Lawrence Journal-World 2016 All Area Football from left: Justin Howard, Baldwin; Chase Houk, Free State; Coach of the Year Bob Lisher, Free State; Michael Rask, Veritas Christian; Trey Moore, Lawrence; Jacob Unruh, Lawrence; Devan Graham, Tonganoxie; Cole Kellum, Perry-Lecompton; Austin Ormsby, Eudora; Player of the Year Zack Sanders, Free State; Jay Dineen, Free State.

Player of the Year: Zack Sanders, Free State

Sanders set single-season school records in receptions (67), receiving yards (1,065) and interceptions (five). The Missouri State commit scored 17 touchdowns, including three punts and two interceptions that he returned. Sanders earned first-team all-Sunflower League honors on both sides of the ball.

Coach of the Year: Bob Lisher, Free State

Lisher was named the Sunflower League’s Coach of the Year after leading the Firebirds to a 9-3 record and a share of the league title for the first time since 2013. Free State advanced to the Class 6A state semifinals for the third straight season.

First team

Jay Dineen, Free State — The 6-foot-2, 230-pound Dineen recorded a school-record 80 unassisted tackles, including 22 tackles for loss. The Kansas commit broke up seven passes and forced three fumbles. Dineen, who started at left guard, was named to the all-Simone Team.

Devan Graham, Tonganoxie — Graham, a reliable linebacker, led the Chieftains with 100 tackles this season, which ranked among the state leaders in Class 4A-I. Graham added two sacks and earned first-team All-Kaw Valley League honors while leading Tonganoxie to a 5-4 record.

Chase Houk, Free State — Paving rushing lanes at left tackle, Houk helped the Firebirds run for 2,603 yards and an average of 5.84 yards per attempt. The 6-foot, 265-pound senior, who kept the pocket clean of blitzes for 2,032 passing yards, was a first-team all-Sunflower League pick.

Justin Howard, Baldwin — A three-year starter for the Bulldogs, Howard was a leader on both sides of the ball. Howard led Baldwin with 96 tackles (59 solo), adding one sack and three fumble recoveries. On offense, Howard ran for 756 yards and 13 touchdowns, earning first-team All-Frontier League recognition.

Cole Kellum, Perry-Lecompton — A 6-foot-1 senior, Kellum was a first-team all-Big Seven League selection after totaling 47 tackles and four interceptions. On offense, he was the Kaws’ top running back, rushing for 975 yards and 16 touchdowns on 129 carries.

Trey Moore, Lawrence — Moore was one of the top running backs in the state, rushing for 1,302 yards and 18 touchdowns despite missing a few games because of injury. The 5-foot-10 senior, who added a kick return touchdown and touchdown reception, led the Lions to a 6-4 record.

Austin Ormsby, Eudora — A second-team all-Frontier League pick, Ormsby anchored the Cardinals’ defensive line with 58 tackles and one sack. On offense, the 5-foot-9, 190-pound junior ran for 105 yards and a touchdown on 19 attempts.

Michael Rask, Veritas — Rask earned the team’s most valuable player of the year honors after moving to running back and rushing for 1,030 yards and 11 touchdowns on 160 attempts. On defense, the senior added 68 tackles, 11 pass deflections and four interceptions.

Jacob Unruh, Lawrence — Unruh caused headaches for opposing linemen because of his strength, speed and relentless motor. The three-year starter recorded 51 tackles, 11 tackles for loss and nine sacks on his way to first-team all-Sunflower League honors.

Honorable mention

Lee Andrews, Eudora; Zion Bowlin, Free State; Jordan Brown, Tonganoxie; Kobe Buffalomeat, Lawrence; Dallas Crittenden, Free State; Gage Foster, Free State; Dante Jackson, Lawrence; LeeRoi Johnson, Tonganoxie; Noah Kema, Free State; Hayden Pine, Veritas Christian; James Reeder, Lawrence; TJ Turpin, Perry-Lecompton.