Kentucky BOTR: 8th Grade (2030) All-Tournament Offense

There was no shortage of elite talent in the 2026 Kentucky Middle School Football Association's Battle of the Regions tournament. With many of the state's top players coming out to represent their school, region and ultimately the Blue Grass State, there were more than a couple future D1 players. After watching the Saturday games online and watching the Sunday games in person, below are the offensive players selected for the PRZ Next All-Tournament Team.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Quarterback</h2>    After falling 16-0 to eventual champions Region 2 in the opening game of the tournament, Region 1 snapped back in the consolation game with with a dominating victory over Region 3 by the score of 32-6.   While his only TD pass came in the third quarter of the consolation game, [player_tooltip player_id='1278296' first='Brody' last='Shannon']'s arm talent was on full display throughout the weekend. Shannon threw a number of nearly flawless darts to his WRs, yet also displayed soft touch on deep balls. I was very impressed with his progression through his middle school career and feel he has clearly established himself as one of the top signal callers in the Kentucky 2030 class.     Look at the rosters of all the 8th Grade teams in this year's KYMSFA BOTR, I feel Region 4 was the deepest and most complete team. However, sometimes that doesn't guarantee victory. After lighting it up and causing a running clock in its 46-6 victory over Region 3 in the opening game, they ultimately fell to Region 2 in the championship game by the final of 26-24.   Region 4 had a pair of very capable QBs in [player_tooltip player_id='2154361' first='Knox' last='Wilson'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2088673' first='Landen' last='White'] with both shining when they were on the field. However, [player_tooltip player_id='2154361' first='Knox' last='Wilson'] narrowly had the better overall tournament in terms of production. Wilson had a passing TD in Saturday's blowout and followed that up with a rushing TD to bring Region 4 within two points of victory in Sunday's loss.     Perhaps it's a no-brainer to say, but the best teams typically have the best players at key positions -- and that was the case with Region 2. The (now) back-to-back KYMSFA BOTR champs picked up a 16-0 win over an upset-minded Region 1 in the opening game before a gutsy 26-24 victory over Region 4 in the championship game.   In my opinion the best Quarterback on the field this weekend was [player_tooltip player_id='1306355' first='Brooks' last='Braun']. There wasn't a play hedidn't make. On top of throwing some beautiful, accurate passes, I was impressed with his decision making. He tossed a TD pass on Saturday, but Braun also opened my eyes as to what he can do with his legs. He made a number of key plays by scrambling, highlighted by a touchdown run in the championship game.    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Running Back</h2>    After falling 16-0 to eventual champions Region 2 in the opening game of the tournament, Region 1 snapped back in the consolation game with with a dominating victory over Region 3 by the score of 32-6.   In one of the most impressive things I saw all weekend, all 250-pounds (give or take) of [player_tooltip player_id='2160299' first='Ka'Shar' last='Broady'] outran the entire Region 3 defense on a long a touchdown run in the consolation game. I knew he could run based off his film and word of mouth, but seeing a prospect as big as he is outrun the opposing defense was a treat to see. While I certainly don't see him playing RB for the duration of his career, he's an athletic marvel that could potentially become one of the best interior Defensive Linemen in the state.     It was tough sledding for Region 3 in the 2026 KYMSFA BOTR tournament. Outnumbered in terms of numbers, size and ability, Region 3 dropped its opening game 46-6 to Region 4 and its consolation game 32-6 to a stout Region 1 team.   Despite the losing effort in both contest, Running Back [player_tooltip player_id='2160978' first='Tyshawn' last='Ray'] was a bright spot for team in green. Ray is a muscled-up RB with a bit of juice in his legs. Runs with purpose and behind his pads, yet shook a flat-footed defender in close proximity multiple times throughout the weekend. Region 3 was outscored 78-12 over the weekend, but Ray's pair of touchdown runs accounted for all 12 points.     Look at the rosters of all the 8th Grade teams in this year's KYMSFA BOTR, I feel Region 4 was the deepest and most complete team. However, sometimes that doesn't guarantee victory. After lighting it up and causing a running clock in its 46-6 victory over Region 3 in the opening game, they ultimately fell to Region 2 in the championship game by the final of 26-24.   The Region 4 offense had a number of talented skill position players at its disposal, specifically at the Running Back position. While many of the RBs had a similar skill set, Chris Perry separated himself a bit with his ability to reach pay dirt. The reigning KYMSFA Region 4, Division 2 Player of the Year had a rushing TD in both games for the boys in blue.     Look at the rosters of all the 8th Grade teams in this year's KYMSFA BOTR, I feel Region 4 was the deepest and most complete team. However, sometimes that doesn't guarantee victory. After lighting it up and causing a running clock in its 46-6 victory over Region 3 in the opening game, they ultimately fell to Region 2 in the championship game by the final of 26-24.   