By FHSU SPORTS INFORMATION
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Fort Hays State Football received 17 selections in the All-MIAA Football Team for the 2023 season, announced on Tuesday (Nov. 14). The Tigers received one first-team, four second-team, five third team, and seven honorable mention selections. The Tigers finished in a tie for fifth in the conference standings at 6-4 and went 7-4 overall for the season.
The lone first-team selection for FHSU went to John Johnson (LB). Second-team picks were Trevor Watts(WR), Myles Menges (DL), Mason Perez (DB), and Kobe Rome (DB). Third-team selections were Jack Dawson(QB), Josh Shaw (OL), Parrish Terry (DL), Jason Wallace(DL), and Makel Williams (LB). Honorable mention nods went to Jayden Horace (WR), Cale Cormaney (TE), Dawson Reynolds (OL), Kofi Karikari (OL), Carson Arndt(K), Trevion Mitchell (DB), and Sam Brandt (DB).
Johnson earns his first All-MIAA selection at linebacker, headlining the Tiger list as a first-team selection. Johnson led the Tigers in tackles with 89 for the season, while also adding two interceptions and four pass breakups. He finished the regular season ranked third in the MIAA for tackles per game (8.1).
Watts picks up his first All-MIAA selection as well at wide receiver, earning a second-team pick. He led the Tigers in receptions (77) and receiving yards (885), while scoring three touchdowns. He finished the regular season ranked fourth in the MIAA in receiving yards and receptions.
Menges is now a three-time All-MIAA selection. He has progressed one notch up the list each year on the field, earning an honorable mention selection as a freshman in 2021 at linebacker, and a third-team selection as a sophomore in 2022 on the defensive line. This year he is a second-team pick on the defensive line. He finished the regular season leading the Tigers in sacks (7.0) and tackles for loss (10.5). He ranked second in the MIAA in sacks, only behind Defensive Player of the Year Dakari Streeter from Missouri Western. He also notched 44 tackles, an interception, and five pass breakups for the season.
Perez is now a two-time All-MIAA selection as a defensive back. He was a third-team selection last year and elevates to a second-team pick this year. Perez ranked fourth in tackles for the Tigers with 55, while recording an interception, a forced fumble, and five pass breakups from his free safety position.
Rome picks up his first All-MIAA selection as a second-team pick. The Tiger cornerback tied for the team lead in interceptions with three for the season, which included two in one game. He ranked seventh on the team in tackles with 40 and added five pass breakups.
Dawson received his first All-MIAA selection as a third-team pick at quarterback. He finished the year completing 238 passes for 2,832 yards and 27 touchdowns, while also rushing for 62 yards and four touchdowns. His season-high for passing was 362 yards in the final game of the season. Dawson ranked third in the MIAA in pass completions, yards, and touchdowns.
Shaw received his first All-MIAA pick on the offensive line. He started all 11 games at left guard in 2023, helping the team to 4,622 yards of total offense, averaging 420.2 per game. The Tigers ranked fifth in the MIAA in total offense.
Terry received an All-MIAA selection in his first year on the field for the Tigers, earning a third-team pick. The redshirt-freshman led Tiger defensive linemen in tackles with 46, while ranking fifth overall on the team. He was right behind Menges in tackles for loss with 10 for the season and also ranked second on the team in sacks with 4.5. Terry ranked seventh in the MIAA in tackles for loss.
Wallace received his first All-MIAA pick on the defensive line as a third-team selection. The defensive tackle finished the season with 33 stops, including 2.5 sacks, while starting all 11 contests.
Williams is now a two-time All-MIAA selection at linebacker, receiving a third-team selection for the second-straight year. He ranked second on the team in tackles this season with 75 and tie for the team lead in interceptions with three. He ranked sixth in the MIAA in tackles per game (6.8).
Horace was a big addition to the Tiger receiver lineup in 2023, picking up an honorable mention selection after transferring from Allen University. He finished the year with 36 receptions for 579 yards and a team-best 11 touchdowns. He ranked fourth in the MIAA in receiving touchdowns and 10th in receiving yards.
Cormaney picked up his first all-conference selection, an honorable mention pick at tight end. He finished with 33 receptions for 372 yards and two touchdowns.
