Almost everyone in the state is now playing football (except for schools that opted for spring football) and the talent is rising to the top. There were some manly performances this weekend and here are the players who stood out. These players helped their teams win and put themselves squaring in the scope of college recruiters.
RB Toriano PrideTorianoPride
5'10" | 170 lbs | DB Lutheran North | 2022IL
, Junior, Lutheran North (5’10, 170) One of the best players in the state since he laced up cleats, Pride is getting a chance to show the country he is potent on offense and defense. His rushing ability, using vision and balance, comes so natural that he hardly looks to be grinding when he is playing. The multiple offer recruit had a three touchdown night in Lutheran North’s win and all of them came easy for the star back.
Photo: Travis David, Travis David
QB Brody Lehenbauer, Senior, Palmyra (6’, 175) Every week there seems to be a different baller from Palmyra who has a fantastic night and deserves #BellRinger status. In a 47-6 win over Highland, the senior signal caller scored a total of six touchdowns (five in the air, one rushing). Lehenbauer won’t ’wow’ with physical stature or a big cannon, but he is tough as nails, leads with a firm compassion and is respected in the conference and in his locker room. And anytime you account for 36 points, you are a Missouri Prep Redzone MVP!
RB Christopher KrehChristopherKreh
5'10" | 205 lbs | RB Marquette | 2021StateMO
, Senior, Marquette (5’10, 192) The 69th ranked preseason senior in the state finally gets to play some football this fall and he has not disappointed. The muscle hamster rushed the rock 51...YES...51 times on Friday Night for 228 yards! Three of those carries ended up as scores but none as important as the game winner. Kreh defines what a football player is. He has the trust of the coaching staff to garner 51 carries and never tire. Kreh will be one of those players who may not end up at a P-5 school but will start a ton of college games and hold a bunch of records for his university.
RB Amar JohnsonAmarJohnson
5'11" | 180 lbs | RB Chaminade | 2021StateMO
, Senior, Chaminade (5’11, 180) Johnson just needed to play and once Chaminade announced they would take on Vianney, it didn’t take long for the 35th ranked player in the state to take over the game. The multifaceted player had two catches for scores and two rushes. Johnson, who is committed to South Dakota State, will be up for MVP every week the rest of the season because he can do it all.
DE Johnny Pascuzzi, Senior, Rockhurst (6'4, 225) As I say every week, with so much good football in Missouri, I find myself zoning in on new talent all the time. Case in point, Johnny Pascuzzi. I watched a highlight of the lengthy defensive end snatch a pick and roll 42 speedy yards for a score. This made me focus on his overall game and I came away impressed with his leverage play, his hand usage and hustle to the football. I also LOVE how he is a bully on the field, especially with the football in his hands. The senior has a few D-2 offers but I will not be surprised if more major offers start to pour in.
QB Carter DavisCarterDavis
6'2" | 175 lbs | QB Eureka | 2021StateMO
, Senior, Eureka (6'2, 175) The simple fact Davis is playing this season is a blessing. Now add the fact the senior led his team to a victory while rushing for two touchdowns is icing on the cake. Davis had a horrific leg injury last year and worked tirelessly to be available this season. Davis has touch, accuracy and toughness to not only lead Eureka but lead a college program as well.
QB Alex Pipes, Senior, Francis Howell (6', 175) Francis Howell is stacked with talent but the leader of the offense, Pipes, had a MVP night in the team's win on Friday. Pipes had three touchdown passes and managed the tempo all night. Pipes uses his feet to escape pressure and touch to deliver the football in tight windows. Pipes is the type of player every program wants as their shot caller.
RB
Christopher Kreh
Christopher
Kreh
5'10" | 205 lbs | RB
Marquette | 2021
State
MO
, Senior, Marquette (5’10, 192) The 69th ranked preseason senior in the state finally gets to play some football this fall and he has not disappointed. The muscle hamster rushed the rock 51...YES...51 times on Friday Night for 228 yards! Three of those carries ended up as scores but none as important as the game winner. Kreh defines what a football player is. He has the trust of the coaching staff to garner 51 carries and never tire. Kreh will be one of those players who may not end up at a P-5 school but will start a ton of college games and hold a bunch of records for his university.
RB
Amar Johnson
Amar
Johnson
5'11" | 180 lbs | RB
Chaminade | 2021
State
MO
, Senior, Chaminade (5’11, 180) Johnson just needed to play and once Chaminade announced they would take on Vianney, it didn’t take long for the 35th ranked player in the state to take over the game. The multifaceted player had two catches for scores and two rushes. Johnson, who is committed to South Dakota State, will be up for MVP every week the rest of the season because he can do it all.
DE Johnny Pascuzzi, Senior, Rockhurst (6'4, 225) As I say every week, with so much good football in Missouri, I find myself zoning in on new talent all the time. Case in point, Johnny Pascuzzi. I watched a highlight of the lengthy defensive end snatch a pick and roll 42 speedy yards for a score. This made me focus on his overall game and I came away impressed with his leverage play, his hand usage and hustle to the football. I also LOVE how he is a bully on the field, especially with the football in his hands. The senior has a few D-2 offers but I will not be surprised if more major offers start to pour in.
QB
Carter Davis
Carter
Davis
6'2" | 175 lbs | QB
Eureka | 2021
State
MO
, Senior, Eureka (6'2, 175) The simple fact Davis is playing this season is a blessing. Now add the fact the senior led his team to a victory while rushing for two touchdowns is icing on the cake. Davis had a horrific leg injury last year and worked tirelessly to be available this season. Davis has touch, accuracy and toughness to not only lead Eureka but lead a college program as well.
QB Alex Pipes, Senior, Francis Howell (6', 175) Francis Howell is stacked with talent but the leader of the offense, Pipes, had a MVP night in the team's win on Friday. Pipes had three touchdown passes and managed the tempo all night. Pipes uses his feet to escape pressure and touch to deliver the football in tight windows. Pipes is the type of player every program wants as their shot caller.