The 2026 8th grade BOTR championship game took all 40 minutes to determine a winner. Throughout the battle against Region 2, the offense was paced by a strong running attack. It seemed like every time Region 4 needed to regain its rhythm or pick up crucial yards, it was [player_tooltip player_id='1306186' first='Jameson' last='Justice'] getting his number called. Justice was reliable, ran tough and scored a TD in the championship game.     Perhaps it's a no-brainer to say, but the best teams typically have the best players at key positions -- and that was the case with Region 2. The (now) back-to-back KYMSFA BOTR champs picked up a 16-0 win over an upset-minded Region 1 in the opening game before a gutsy 26-24 victory over Region 4 in the championship game.   Out of all the 8th grade prospects who lined up at Running Back throughout the tournament, [player_tooltip player_id='1306246' first='Keilin' last='Warner'] was the one who stood out the most to me. He was nothing short of special. A natural Running Back, he ran low to the ground and showed that he's equal parts power, speed and agility. There were three very good RB's that were essentially plug-and-play for Region 2, but Warner looked the most dangerous as a pure Running Back. He notched a 2-point conversation in Region 2's opening round victory, then followed it up with a two touchdown performance in the championship game to secure the trophy.     Perhaps it's a no-brainer to say, but the best teams typically have the best players at key positions -- and that was the case with Region 2. The (now) back-to-back KYMSFA BOTR champs picked up a 16-0 win over an upset-minded Region 1 in the opening game before a gutsy 26-24 victory over Region 4 in the championship game.   As mentioned above, there were three Running Backs on the Region 2 8th Grade Team that are clearly among the best players in the state at this point. While [player_tooltip player_id='1669212' first='Jayden' last='Ferguson'] didn't score, his contributions did not go unnoticed. Ran very decisively and suddenly. Used his speed to get to the second level and displayed cutback vision that is essentially uncoachable. He is a prospect that has upped his stock as a RB a ton.    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Wide Receiver</h2>    After falling 16-0 to eventual champions Region 2 in the opening game of the tournament, Region 1 snapped back in the consolation game with with a dominating victory over Region 3 by the score of 32-6.   After being kept in check in their opening game, [player_tooltip player_id='1663991' first='Connor' last='Maxie'] showed why he's one of the top WRs in the Kentucky 2030 class. The rangy pass catcher hauled in two touchdown receptions in the consolation game--one from each of Region 1's Quarterbacks.     Look at the rosters of all the 8th Grade teams in this year's KYMSFA BOTR, I feel Region 4 was the deepest and most complete team. However, sometimes that doesn't guarantee victory. After lighting it up and causing a running clock in its 46-6 victory over Region 3 in the opening game, they ultimately fell to Region 2 in the championship game by the final of 26-24.   Meece Middle School is traditionally very well represented in the BOTR tournament and this year was no different. Talented Athlete [player_tooltip player_id='1264509' first='Jaron' last='Childrey'] lived up to his billing over the weekend. Part of a talented group of skill players and offense dominated by the running game, Childrey still managed to get loose and brought in a TD pass in the opening game.     Perhaps it's a no-brainer to say, but the best teams typically have the best players at key positions -- and that was the case with Region 2. The (now) back-to-back KYMSFA BOTR champs picked up a 16-0 win over an upset-minded Region 1 in the opening game before a gutsy 26-24 victory over Region 4 in the championship game.   Prior to this year's BOTR tournament, I nicknamed [player_tooltip player_id='1654033' first='Jer'Rick' last='Irvin'] Mr. BOTR due to his memorable MVP performance in the 2025 tournament. Well, he did it again in 2026. In the opening game he was on the receiving end of TD passes from both of Region 2's Quarterbacks. He added a third touchdown on the weekend in the championship game on a kick return. He was dynamic.     After falling 16-0 to eventual champions Region 2 in the opening game of the tournament, Region 1 snapped back in the consolation game with with a dominating victory over Region 3 by the score of 32-6.   While he didn't find the end zone at all, [player_tooltip player_id='2160909' first='Jordan' last='Santiago'] certainly made his presence felt through out the weekend. He was a physical Wide Receiver that gave the Region 1 offense a unique wrinkle. He threatened deep, but was very effective on end-arounds and other shorter plays that allowed for him to showcase his dangerous stiff arm.    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Offensive Line</h2>    It was tough sledding for Region 3 in the 2026 KYMSFA BOTR tournament. Outnumbered in terms of numbers, size and ability, Region 3 dropped its opening game 46-6 to Region 4 and its consolation game 32-6 to a stout Region 1 team.   