Best of the best: Simone semifinalists announced for top KC-area football players

The 10 semifinalists for the Thomas A. Simone Awards — reserved for the top football players in Kansas City — were announced this week.

The four finalists for each award will be announced on Nov. 28 at the Chiefs Hall of Honor at Arrowhead Stadium.

The winners will be unveiled Dec. 6 at the school of the Simone Award recipient.

The semifinalists:

Thomas A. Simone Award (most outstanding player): Jafar Armstrong, Bishop Miege; James Bailey, William Chrisman; Matt Dercher, Blue Valley; Mario Goodrich, Lee’s Summit West; Chester Graves, Park Hill; Dalton Hill, Lee’s Summit; Robert Rawie, Liberty; Julian Ross, Staley; Cornelius Ruff, Schlagle; Will Schneider, Shawnee Mission North.

Frank Fontana Award (most outstanding small-class player): Trevon Alexander, Richmond; JJ Letcher, Piper; Justin Mitchell, Platte County; Justin Phillips, Basehor-Linwood; Anthony Pritzel, Kearney; Carter Putz, Bishop Miege; Amaun Ryan, Center; Mason Smith, Odessa; Landry Weber, Bishop Miege; Rachaad White, Center.

Buck Buchanan Award (most outstanding lineman or linebacker): Daniel Carson, William Chrisman; Jay Dineen, Lawrence Free State; Chester Graves, Park Hill; Kirrian Kirby, Blue Valley; Peter Klug, Blue Valley North; Michael Maffry, Blue Valley; Daniel Parker, Blue Springs; Anthony Payne, Raymore-Peculiar; Eli Ross, Staley; Seven Wilson, Park Hill.

Bobby Bell Award (most outstanding small class lineman or linebacker): Diaz Elliott, Richmond; Colin Grunhard, Bishop Miege; Mason Koechner, Louisburg; Derek Kohler, Platte County; Ethan Luft, Kearney; Marquae Richardson, Center; John Taylor, Center; Kole Wagener, Grain Valley; Joe Watskey, Bishop Miege; TJ Williams, Basehor-Linwood.

Otis Taylor Award (most outstanding wide receiver or tight end): Jafar Armstrong, Bishop Miege; Somaj Brewer, Lee’s Summit; Cristian Cox, Center; Da'Ron Davis, Lee’s Summit North; Jess Davis, Kearney; Jordan Martin, Turner; Zack Sanders, Lawrence Free State; Nick Snider, Belton; Trevor Thompson, Shawnee Mission East; Harrison Van Dyne, Blue Valley.

This story was originally published November 15, 2016 at 7:07 PM with the headline "Best of the best: Simone semifinalists announced for top KC-area football players."