25 CLASS 2A FOOTBALL PLAYERS TO WATCH IN 2024
 

BRODY CHAMBERS, SOUTHEAST OF SALINE
 
It didn’t take long for Chambers to make an impact for the Trojans, working his way into a starting role on the offensive line as a freshman in 2022. Last year, he started both ways and helped lead the Trojans to a 10-1 record and the Class 2A state quarterfinals. Chambers anchored a line that helped clear the way for a Trojan offense that averaged 396 yards per game, including 241.7 per game on the ground with 42 rushing touchdowns. An honorable mention All-North Central Activities Association pick as a freshman, Chambers was first team last year. He also was Southeast’s fourth-leading tackler with 62 stops and had 11 tackles for loss, earning honorable mention all-league honors on defense. He’s one of seven returning starters on defense for the Trojans, who also return leading tackler Grady Gebhardt at linebacker after he had 104 tackles last year.
 

SETH DUGAN, GARDEN PLAIN
 
Dugan, a senior, started handling kicking duties as a freshman for the Owls and has been a key contributor in several areas throughout his career. His presence as part of a strong senior class should help Garden Plain withstand the graduation losses of All-Class 2A running back Gage Lee, who rushed for 1,732 yards last season, and Tjaden Moring, the team’s tackles and sacks leader. The 6-foot, 165-pound Dugan averaged 8.4 yards on 36 carries last season and had 64 tackles from his secondary spot. Dugan was selected All-Class 2A first-team kicker and All-Central Plains League kicker and defensive back along with honorable mention as a running back. He also provides valuable experience as the Owls’ kickoff and punt return specialist.
 

 
CARTER HAJEK, NEMAHA CENTRAL
 
The younger brother of former All-State Top 11 pick Cooper Hajek, Carter more than made a name for himself a year ago as he stepped in and became Nemaha Central’s focal point on offense, following in the footsteps of his older brother. Whereas Cooper was a punishing tailback, Carter took the reins of the Thunder offense at quarterback as a sophomore last year and led them to their second straight undefeated Class 2A state championship. Logging 352 of Nemaha Central’s 495 carries last year, Hajek ran for a school-record 2,431 yards and 43 touchdowns, including a 266-yard, 4-touchdown performance on a snow-covered field in the Thunder’s 28-14 win over Hoisington in the state championship game. He also finished the season just shy of 1,000 yards passing, completing 62.7% of his passes for 962 yards and 10 touchdowns. Hajek was a first-team All-Class 2A and Big Seven League selection and also shined on defense where he had 41 tackles and a team-high 6 interceptions. Hajek will miss All-State Top 11 lineman Holden Bass helping clear his path, but the Thunder will still be strong up front, setting Hajek up for another monster season.
 

 
ELI HARMISON, RILEY COUNTY
 
Harmison took over as the Falcons’ starting quarterback his sophomore season in 2022 and has had remarkably similar seasons throwing the ball. After passing for 1,375 yards and 10 touchdowns in his first year, Harmison followed it up by throwing for 1,528 yards and 13 touchdowns last year. He became a bigger threat in the rushing game with 280 yards and 8 touchdowns. With 2,903 yards and 23 touchdowns passing in his career, he’s closing in on Riley County’s career passing records for yards and touchdowns. Harmison has also been a starter at cornerback since his sophomore year and had 19 tackles last year. He was a first-team All-Mid-East League pick and will team with returning tailback Sam Allen to give the Falcons a strong 1-2 backfield punch this season as they look to improve on last year’s 5-5 mark.
 

CONNOR HERMAN, HALSTEAD
 
The Dragons moved the 265-pound Herman last season from center to left tackle, where he continued to clear paths for Halstead’s flexbone offense. Herman earned All-Central Kansas League first-team honors on offense and second team on defense after recording 48 tackles – two for loss – and also recovered a fumble and blocked a kick. Herman and an experienced senior class will try to help the Dragons improve upon back-to-back 3-win seasons.
 

 
ELI JOHNSON, BELOIT

Perhaps known more for his ability to throw a discus – he was the Class 2A state runner-up last spring – Johnson has been a steady performer on the gridiron as well. The 6-foot-6, 230-pound senior is a three-year starter on the offensive line and was first-team All-North Central Activities Association last year. Coming off a junior season in which he recorded 51 tackles and had four sacks, Trojan coach Brad Gober is expecting a huge season from Johnson from his defensive end position, taking advantage of his huge frame and explosiveness.
 

ELI JONES, NORTON

Jones put up prolific numbers as he took a huge step forward in his junior season. He threw for 2,274 yards and 18 touchdowns while adding 858 yards and 19 touchdowns on the ground. Jones set the tone for his big season last year when he threw for 319 yards and four touchdowns against Plainville. Jones loses two key receiving threats in Roman Hauser and Bodie Pfannenstiel but returns his top weapon in senior Tyce Melvin. Norton will look to contend for a 2A title after going 11-1 in 2023 with its only loss coming to runner-up Hoisington in the semifinals. Jones was a first-team All-Mid Continent League pick last year. He was also an effective punter, earning first-team All-2A honors by KSHSAA Covered as a special teamer.
 

