Below is a look at 810 Varsity's listing for the Player of the Year race for big class (Class 6, Class 5) for 2023.

QB, Senior

Stats
3,287 passing yards, 42 TDs
Team Record: 10-1

Dunn has been leading the Timberwolves to their best season ever, sweeping the Blue Valley schools and a 42-21 drubbing of St. Thomas Aquinas. Dunn leads the Metro in all passing numbers despite one less regular season game than Missouri, and doing it in the EKL is very strong.

Prediction: A win over Mill Valley and into the Kansas Class 5A state title game likely wraps it. A big effort and loss to Mill Valley may still wrap it. A loss and Grain Valley/Ty Williams advancing will make the two-man race interesting.

>> Dylan Dunn stats, player page <<

RB, Senior

Stats
2,311 rushing yards, 32 TDs
385 receiving yards, 5 TDs
Team Record: 10-1

Williams has exploded from the outset with 228 rushing yards and four touchdowns in the season opening 46-42 win vs Fort Osage, and more video game numbers with 398 totals yards and six touchdowns at Platte County, then 361 yards and 4 TDs at Blue Springs South. Even in limited duty in the first round of the playoffs, Williams rolled up 172 yards and 4 rushing TDs on just 15 carries,

Prediction: Top 3 and perhaps winner. Likely needs to beat Webb City and into state final to take the award.

>> Ty Williams stats, player page <<

QB, Junior

Stats
2,167 passing yards, 24 TDs
Team Record: 10-1

Martin has been steady while piling up a 73.7 completion percentage to lead the Eagles to blowout wins since the season-opening loss to Lee's Summit North.

What’s needed: The numbers are strong and being the QB on one of the top two teams and KC and getting the Eagles to the Class 6 semis or title game could put Martin in the finalists. 

>> Tillman Martin stats, player page <<

QB, Senior

Stats
891 passing yards, 14 TDs
638 rushing yards, 9 TDs
Team Record: 11-0

Hinkle has come up with big plays when the Northmen needed it during their undefeated regular season and district title run. The senior does it by ground and air - and even punts. Hinkle was named the Suburban Red Offensive Player of the Year.

What’s needed: More likely to be a finalist, unless Oak Park wins the Missouri Class 6 title.

>> Aiden Hinkle stats, player page <<

QB, Senior

Stats
2,204 receiving yards, 24 TDs
440 rushing yards, 5 TDs
Team Record: 10-1

Leonard has led the Broncos offense with a steady game of about 205 passing yards and 2+ passing scores a game, and then a big run here and there. A toss loss in the playoffs and potential game-winning drive stalling hurts.

Prediction: One of top 10 players and potential in the final four.

>> Elijah Leonard stats, player page <<

RB, Junior

Stats
1,626 rushing yards, 26 TDs
Team Record: 11-0

Pankey has helped lead Oak Park to its first undefeated regular season since 2000. Pankey has teamed with quarterback Aiden Hinkle for a balanced attack.  

What’s needed: Keep on winning, keep on racking up numbers and Pankey will stay near the top of the watch list.

>> Travon Pankey stats, player page <<

WR, Junior

Stats
1,083 receiving yards, 13 TDs
158 rushing yards, TD
Team Record: 10-1

Usually Lee's Summit North's style and balance doesn't have players atop the leaderboard for stats, but Mozee leads Missouri big class receivers in yardage and second in touchdowns. And has come up with back-breaking touchdowns against Liberty North and Lee's Summit, and three scores in a cross-state showdown with Blue Valley Northwest amidst a four-game stretch with 100+ yards. The next game? 96 yards and 2 TDs in a 28-21 win over then-unbeated Lee's Summit West.

However,  the last receiver to win the Player of the Year award was Ronnie Bell in 2018, with a ridiculous 1,605 yards and 21 touchdowns. So it takes that kind of year to win as a wideout.

Prediction: Will be in final 10 and perhaps may be in the final four. A playoff exit in districts likely crimped Mozee's chances for the award - this year. 

>> Isaiah Mozee stats, player page <<

Wesley Edison, Free State
Will be in the mix for the top 10, but early playoff exit stings for the Firebird.

Ryver Peppers, Fort Osage
Great year for certain. Didn't have the big numbers in losses - which is partially the reason the Fort lost in those contests. Will be back next year.

TJ Porter, Olathe North
Like many on top teams, numbers haven't been astounding due to blowout wins. Moving up to the semifinalists list as the Eagles keep winning.

Bravin Powell, Gardner-Edgerton
The numbers don't knock your socks off, but that's what happens when you play in blowouts most games. Can be in the top 10 semifinalist as the Trailblazers move closer to the title game.

Alex Parks, BV Southwest
One of top receivers in Metro having a monster year, will be in receiver of year finalists

Bryce Lisaka, Park Hill
20 total TDs between rushing (10), receiving (9) and passing (1).

Melvin Laster, Liberty North
Heart of a stifling defense

Ethan Hansen, Rockhurst
Hawklets style and balance doesn't always put up the big numbers. But Hawklets one of the best teams in area, and Hansen a reason.

Keelan Smith, Liberty North
Will be in the mix for receiver of the year with 956 yards and 14 scores, and some monster games.

Tanner Howes, Lee's Summit North
Would be higher normally, but how many Broncos can be in the top 10?

Colton McKanna, Spring Hill
McKanna put up big numbers, but getting injured during the playoffs hurt.