TOPEKA — The first official day of practice begins on Monday. The teams are preparing offensive schemes, working fundamentals and gearing into shape. Anything can happen this season, which is what makes high school football so intriguing.
There are some key players in the Topeka-area that hope to etch their names into the history books this fall. Below are 10 players nominated for the Topeka Capital-Journal's preseason football player of the year. Voting for the award closes at noon on Friday.
Elijah Berg, Topeka West
The senior will play both sides of the ball for the Chargers this year. He was a top target for Topeka West last season while he racked up tackles in the secondary. Berg has scholarship offers from Bethany College and Ottawa to play football at the next level.
Logan Cathcart, Silver Lake
The wide receiver is one of the most dynamic playmakers for the Eagles leading into the new season. The senior is a returning starter that delivered big plays last season thanks to speed and strength.
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Tayson Horak, Rossville
The senior was voted Rossville's offensive MVP last season. Horak accounted for 17 touchdowns as he can play multiple positions including quarterback.
Max Huston, Seaman
The senior quarterback had an incredible season a year ago. Huston threw for 3,257 yards and 39 touchdowns. He was intercepted only two times as all three statistical categories are Seaman school records. Huston is primed for another big year with the Vikings as he holds offers from Washburn, Minnesota State Mankato, Mid-America Nazarene, Midland University and Benedictine College.
Jayden Norman, Topeka High
The senior wide receiver has only improved his game each season since freshman year. Norman was named All-Centennial League First Team last year. His breakaway speed will continue to cause problems against opposing defenses. Norman has offers to play college football at Washburn and Hutchinson Community College.
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Tyren Parker, Shawnee Heights
The junior burst onto the scene last year with incredible plays on offense and defense. Parker is gaining Division I interest as he has college offers from Kansas, Kansas State and Iowa State. Parker has some of the best hands in the state and he will show it with deep touchdown grabs this fall. His tracking ability on defense also makes him a shutdown corner.
Jase Pavlik, Cair Paravel
The senior quarterback will be relied on for his experience from last year's run to the state semifinal. It will be Cair Paravel's first year in 11-man football and Pavlik's game will translate nicely. Last year, Pavlik rushed for 18 touchdowns on 1,136 yards rushing. He also tossed 38 touchdowns and and completed 70% of his throws.
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Jensen Schrickel, Hayden
The senior will be making his third season on the starting roster for the Wildcats. The speedster will be torching defenses on the outside this fall. Last year, he scored 10 touchdowns and caught 683 receiving yards while rushing for 268 yards.
Lafayette Thompson, Washburn Rural
The senior will be asked to play an important role on the offensive side of the ball this season. Thompson showcased his speed and strength last year as he made lung-busting runs through the heart of opposing defenses. The running-back secured an offer from Washburn this summer.
Jamon Wilson, Highland Park
The senior is the top returning offensive threat for the Scots. Wilson scored the most touchdowns of any player back with the roster. He caught six touchdowns and rushed for four others as he was named second-team All-Meadowlark Conference.
Liam Keating covers high school sports for The Topeka Capital-Journal. Send stats or information to him at Lkeating@gannett.com
This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Vote for the Capital-Journal's preseason football player of the year
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