Midseason Standouts: Vote for the South Bend Tribune High School Football Player of the Year

Photo byAustin Hough

As we pass the halfway mark of the IHSAA football season, the South Bend Tribune has unveiled its High School Football Midseason Player of the Year watchlist. Twelve athletes have made an impact with their stellar performances and now stand as the frontrunners for the coveted title. While other players could emerge by season’s end, these 12 have set themselves apart, showcasing their skills and leadership on the field.

Meet the Midseason Contenders:

1. Ethan Brunner – Concord Minutemen
   Brunner has been a dual threat for the Minutemen, completing 74 of 98 passes for 937 yards and 11 touchdowns, along with 90 rushing yards and two scores. He also averages 37.6 yards per punt, making Concord the only unbeaten team in the Tribune’s coverage area.
2. Carson Cebra – Edwardsburg Eddies (Michigan)
   Leading the charge for Edwardsburg, Cebra has rushed for 425 yards and four touchdowns, playing a pivotal role in the Eddies’ 3-1 start.
3. Kros Jones – Elkhart Lions
   Jones has been a defensive powerhouse for Elkhart, with 28 tackles, 15 of which were for a loss, and three sacks. His dominant performance anchors the Lions’ 4-1 record.
4. Adrian Holley – Michigan City Wolves
   The University of Kansas commit has proven his worth with 43 tackles (11 for loss) and four sacks. Holley also showcases his versatility on the offensive line.
5. Jackson Snyder – Mishawaka Cavemen
   Snyder has been a two-way force with 230 rushing yards and three touchdowns on offense, while leading the Cavemen’s defense with 51 tackles and one interception.
6. Kaleb Johnson – Mishawaka Marian Knights
   Johnson has terrorized opposing backfields, recording 30 tackles (11 for loss) and four sacks, making him a defensive juggernaut for the Knights.
7. Sam Rucker – Niles Vikings (Michigan)
   Rucker leads the Vikings' rushing attack with 404 yards and nine touchdowns. His versatility extends to special teams, where he has amassed 193 kickoff return yards and one touchdown, while averaging 35 yards per punt.
8. Micah Jarrell – NorthWood Panthers
   Jarrell has seamlessly taken over the quarterback role, throwing for 709 yards, nine touchdowns, and only two interceptions. He’s also added 278 rushing yards and three scores on the ground.
9. Tayshon Bardo – Penn Kingsmen
   Bardo’s breakout season includes 16 receptions for 284 yards and seven touchdowns, propelling Penn to a 4-1 record.
10. Mur'i Jackson – South Bend Riley Wildcats
    Jackson has been a disruptive force on defense, tallying 32 tackles (10 for loss), three pass deflections, two sacks, two safeties, a fumble recovery, and a touchdown in just four games.
11. AJ LaSane – South Bend Saint Joseph Huskies
    LaSane has thrown for 791 yards and six touchdowns on 62 completions, leading the Huskies to a solid 3-2 record.

Now it's time for you to weigh in! Cast your vote for who you believe deserves the title of South Bend Tribune High School Football Midseason Player of the Year. Voting is open until 11:59 p.m. ET this Sunday, with the winner being announced on Monday morning.