photo by: Adobe Stock
The Journal-World All-Area teams are carefully selected by the Journal-World sports staff.
Coach of the Year: Drew Steffen, Eudora
photo by: Mike Gunnoe/Special to the Journal-World
Eudora head coach Drew Steffen looks on against Bishop Miege on Friday, Nov. 14, 2025 in Eudora.
The Cardinals had a deep playoff push this season while having the best regular season record in the 4A East. Eudora dominated on the ground both offensively and defensively thanks to the team’s leadership on the offensive and defensive lines.
Player of the Year: Cage Crabill, Eudora
photo by: Contributed
Cage Crabill
Crabill earned first-team all-Frontier League honors as a center and defensive linemen for the Cardinals. Crabill as a senior leader was instrumental in helping the team to a 9-2 record including a perfect 6-0 record in the Frontier League.
Jaxon Becker, Lawrence
photo by: Val Montanez/Special to the Journal-World
Lawrence High senior wide receiver Jaxon Becker looks at the crowd after scoring a touchdown against Shawnee Mission East on Friday, Oct. 3, 2025, in Lawrence.
Becker recorded 32 receptions for 452 yards his senior year and became the school’s all-time leader in receptions with 114. For his season, he was named second-team all-Sunflower League.
Leland Bradshaw, Eudora
Leland Bradshaw
Bradshaw was a trench warrior for the Eudora Cardinals, playing both guard and defensive tackle. He earned first-team all-Frontier League honors and was a three-year starter. He and his fellow linemates were the driving force behind Eudora’s 9-2 record.
Amos Brackenhoff, Perry-Lecompton
Amos Brackenhoff
Brakenhoff was a two-way star for the Kaws and was a first-team all-Big East selection at linebacker and a second-team selection at running back. He totaled 859 rushing yards and 94 tackles with six being tackles for loss.
Maddon Brittingham, Free State
photo by: Kahner Sampson/Special to the Journal-World
Free State junior Maddon Brittingham looks to his coaches between plays of the Firebirds’ game against Olathe North on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, at Free State High School in Lawrence.
Brittingham carried the ball 151 times for 1,101 yards and 17 touchdowns this season, while also adding 60 tackles on defense for the Firebirds. Brittingham’s legs carried the Firebirds through the season.
Josh Galbreath, Lawrence
photo by: Kahner Sampson/Special to the Journal-World
Lawrence seniors Josh Galbreath (front) and Turner Juelsgaard get into position during the Lions’ game against Olathe Northwest on Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025, at the CBAC in Olathe.
Galbreath was a chess piece at linebacker for the Lions during his senior season. He had 77 tackles, eight tackles for loss and four sacks. His sack numbers led the Sunflower League in the regular season, and he earned first-team All-Sunflower League honors.
Grayson Moody, Eudora
Grayson Moody
Moody ran for 1,500 rushing yards as part of a two-back system with the Eudora Cardinals this season. The junior earned second-team All-Frontier League with 20 touchdowns on the season in his second year starting.
Finn Moore, Free State
photo by: Kahner Sampson/Special to the Journal-World
Free State quarterback Finn Moore leads the play down the field during the Firebirds’ playoff game against Olathe East on Friday, Oct. 31, 2025, at Free State High School in Lawrence.
Moore quarterbacked the Free State offense but was most dangerous when using his legs in the ground game with over 1,400 rushing yards. As a defender, he accrued 51 tackles including two forced fumbles.
Brenden O’Connor, Baldwin
Brenden O’Connor
O’Connor led the Baldwin defense at linebacker and finished with 72 tackles, two sacks and 10 tackles for loss. The senior earned second-team all-Frontier League honors for his season.
Braden Wilmes, Free State
photo by: Nathan Friedman/Special to the Journal-World
Free State senior offensive lineman Braden Wilmes runs sits near the review screen during the game against Gardner Edgerton, Friday, Sept. 5, 2025, in Lawrence.
Wilmes anchored the Firebirds’ offensive line at left tackle and was one of the best linemen in the state. Wilmes was dominant in pass and run blocking and helped lead the Free State offense to the playoffs.
Honorable Mentions: Bryis Alford, Baldwin; Alex Bart, Lawrence; Trevor Conklin, Perry-Lecompton; Devin Foster, Lawrence; Chance Gray, Perry-Lecompton; Wyatt Hendricks, Lawrence; Garrison Oatis, Free State; Ethan Prescott, Free State; Jackson Rood, Baldwin; Sammy Sengchan, Free State.