KAEDEN KASSELMAN, GARDEN PLAIN
 
Kasselman’s work last season helped pave the way for All-Class 2A first-team running back Gage Lee during Garden Plain’s 8-2 season. The 6-foot-3, 235-pound senior earned All-Central Plains League first-team honors on the offensive and defensive lines after receiving second-team offensive accolades as a sophomore. With Kasselman and mammoth seniors Kaden Kerschen and Hank Lilly back as offensive line starters, Garden Plain’s flexbone should be well-blocked and returning quarterback Brady Brack will have a familiar group in front of him.
 

 
ABRAM KEIM, NEMAHA CENTRAL
 
As potent as Nemaha Central’s offense was a year ago, the Thunder defense might have been just as good in powering them to a second straight undefeated Class 2A state championship. Keim was one half of a dominant linebacker duo along with classmate Sam Nordhus that feasted behind a dominating defensive front. Keim finished with a team-high 140 tackles, just eight ahead of Nordhus as both were first-team All-Big Seven League picks with Keim also earning first-team All-Class 2A honors. Keim also started on the offensive line that helped the Thunder run for 254.5 yards per game and 55 touchdowns. He’s one of two starters returning to that unit, which will miss monsters Holden Bass and Abe Hilbert – a senior duo that also anchored the defensive front. In their absence, Keim and his fellow defenders may get even more work this season. 
 

TRACE KOPPER, CIMARRON

Kopper headlines an experienced squad for Cimarron that will look to take a step forward after a 1-win season last year. The quarterback passed for 899 yards and 8 touchdowns and rushed for 934 and seven scores as a junior. His best passing game came against Norton when he threw for 226 yards and four touchdowns. Kopper was a first-team Great West Activities Conference pick as a punter and was second team as an all-purpose player on offense. He was honorable mention All-2A.   

TYCE MELVIN, NORTON

Melvin shined at receiver and in the secondary for the 11-1 Bluejays last year. He led the team in catches (56) and receiving yards (880) with six touchdowns. Melvin was one of the top playmakers on defense with five interceptions and 64 tackles. His best receiving game was against Plainville when he caught 11 passes for 203 yards and two touchdowns. Melvin was a first-team pick in 2A on the KSHSAA Covered All-State team and earned first-team All-Mid Continent League honors on offense and defense.
 

WALKER MIDDLETON, RUSSELL

Middleton showed his explosiveness last year as a sophomore, catching a team-high 50 passes for 541 yards and six touchdowns. He notched two 100-yard receiving games – 129 yards against Plainville and 110 yards against Beloit.  The speedy Middleton also had 19 carries for 171 yards and two touchdowns on the season. He was a first-team All-Mid Continent League pick on offense and was honorable mention All-2A. The Broncos finished 4-5 last season. Russell is set to return most of its top playmakers from last year, including quarterback Mason Rohr.
 

COLTER OLDHAM, LAKIN

One of the top all-around athletes in western Kansas, the senior Oldham has starred for the Broncs since his freshman season. Fresh off 3A titles in the shot put and discus, Oldham will look to cap his high school football career on a strong note. The 6-foot-2, 205-pound running back/linebacker is Lakin’s top returning rusher and tackler. He ran for 1,050 yards and 14 touchdowns last year and notched 81 tackles. He was honorable mention All-2A and was a first-team All-Hi Plains League selection on both sides of the football. The Broncs are coming off a 4-5 season. 
 

 
KASEN PARSONS, OSAGE CITY

Parsons had some of the biggest shoes in the state to fill a year ago when he took over as Osage City’s starting quarterback as a sophomore. His predecessor was Landon Boss, who set every school passing and total offense record during his four years as starter. But after seeing spot duty in backing Boss up as a freshman, Parsons was up to the task. Not only did he do his best impression of Boss, he snagged one of his records, setting the single-season passing yardage mark with 2,401 yards. He completed 167 of 264 passes and threw for 26 touchdowns and also ran for 864 yards and 12 scores in earning unanimous All-District honors and leading the Indians to a 9-2 record.
 

 
HOWIE REZAC, ST. MARYS

Rezac has been a fixture in the middle of the St. Marys’ defense, starting at middle linebacker since his freshman season. He helped lead the Bears to the 2022 Class 1A state title and to the state quarterfinals last fall. Rezac missed one game with an injury a year ago, but still led the Bears with 52.5 tackles and 6 tackles for loss. He also picked off three passes – the first three of his career. Rezac lines up in multiple spots on offense and last year ran for 158 yards and 2 touchdowns and caught 26 passes for 431 yards and 4 scores. Rezac earned first-team All-Mid East League honors after being an honorable mention pick as a sophomore.
 

JASON ROBINSON, HOISINGTON
 
Robinson was one of the top defensive thieves in Class 2A and the entire state last season, intercepting nine passes and returning two for touchdowns to help Hoisington advance to the state title game. One of the pickoffs came in the championship loss to Nemaha Central, setting up a touchdown that staked the Cardinals to a 7-6 halftime lead. The 5-foot-10, 175-pound Robinson was an All-2A first-team selection in the secondary and All-Central Kansas League first team as a returner. His versatility as a runner and receiver produced eight offensive touchdowns and gives the Cardinals returning firepower.
 

