2023 Football Offense Finalists

Jamarion Smith

The Bulldogs running back had one of the best seasons ever in southeast Missouri. Smith rushed 274 times for 2392 yards and 33 touchdowns. He had eight receptions for 110 yards and a touchdown and returned 13 kickoffs for 314 yards. He also threw a 70-yard touchdown pass this past season. Smith led Portageville to a 10-3 overall record and the school’s first district championship (C1D1) since 2002. Smith rushed for 514 yards in a district semifinal win over Scott City. It was the fourth most yards rushing yards in a game in the history of Missouri High School football, and the most ever by a SEMO area player.

Mark Panagos

The junior rushed for over 1,100 yards and 23 touchdowns while also throwing for over 1,000 yards and 9 touchdowns. Panagos and the Rams finished the season 9-2. Panagos was also the recipient of the E.E. “Bus” Carr Trophy.

Zai'Aire Thomas

The sophomore broke out in a big way as he rushed for over 1,000 yards and 18 touchdowns while also being a dynamic kick returner for the Tigers. Thomas also played a crucial role in leading the Tigers to a 10-4 season that ended in the Class 5 state semifinals.

Jadis Jones

The uber-talented Jones made a huge splash this season. He finished with 38 receptions for 934 yards and 17 touchdowns this past season and helped the Eagles to a 9-2 overall record and second place in Class 2, District 1. Jones earned all-conference, all-district, all-region and all-state honors this past season.

Chris Grissom

Grissom completed 106-of-169 pass attempts for 1,261 yards and 35 touchdowns with five interceptions this past season. He set school records for pass completion percentage, passing yards and passing touchdowns. Grissom helped the Eagles to a 9-2 overall record and earned all-conference, all-district and all-region honors. He was also a finalist for the Carr Trophy.

Reece Eftink

Eftink was a workhorse back for the Kelly Hawks this past season. He rushed 170 times for 1,340 yards and 16 touchdowns and led Kelly to a 5-5 overall record. He also had 14 receptions for 102 yards and five kickoff returns for 97 yards. Eftink earned all-conference, all-district, all-region and all-state honors.

Daniel Boatman

Kennett senior running back Daniel Boatman earned first team All-Conference, All-District and All-Region honors in addition to a scholarship to play at Culver-Stockton College. Boatman concluded the season with 210 carries for 1,470 yards and 20 touchdowns. He also had 16 receptions for 181 yards and four additional touchdowns. Boatman helped lead the Indians through an adverse season for a 7-4 record.

Christian Schaaf

Schaaf had a massive year for the Indians as the junior threw for over 1,700 yards and 20 touchdowns. The Indians finished the season 7-3 and Schaaf was crucial in the team’s success.

Morgan Diamond

The senior quarterback threw for the second most yards in the area eclipsing 1,100 yards through the air while also throwing 15 touchdowns and just 4 interceptions. Diamond was a warrior playing through a broken finger at one point during the season.

Isaiah Davis

One of the top receivers in the area, Davis hauled in over 50 passes for over 600 yards and 11 touchdowns. Davis was a steady member of the Indians’ offense in 2022 as the team finished with a 6-4 record. Davis will continue playing football at Southwest Baptist.