While the Region 3 8th grade team only mustered two touchdowns and 12 total points on offense, there were some strong individual performances. One of those performances came up front from Offensive Tackle [player_tooltip player_id='2160974' first='Chucky' last='Leonard']. Leonard was the biggest kid on the field for Region 3 and handled business accordingly. He did a good job of using his wingspan to slow down Edge rushers going outside, and also down blocking interior Defensive Linemen who were crashing to stop the run.     Look at the rosters of all the 8th Grade teams in this year's KYMSFA BOTR, I feel Region 4 was the deepest and most complete team. However, sometimes that doesn't guarantee victory. After lighting it up and causing a running clock in its 46-6 victory over Region 3 in the opening game, they ultimately fell to Region 2 in the championship game by the final of 26-24.   As if there was any question who the top 2030 Offensive Lineman in Kentucky was before the tournament, the performance of [player_tooltip player_id='1311339' first='Carter' last='Lawless'] this weekend slammed the gavel down. Nothing short of elite. Double digit pancake blocks through the weekend. Relentless motor who looked to completely burry anybody in his path. It's easy to see why he has early offers from LSU and EKU.     Look at the rosters of all the 8th Grade teams in this year's KYMSFA BOTR, I feel Region 4 was the deepest and most complete team. However, sometimes that doesn't guarantee victory. After lighting it up and causing a running clock in its 46-6 victory over Region 3 in the opening game, they ultimately fell to Region 2 in the championship game by the final of 26-24.   Lined up next to [player_tooltip player_id='1311339' first='Carter' last='Lawless'] was Left Guard, [player_tooltip player_id='1306371' first='Levi' last='Frazier']. With Lawless talented enough to be left out on an island, Frazier was free to combo block with the Center all weekend. He was an overbearing drive blocker on running plays and neutralized many Defensive Tackles.     Look at the rosters of all the 8th Grade teams in this year's KYMSFA BOTR, I feel Region 4 was the deepest and most complete team. However, sometimes that doesn't guarantee victory. After lighting it up and causing a running clock in its 46-6 victory over Region 3 in the opening game, they ultimately fell to Region 2 in the championship game by the final of 26-24.   The starter at Center for Region 4, Boroviak showed off more athleticism than he has in pervious showings. He looked leaner too. He did a nice job of getting up to the second level to block Linebackers to open lanes for his Running Backs. In the championship game, Boroviak had a tall task ahead of him against Region 2's stud defensive front but faired pretty well.     Perhaps it's a no-brainer to say, but the best teams typically have the best players at key positions -- and that was the case with Region 2. The (now) back-to-back KYMSFA BOTR champs picked up a 16-0 win over an upset-minded Region 1 in the opening game before a gutsy 26-24 victory over Region 4 in the championship game.   Region 2 had no shortage of weapons at its disposal, but even the most elite of weapons still need an Offensive Line to pick up yards. From what I saw, the best Center in the tournament was [player_tooltip player_id='1689225' first='Lincoln' last='Wickiser']. He used his strength and leverage to drive opposing DT's out of the hole for his backs.     Perhaps it's a no-brainer to say, but the best teams typically have the best players at key positions -- and that was the case with Region 2. The (now) back-to-back KYMSFA BOTR champs picked up a 16-0 win over an upset-minded Region 1 in the opening game before a gutsy 26-24 victory over Region 4 in the championship game.   The improvements [player_tooltip player_id='1311377' first='Mark' last='Stivers III'] has made in his game since I last saw him play live in June 2025, is drastic. He's always been bigger than nearly everyone on the field, but he's noticably more powerful. Instead of winning 1:1 battles by simply holding the other guy up, he's now driving the opposition backwards and finishing his blocks. I can't say enough about his overall improvement.     Perhaps it's a no-brainer to say, but the best teams typically have the best players at key positions -- and that was the case with Region 2. The (now) back-to-back KYMSFA BOTR champs picked up a 16-0 win over an upset-minded Region 1 in the opening game before a gutsy 26-24 victory over Region 4 in the championship game.   Rounding out the BOTR 8th Grade All-Tournament Team on Offense comes as no surprise, in the form of [player_tooltip player_id='1306193' first='LJ' last='Smith IV']. He started at Tackle opposite [player_tooltip player_id='1311377' first='Mark' last='Stivers III'] and held it down on the other side for Region 2. He too looked much stronger than he has in previous seasons. While his size may dictate him to play Tackle right now, I think may better be served as a Guard with mass. He's a lot to handle as a run blocker and after watching him closely, I wouldn't think twice about running behind him on 4th and 1.

There was no shortage of elite talent in the 2026 Kentucky Middle School Football Association's Battle of the Regions tournament. With many of the state's top players coming out to represent their school, region and ultimately the Blue Grass State, there were more than a couple future D1 players. After watching the Saturday games online and watching the Sunday games in person, below are the offensive players selected for the PRZ Next All-Tournament Team.