COLLIN SCHREINER, KINGMAN
 
Schreiner starts his senior season needing 112 tackles to become Kingman’s career leader. His nose for the football makes tracking that a worthwhile pursuit. A letterman as a freshman and starter at left guard and middle linebacker the past two seasons, Schreiner has been an integral part of the Eagles’ 29-6 record over the last three years. Schreiner’s line play earned him All-2A honorable mention and All-Central Plains League first-team honors last season. Defensively, he registered 65 tackles with 40 solo stops, two sacks and three others for loss. Schreiner has 205 career tackles – 112 solos – and six sacks.
 

CADEN SEEMS, PHILLIPSBURG

Seems is one of the top lineman in the Mid-Continent League. The 6-foot-3, 230-pound senior was first-team all-league on offense and honorable mention as a defensive end. He was honorable mention All-2A. Phillipsburg went 4-5 a year ago. The Panthers lose their main offensive weapons in Trace Hanchett and Rad Rodriguez but the cupboard won’t be bare. They return seven starters on offense and eight on defense. Linebacker Seth Keeten is another leader for the Panthers who joined Seems as a first-team All-MCL selection last year. 
 

 
JAXSON STEVENS, ROYAL VALLEY

Moving into the starting tailback spot toward the end of his sophomore season, Stevens hit the ground running a year ago and had a breakout season as a junior. Stevens finished with 1,078 yards on 177 carries, finding the end zone 11 times. He ranked second in the Big Seven League in yards per game and was a first-team all-league selection. Stevens also started at cornerback and had 30 tackles and an interception. A three-spot athlete for the Panthers, Stevens was named team captain for the second straight year and will look to lead Royal Valley to a playoff run as it moves down to Class 2A this season.
 

 
BRAYDEN STEVENSON, HOISINGTON
 
Hoisington graduated a star lineman in Caiden Hoffman from its 2023 state runner-up team, but Stevenson did his part to help the Cardinals roll up more than 5,000 yards of total offense and 565 points (43.5 per game) in 13 contests. The 6-foot, 230-pound senior received All-2A honorable mention and All-Central Kansas League first-team honors on both sides of the ball. Stevenson recorded 25 tackles last season, three behind the line. With 1,200-yard runner Teron Kraft returning, don’t expect Stevenson and his line mates to deviate from a physical mindset.
 

 
BRADEN STRASBAUGH, SILVER LAKE

Strasbaugh enters his third year as a starter on Silver Lake’s offensive and defensive lines. He mans the always important left tackle position and allowed Tanner Martin to have back-to-back huge seasons at quarterback. He earned first-team All-Mid-East league honors a year ago. Strasbaugh also plays defensive end and earned first-team all-league honors there as well a year ago. He’s one of only two returning starters up front each way for the Eagles and will protect a new quarterback on offense with Martin having graduated.
 

 
CALEB STRATHMAN, NEMAHA CENTRAL
 
While classmate Carter Hajek was garnering the bulk of the spotlight for the Class 2A state champion Thunder last fall, Strathman was putting together his own stellar sophomore campaign. The speedster emerged as Hajek’s top target in the passing game and finished with 26 catches for 359 yards and 4 touchdowns. He also proved to be a weapon in the running game from his receiver spot and finished as the second-leading rusher with 213 yards, helping him to first-team All-Big Seven League honors. Strathman also held down a cornerback spot on defense and wound up fourth on the team in tackles with 84, while picking off two passes and earning first-team all-league honors there as well. With Nemaha graduating its other top receivers, Strathman likely will take on an even bigger role in the offense this season as the Thunder go for a third straight state championship.
 

 
TUCKER THAXTON, SOUTHEAST OF SALINE
 
Thaxton was Southeast’s top receiving threat last year, making the transition for new starting quarterback Daniel Kejr a much easier one. After being a complementary piece in the passing game as a freshman and sophomore when he combined for 25 catches for 305 yards, Thaxton thrived in the go-to role a year ago, catching 49 passes for 825 yards and 8 touchdowns. A first-team All-North Central Activities Association pick on offense, Thaxton earned the same honors defensively in the secondary after recording 37 tackles and picking off a pass. Thaxton will have a new quarterback getting him the ball this year with Kejr graduating, and he’s one of only four returning starters on offense, but one of seven on defense.
 

 
HOLDEN ZIEGLER, COUNCIL GROVE
 
A starter from Day 1 as a freshman, Ziegler has been a dominant force on the offensive and defensive line for the Braves, helping the program to one of its most successful stretches in program history. Ziegler is disruptive on the edge on defense from his end position as evidenced by his team-high 18.5 tackles for loss and two sacks. He finished with 54 tackles overall and also forced and recovered a fumble. Ziegler is also one of four offensive line starters back for the Braves, who have enough depth there that Ziegler may see some time at fullback as well. He’s helped clear the way for fellow senior and four-year starter Ace Monihen to one of the most productive quarterbacking careers in school history.