It perhaps had never happened in the history of high school football.
On Friday night Sunrise Christian Academy (Bel Aire, Kan.) set two state records and extended another during the same game, a season-ending 34-12 victory over Regents Prep (Tulsa, Okla.).
Prestyn Atherton broke state receiving
yards mark.
Photo courtesy of Corbin Rasmussen
Junior quarterback
Zach Howell, who already held some state records, completed 37 of 52 passes for 410 yards and five touchdowns. The 6-foot-1, 160-pounder finished the year with a state-record 4,208 yards (327 of 405, 47 touchdowns). The previous record was 3,844 yards.
"Howell has established himself as a Division I recruit," Sunrise Christian Academy coach Trey Hall said. "He has thrown a TD pass to seven different receivers this year and we have 10 different receivers with at least one reception. He spends time improving his talents on the field, in the weight room and studying film."
Two senior wide receivers are at the top of the record book for single-season feats.
Prestyn Atherton (5-11, 170) caught 10 passes for 184 yards to finish his senior season with a record 1,548 receiving yards. The previous mark was 1,422.
"(Atherton) is a strong, talented receiver who finds ways to get open," Hall said. "He and Howell spent many hours in the off-season together getting better and it shows. Prestyn stays after practice and puts in the extra work."
Bo Westerfield extended his state
catches record.
Photo courtesy of Corbin Rasmussen
(6-3, 165) made 10 catches for 94 yards and finished the season with a record 98 receptions, extending his own record. The previous mark was 81.
"Bo is a tall target with great hands," Hall said. "Howell knows that if he throws the ball in Westerfield's direction, Bo will get the ball. He is a tough kid with a great work ethic.
"To have three kids set state records in one season is a great feeling. We know it's due to a total team effort that started way back in the winter and showed on the field this fall. I am very proud of our team and for these three great young men. All three kids would tell you that none of these records would be possible without the offensive line and other members of our team."
