards and 3 touchdowns, 17 carries for 144 yards. A gutty performance by the senior QB who just won the award for the most outstanding player of the year in Southeast Missouri last week. He proved that with the upset win over previously unbeaten and number one CBC. His run for a first down on 4th &amp; 5 ended a big comeback by the Cadets.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='284043' first='Nick' last='McClellan'], 2026 QB CBC<br>- 17 of 26 for 350 yards and 3 touchdowns. Future K-State DB McClellan did his part in helping to bring his team back from 17 points down and make it anyone's ball game with under 3 minutes in the 4th. His passing game was impressive as he gritted it out despite being a little under the weather. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1608574' first='Cooper' last='Owens'], 2026 QB Kirkwood<br>- 25 of 35 for 459 yards and 4 touchdowns. A massive passing performance from the senior quarterback to lead his team to a showdown this week against another team know for their explosive offense. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Collin Griffin</strong>, 2026 RB Kirkwood<br>- 21 carries for 231 yards and 5 touchdowns. As good as the Pioneers passing game was, this talented senior running back matched it with a 5 touchdown rushing performance as his team rang 70 points up on the scoreboard.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1587352' first='Adam' last='McKnight'], 2027 QB Nixa<br>- 11 of 11 passing for 184 yards passing and 2 touchdowns, 12 carries for 92 yards and 2 more touchdowns. The top ranked QB in the PRZ 2027 class showed his dual threat talents by being perfect in his throws while accounting for four touchdowns using his arm and legs. His Eagles are one game away from returning to the Class 6 state championship game for the second year in a row.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1129733' first='Randy' last='Flint'], 2026 WR Nixa.<br>- 6 catches for 135 yards and 2 touchdowns. This Southern Illinois DB commit has proven to be a talented playmaking receiver for his team this season, and he continued to prove that by being McKnight's go to target for the two passing scores in the Eagles victory. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1590220' first='Josh' last='McCarthy'], 2027 WR Farmington<br>- 5 receptions for 146 yards and 3 touchdowns. One of the rising stars of the 2027 class has been a force on both offense and defense for his team in helping them with their successful season in 2025. McCarthy switched from RB to receiver in his team's new offense and has used his size (6'2" 209) and speed to be a big time playmaker for them, including in their playoff game this weekend. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1130114' first='Jacob' last='Eberhart'], 2026 WR Kirkwood<br>- 7 catches for 143 yards and 3 touchdowns. The Illinois commit can do just about anything he wants on the football field. In the Pioneers playoff win he showcased his speed and impressive receiving skills to help the huge night the offense had. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->