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 2024 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.
In a 35-13 win over Hays in the state title game, Arndt rushed for 202 yards and two touchdowns. That put him right at 2,000 yards rushing for the season while accounting for 28 total touchdowns.
Calin Arndt hit the 2,000-yard mark on the ground in the state championship game, helping Saint Thomas Aquinas cap a 13-0 season. (Photo: Mike Cerny)
Aquinas took down the five-time defending Class 5A state champs in the quarterfinals with a 23-22 win over Mill Valley (Shawnee). The Saints were trailing 22-15 with 2:15 left and facing a fourth-and-16 at Mill Valley's 45 when head coach Randy Dreiling called for a halfback pass and Arndt connected with
Will Callahan for a first down. Arndt was nearly sacked but broke out of a tackle and took a huge hit right after heaving it down field.
Later in the drive, Arndt punched it in from 15 yards out to cut the deficit to 22-21 with 58 seconds remaining. The Saints went for the win and Arndt successfully ran it in on the two-point conversion. He finished with two rushing scores as they snapped a three-game skid in the playoffs against the Jaguars.
The following week Arndt ran 29 times for 151 yards In a 24-17 win over St. James Academy (Lenexa) in the semifinals.
In a 25-21 win over Blue Valley West (Stilwell) to open the season, Arndt rushed for 231 yards and two touchdowns. A week later, he rushed for 212 yards and three scores in a 28-7 win over St. James Academy.
Each state's MaxPreps Player of the Year will be considered for inclusion in the MaxPreps All-America Team.
Past MaxPreps Kansas Players of the Year
2020 — Dasan McCullough, LB, Blue Valley North (Overland Park)
2021 — Mike Pauley, QB, Blue Valley Northwest (Overland Park)
2022 — Avery Johnson, QB, Maize
2023 — Dylan Dunn, QB, Blue Valley Southwest (Overland Park)