Reynolds picked up an all-conference selection in his first season at FHSU after transferring from UT-Permian Basin. He started all 11 contests this year at right guard, helping the Tigers to 4,622 yards of total offense.
Karikari also received an honorable mention selection in his first year on the field for the Tigers. He started eight games at left tackle this year, helping the Tigers to 4,622 yards of total offense.
Arndt received an honorable mention pick at kicker in his first year at FHSU. He led the team in scoring with 68 points, going a perfect 47-of-47 on PAT attempts and 7-of-11 on field goal attempts. His season long for a field goal was 44 yards.
Mitchell receives his first all-conference selection as an honorable mention pick at defensive back. The Tiger cornerback finished the year with 38 tackles, one interception, and four pass breakups.
Brandt also picked up his first all-conference selection as an honorable mention pick at defensive back. He ranked third on the team in tackles this season with 56, while leading the team in pass breakups with seven. He also added 1.5 sacks for the season.
Below is the entire 2023 All-MIAA Football Team.
2023 MIAA POSTSEASON AWARDS
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Zach Zebrowski, Central Missouri, QB, Sr.
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Dakari Streeter, Missouri Western, DL, Sr.
SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Ross Brungardt, Emporia State, P, Sr.
FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR: Seth Cromwell, Missouri Western, RB
COACH OF THE YEAR: Josh Lamberson, Central Missouri
2023 ALL-MIAA FIRST TEAM
OFFENSE
Quarterback – Braden Gleason – Emporia State*
Quarterback – Zach Zebrowski – Central Missouri*
Running Back – Jay Harris – Northwest Missouri
Wide Receiver – Tyler Kahmann – Emporia State
Wide Receiver – Arkell Smith – Central Missouri*
Wide Receiver – Jaylen Varner – Emporia State
Tight End/Fullback – Devon Garrison – Pittsburg State
All-Purpose Back – Marcellous Hawkins – Central Missouri
Offensive Line – Gabe Clark – Central Missouri*
Offensive Line – Sherman Deaton – Emporia State
Offensive Line – Layne Grantham – Central Oklahoma
Offensive Line – Trase Jeffries – Pittsburg State*
Offensive Line – Keith Russell – Missouri Western*
Kicker – Cody Watson – Missouri Western
DEFENSE
Defensive Line – Jake Fisher – Northwest Missouri
Defensive Line – Dubem Okonkwo – Pittsburg State
Defensive Line – David Olajiga – Central Missouri
Defensive Line – Dakari Streeter – Missouri Western*
Defensive Line – Jordan Williams – Emporia State
Linebacker – Jack Barkley – Pittsburg State
Linebacker – Alex Gaskill – Pittsburg State
Linebacker – John Johnson – Fort Hays State
Defensive Back – Michael Lacey – Pittsburg State*
Defensive Back – Wyryor Noil – Central Missouri
Defensive Back – Rico Payton – Pittsburg State
Defensive Back – Cahleel Smith – Northwest Missouri
Punter – Ross Brungardt – Emporia State*
*Indicates unanimous selection
2023 ALL-MIAA SECOND TEAM
OFFENSE
Quarterback – Chad Dodson, Jr. – Pittsburg State
Running Back – Marcellous Hawkins – Central Missouri
Wide Receiver – Demarcus Gregory – Central Missouri
Wide Receiver – Kashan Griffin – Northwest Missouri
Wide Receiver – Jack Pospisil – Central Missouri
Wide Receiver – Trevor Watts – Fort Hays State
Tight End/Fullback – Deontay Campbell – Missouri Southern
All-Purpose Back – Billy Ross, Jr. – Emporia State
Offensive Line – Evan Clark – Missouri Western
Offensive Line – Andrew Funk – Washburn
Offensive Line – Zane Madison – Pittsburg State
