Missouri: Ezra Vaoifi

SCHOOL: Fort Osage

YEAR: Junior

In the Class 5 semifinal victory over Ozark, Vaoifi led Fort Osage with 14 tackles, helping the defense hold Ozark to just seven points. Vaoifi also rushed for 40 yards and a touchdown in only seven carries and played the role of clock-killer in the fourth quarter.

Kansas: Brad Ivey

SCHOOL: Bishop Miege

YEAR: Junior

In his second game back after missing the regular-season finale and playoff opener due to injury, Ivey spearheaded a stout defensive effort in the Stags’ 9-7 win against rival St. Thomas Aquinas. Avenging a three-point loss in the final game of district play, Ivey finished with 13 tackles, including five solo tackles and a sack, to help Miege reach the Kansas 5A state title game at 1 p.m. Saturday against Bishop Carroll at Emporia State’s Welch Stadium.