Southeast Missourian all-star football team offense

QB -- Mitch Craft, Central

Size: 6-2, 205, jr.

Stats: 63 percent passer, 1,733 yards, 19 TDs, 6 INT, 439 yards rushing (5.0 per carry), 5 TDs rushing

Comment: One of the reasons why 2002 was so good for the Tigers and why 2003 looks promising. A big, strong, tough, fast quarterback that every high school coach hopes for. Took advantage of a sure-handed group of receivers with accurate passing. Is a load when he takes off. Getting interest from some major Division I schools.

"I'm looking forward to his senior year," Central coach Lawrence Brookins said. "I think it's going to be awesome."

RB -- Monroe Hicks, Central

Size: 5-9, 170, sr.

Stats: 1,569 yards rushing (7.5 per carry), 558 yards receiving, 27 TDs, 64 solo tackles, 6 assists, 5 INT, 5 tackles for loss, 1 safety

Comment: Mr. Everything for the Tigers. An all-state defensive back who raised the bar at Central. A hard worker who made those around him better.

"The young man has an inner battery that never stops and never wears down," Central coach Lawrence Brookins said. "It's amazing how he's all over the place."

RB -- Stuart McIntosh, Jackson

Size: 6-1, 190, sr.

Stats: 211 carries, 1,341 yards (6.35 per carry), 12 TDs

Comment: Came on like gang-busters in second half of season after injuring shoulder in first game. Had limited carries first four weeks but rushed for over 900 yards over the last four games. A power runner who broke four touchdowns of over 60 yards. Ran for career-high 352 yards against Parkway Central.

"I really believe if Stuart had been completely healthy the first six ballgames it would have really made a difference in our season," Jackson coach Carl Gross said. "I really admire him coming back and playing the way he did the last half of the season."

OL -- Justin Rollet, Jackson

Size: 6-3, 260, sr.

Comment: Only three-year starter among Jackson seniors. Was so athletic he was moved to fullback at start of year. Moved back to guard after two games when the line struggled.

"It's one of the reasons why Stuart had a better second half of the season," Jackson coach Carl Gross said.

OL -- Patrick Slattery, Central

Size: 6-3, 255, jr.

Comment: A balanced Central attack needed linemen to both pass and run block, and Slattery was up to the task. Came into season a question mark after suffering a severe concussion as a sophomore.

"He was really a pleasant surprise to step up and really help us out, especially on the offensive side of the ball," Central coach Lawrence Brookins said.

OL -- Darren Neels, Central

Size: 6-0, 195, jr.

Comment: A hard-working lineman, Neels never played center before this season. He became reliable and had coaches counting pancake blocks by the end of the season.

"He does everything you ask him to do and does it quietly," Central coach Lawrence Brookins said. "He's just a scrapper."

OL -- Brent Thomason, Chaffee

Size: 6-0, 230, sr.

Note: Four-year starter.

Comment: A four-year starter, Thomason has been a constant for the Red Devils. Seldom injured and always ready to play and practice.

"He's a good, strong kid," Chaffee coach Allan Horrell said. "We always knew if we had to have it, we could run behind him."

OL -- Matt Wengert, St. Vincent

Size: 6-5, 272, sr.

Comment: More than just a big body in the trenches. Had smarts and athletic ability to accompany his big frame.

"He was a tremendous pass blocker," St. Vincent coach Keith Winkler said. "When we needed tough yards, we usually ran behind Matt."

WR -- Seth Hudson, Central

Size: 5-9, 165, sr.

Stats: 38 catches, 567 yards, 7 TDs

Comment: Quick legs, good routes and trusty hands made him the Tigers' primary target. A versatile, smart receiver who could turn the short pass underneath into a big gain or beat the opposition deep. Tough competitor who often laid out for the ball.

"Probably one of the most inspirational guys on the team," Central coach Lawrence Brookins said. "He's very excitable and he's fearless. Despite his size, he didn't think twice about going across the field."

WR -- James Reischman, Chaffee

Size: 6-0, 155, sr.

Stats: 34 catches, 679 yards, 7 TDs

Notes: 2-year starter, two-time all-conference

Comment: Opponents knew he was the Red Devils' go-to guy, but he still enjoyed success. Exceptional hands and had a knack for getting open despite being double-teamed.

"If we needed a big play or small play, Reischman's number is the one we called. He always delivered," Chaffee coach Allan Horrell said.

TE -- Aaron Rellergert, St. Vincent

Size: 6-5, 210, sr.

Stats: 25 catches, 387 yards, 2 TDs

Comment: Was a force to be reckoned with on both sides of the ball. Excelled at tight end with an ideal frame and soft hands. Also helped the Indians' ground game. He also had 83 tackles and five sacks at defensive end.

"He was a very devastating blocker," St. Vincent coach Keith Winkler said. He also had 83 tackles and five sacks at defensive end.

K -- Colin Schermann, Central

Size: 6-0, 160, jr.

Stats: 10 of 15 FGs, 47 of 51 PATs.

Comment: Along with twin brother, Clay, formed possibly the best kicking game in the state. Kicked three field goals over 40 yards, including season-long 48 yarder. His 10 field goals this season rank second in Missouri high school history for a single season. Ideal kickoff man with high kicks that often went into the end zone for automatic touchbacks. Has rare combination of consistency and power.

"He just has a strong leg," Central coach Lawrence Brookins said. "He's explosive at the point of impact."