With the gold balls now awarded and all of the players getting set to move on to other sports, or their college teams, let’s look at the top five players that will be coming back next year in the Shawnee area.

This list could change before the start of the season as kids make decisions about their futures or move away but, as of now, these are the five best players returning next season.

TOP 5

• Caleb Hawkins, North Rock Creek, RB/DB
  • Hawkins is an athlete and versatile weapon that can beat teams in many different ways. Last year, Hawkins led North Rock Creek to their first ever playoff game. If he plays to his ability and continues to improve, I would expect college offers to start pouring in.
  • 2023 Stats: 174 carries, 1,155 yards, 14 catches, 257 yards, 71 tackles, 2 TFL, 4 INT, 1 fumble recovery, 24 total TDs

• Treyvon Compton, Meeker, QB/DB
  • Compton might have been slightly overshadowed by his running back, Ajay Lynch, but the dual threat QB was a key player for the Bulldogs and their run to the 2^nd round of the 2A playoffs. Compton will be a three-year starter for Meeker next year and will likely be the focal point of the offense with Lynch graduating.
  • 2023 Stats: 193-307, 62.9%, 2,712 yards, 25 passing TDs, 82 carries, 719 yards, 10 TDs, 68 tackles, 1 TFL, 3 INT

Treyvon Compton about to throw for Meeker

• Ronan Martin, Prague, LB
  • Martin was one of the best linebackers in the region last year and big part of why the Prague Red Devils put together and 11-1 record. Not only is Martin a sure tackler but he is also a skilled pass rusher. He led Prague last season in bother tackles and sacks. I expect him to put together another outstanding season next year as Prague looks to finally breakthrough in the postseason.
  • 2023 Stats: 133 tackles, 8 sacks, 2 fumble recoveries, 27 carries, 170 yards, 4 TDs

• Austin Melson, Bethel, LB
  • One of the most consistant defenders in the area, Melson recorded over 100 tackles for the 3^rdconsecutive season last year and will have a great chance to do it next year as well. He’s a versatile linebacker that played in all three LB positions last season. He is equally as talented rushing the passer as he is at dropping back in coverage and stuffing the run. Melson is an all-around linebacker that can do it all from that spot.
  • 2023 Stats: 136 total tackles, 11 TFL, 1 sack, 1 INT, 2 fumble recoveries

• Ryan High, Shawnee, LB
  • High had a fantastic junior campaign that saw him lead the Wolves in tackles and take a leadership role with Shawnee. Although a bit undersized, he is a sure tackler that has great instincts. He has also shown the ability to create turnovers and come up with timely stops.
  • 2023 Stats: 139 tackles, 6.5 TFL, 1 sack, 1 INT, 2 fumble recoveries, 1 defensive TD

Ryan High (#10) makes a tackle for Shawnee

Honorable Mention

• Grant McGinnis, Prague, RB/LB
  • 2023 Stats: 151 carries, 986 yards, 9 TDs, 20 tackles, 2 sacks

• Zaylun Matlock, McLoud, WR/DB
  • 2023 Stats: 42 catches, 524 yards, 5 TDs, 43 tackles, 3 INT

Zaylun Matlock celebrates a touchdown for McLoud

• Titus Johnson, Harrah, RB/LB
  • 2023 Stats: 39 carries, 273 yards, 9 TDs, 103 total tackles, 17 TFL, 2 sacks, 1 fumble recovery