Each year since 2006, MaxPreps has recognized outstanding performers in high school football. America's source for high school sports continues the tradition to close out the 2021 season by naming the top player in each state. Selections are based on team success and individual excellence, in addition to local and state accolades.
Mikey Pauley of
Blue Valley Northwest (Overland Park) is the 2021 MaxPreps Kansas High School Football Player of the Year. The 6-foot-5, 200-pound quarterback helped the Huskies go 12-1 and capture the Class 6A state championship.
The senior completed 15-of-21 passes for 186 yards and one touchdown in a 41-21 state-title win over three-time defending champion Derby. He als ran for another 157 yards and four scores on 32 carries.
For the season, Pauley completed 68 percent of his passes for 1,945 yards and 23 touchdowns while running for 1,214 yards and 22 more scores. Pauley completed 44-of-63 passes for 633 yards and five touchdowns in postseason play. Clint Rider's star player added 543 yards and another 14 scores on 81 carries through five playoff wins.
Pauley's top performance through the air came in a 49-36 win over Kansas perennial power Bishop Miege, when he completed 21 of 29 aerials for 358 yards and four touchdowns. In a 35-21 season-opening triumph over rival Blue Valley, Pauley ran for 167 yards and two scores on 18 carries.
Former Blue Valley North linebacker Dasan McCullough was the 2020 MaxPreps Kansas Player of the Year. McCullough has since transferred to Bloomington (Ind.) South when his father Deland McCullough joined Tom Allen's staff with the Indiana Hoosiers.
Each state's MaxPreps Player of the Year will be considered for inclusion in the MaxPreps All-America Team, which will be released in early January.
