After an exciting high school football season where numerous athletes were noted for their prowess on the field, Holden Barker of Crest High School has emerged as The Iola Register’s player of the year.
Of the 187 votes cast, Barker won by 11 votes.
Others in the running were Humboldt High quarterback Gavin Page, Humboldt running back Trey Sommer, Marmaton Valley wide receiver Jaedon Granere, Iola High linebacker Tyler Boeken and Yates Center High School linebacker Shane Weber.
Numerous other players were named to the KSHSAA all-state teams.
Two IHS players made the All-Class 3A all-state team. Tyler Boeken, the Register’s defensive player of the year, was an honorable mention selection at offensive/defensive line. Adam Atwell was named an honorable mention linebacker.
Two Marmaton Valley players were selected as All-Eight-Player Division I honorable mentions. Granere was selected at offensive/defensive end. Quincy Adams was selected on special teams.
Three Humboldt players received All-Class 2A all-state accolades. Maddox Johnson was named to the All-Class 2A first-team offensive line. Sommer was a first-team selection as an at-large defender. Page received honorable mention as an offensive back. River Kaufman was an honorable mention selection at offensive/defensive line.
Three Yates Center players were selected for the All-Eight-Player Division I team as honorable mentions. Blake Audiss was selected on the offensive/defensive line. Sean Hurst was selected at offensive/defensive back. Jayston Rice was selected at linebacker.
Weber led the area with 25 tackles for loss and four sacks but did not receive all-state honors.
