2024 Football Offense Finalists

Jamarion Smith

Smith has left an indelible mark on the program, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest players in its history. The awe-inspiring numbers speak for themselves: this season, the first-team all-stater amassed an incredible 2,463 rushing yards, securing his name in the history of Missouri high school football as the 23rd-highest total recorded. Remarkably, his 47 rushing touchdowns rank as the sixth-highest in the state's history. Smith recently signed with Southeast Missouri State University.

Keyshawn Boyd

Boyd had a monster year in the backfield for the Cape Central Tigers as he etched his name in the record books at Cape Central. Boyd rushed for over 2,200 yards, and 34 touchdowns and also set the school record for longest rushing touchdown with a 99-yard touchdown run. Boyd did all of this in just his sophomore season with the Tigers and after helping lead them to another final four appearance, he is poised to run it back in 2024.

Zai'Aire Thomas

Like his fellow running back KeyShawn Boyd, Thomas had a huge year for the Tigers. Thomas was instrumental in both the run game and the passing game, scoring some timely touchdowns for the Tigers throughout their 10-4 season that saw them make a run to the final four in Class 5. Like Boyd, Thomas will return in 2024 and will once again look to lead the Tigers on yet another deep postseason run.

Mark Panagos

Perhaps one of the best dual-threat talents in the area, Panagos showed why he is one of the area’s best. Panagos threw for over 1,300 yards and also ran for over 800 yards on the ground. It was clear for the Rams that as Panagos went, they went as they finished the season 9-3 with an appearance in the Class 2 District 1 championship game.

Tyson Underwood

Underwood was one of the area’s best running backs as he was a 1,000-yard rusher in 2023 and also proved to be a threat through the air as well. Underwood and Panagos were crucial for any success the Rams had in 2023 as they reached the Class 2 District 1 Championship game and finished the year 9-3.

Jadis Jones

Standing tall at an imposing 6-foot-5 and 200 pounds, the senior was a nightmare for opposing defenses, racking up an impressive 1,043 yards on 54 receptions, punctuated by 18 touchdowns guiding his team to a conference championship. Already recognized as a first-team all-state selection in Class 2 and one of the most highly touted prospects in Missouri, Jones's abilities have garnered attention from Division I institutions. However, he has decided to focus on basketball at the collegiate level.

Adrian Fox

Adrian Fox’s 2023 campaign will be one that will be remembered by the Jackson faithful. Fox shined, throwing for 1,977 yards on 128 completions while also throwing for 19 touchdowns. Fox led the Indians to multiple big wins including a 42-35 win over Francis Howell in week 2.

Connor Marcum

Marcum showcased his explosiveness and playmaking ability through an impressive stat line - rushing for 637 yards and 9 touchdowns on 67 carries, while also making 31 receptions for 829 yards and 11 touchdowns. His remarkable performances earned him the SEMO Conference-Central Scoring Award, totaling an impressive 139 points throughout the season. He was recognized as a second-team all-conference selection.

Christian Schaaf

Schaaf once again proved that he was one of the best quarterbacks in the area as he threw for over 2,300 yards, rushed for over 700 yards and totaled 32 touchdowns (21 passing and 11 rushing) in 2023. Schaff helped St. Vincent finish the season with a 9-4 record and also led the Indians to a district title and final-four matchup with Marionville. With Schaaf graduating, the Indians will have a big hole to fill at quarterback in 2024.

Kai Crowe

Crowe has been a mainstay of the Jackson offense and he proved it once again in 2023. Hauling in more than 50 passes for over 850 yards, Crowe was instrumental in the Indians’ 10-2 season. Crowe averaged more than 18 yards per catch, the most in the Southeast Missourian coverage area. Crowe will return in 2024 for his senior season with hopes of building off his impressive 2023 season.