OPOY, DPOY Finalists named by Sports in Kansas

The statewide website Sports in Kansas has announced its finalists for their Offensive Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year in high school football. The list includes eight players from Southwestern Kansas.

Two players from Dodge City were among the nominees in Class 6A - Red Demon quarterback Beau Foster is a finalist for Offensive Player of the Year, while teammate Alder Knedler is a finalist for Defensive Player of the Year.

Three other players are finalists in their classifications for their offensive prowess - Colby running back Calvin Stapp (Class 3A), Wichita County signalcaller Kayde Rietzke (8-Man Division I) and quarterback Jace Mackley of Weskan (6-Man).

The defensive side of the ball also sees three more finalists in their classifications - Lakin defensive lineman Hadley Panzer (Class 2A), Elkhart linebacker Chance O'Hair (Class 1A) and Moscow's Austin Snyder (6-Man).

The Sports in Kansas Players of the Year and other lists will be released this Sunday, December 8. Players were nominated by and voted on by members of the media and also included the input of Sports in Kansas CEO/Founder Chet Kuplen.