Offensive Line – Derec Weyer – Northwest Missouri
Offensive Line – Liam Wortmann – Central Missouri
Kicker – Austin Schmidt – Pittsburg State
Kick/Punter Returner – DJ Bell – Washburn
DEFENSE
Defensive Line – Kobe Clayborne – Northwest Missouri
Defensive Line – Weston King – Central Missouri
Defensive Line – Myles Menges – Fort Hays State
Defensive Line – CJ Ravenell – Missouri Western
Defensive Line – Tell Spies – Nebraska Kearney
Linebacker – Cale Miller – Central Missouri
Linebacker – Anthony Villanueva – Missouri Western
Linebacker – Isaac Vollstedt – Northwest Missouri
Defensive Back – Curtis Appleton – Central Missouri
Defensive Back – Jaylen Fuksa – Pittsburg State
Defensive Back – Trae Holmes – Missouri Western
Defensive Back – Jaaron Joseph – Emporia State
Defensive Back – Mason Perez – Fort Hays State
Defensive Back – Kobe Rome – Fort Hays State
Defensive Back – Montrell Wilson – Emporia State
Punter – Grayson Miller – Central Oklahoma
– Reflects ties in voting
2023 ALL-MIAA THIRD TEAM
OFFENSE
Quarterback – Jack Dawson – Fort Hays State
Quarterback – Mike Hohensee – Northwest Missouri
Running Back – Seth Cromwell – Missouri Western
Wide Receiver – Jonas Bennett – Missouri Western
Wide Receiver – Kolbe Katsis – Pittsburg State
Wide Receiver – Jaedon Stoshak – Missouri Southern
Tight End/Fullback – Oscar Hammond – Central Oklahoma
All-Purpose Back – Brandon Hall – Missouri Western
Offensive Line – Kenny Fehrman – Missouri Southern
Offensive Line – Carlos Guzman – Emporia State
Offensive Line – Hunter Hays – Nebraska Kearney
Offensive Line – Brenden McClure – Missouri Western
Offensive Line – Josh Shaw – Fort Hays State
Kicker – Drake Reese – Missouri Southern
Kick/Punter Returner – Kolbe Katsis – Pittsburg State
DEFENSE
Defensive Line – Ryland Miller – Emporia State
Defensive Line – Cole Sample – Pittsburg State
Defensive Line – Parrish Terry – Fort Hays State
Defensive Line – Jason Wallace – Fort Hays State
Defensive Line – Noah West – Central Oklahoma
Linebacker – Chance Rodriguez – Emporia State
Linebacker – Makel Williams – Fort Hays State
Linebacker – Colton Winder – Missouri Southern
Defensive Back – Charles Gadie – Northwest Missouri
Defensive Back – Jordan Rogers – Pittsburg State
Defensive Back – Armani Webster – Nebraska Kearney
Defensive Back – Tay Williams – Missouri Western
Punter – Evan Williams – Missouri Western
2023 ALL-MIAA HONORABLE MENTION
CENTRAL MISSOURI: Price Morgan, WR; Reed Kaburick, OL; Josh Bean, DL; Noah Blair, DB
CENTRAL OKLAHOMA: Terrill Davis, WR; Andrew Carney, APB; Montriel Lee, OL; Connor Johnson, LB
EMPORIA STATE: Tommy Zimmerman, TE/FB; Dante Smith-Posey, OL; Trevion Mitchell, OL; Maquay Shaw, DL; Rafe Goucher, DL
FORT HAYS STATE:Jayden Horace, WR; Cale Cormaney, TE/FB; Dawson Reynolds, OL; Kofi KariKari, OL; Carson Arndt, K; Trevion Mitchell, DB; Sam Brandt, DB
MISSOURI SOUTHERN: Luke Sampson, QB; Joaquin Tapusoa, OL; Dylan Wright, DL; Ife Current, DB; Ian McSwain, DB
MISSOURI WESTERN: Armani Edden, QB; Will Schwartrz, TE/FB; James Lucio, OL; Jalen Lampley, K/P Ret.; Brandon Johnson, DL; Kienen Gaskin, LB; Brayden Wright, DB
NEBRASKA KEARNEY: TJ Davis, QB; Quillan Felton, DL; Zach Schlager, LB; Tre O’Guinn, DB
NORTHEASTERN STATE: Makarios Brown, LB; Tyler Crawford, P
NORTHWEST MISSOURI: Tank Young, APB; Wes Merriman, OL; Jake Winslow, OL; Noah Guastella, K; Clayton Power, DL; Bryce Krone, LB; Andrew Dumas, LB
PITTSBURG STATE: Antwan Squire, RB; Noah Hernandez, APB; Drew Daniels, OL; Ryan Medeiros, K/P Ret; Luke Jennings, LB
WASHBURN: DJ Bell, WR; Chase McCoy, DL; Patrick Altenor, DL