The Star’s All-Metro football: First-team defense
He led the Lancers with 111 tackles, including 30 for a loss, on a team that set a program record with 11 wins and made the school’s first state championship appearance. He also had a team-high eight sacks and 10 quarterback hurries.
Khalil Davis, Blue Springs, junior.The Wildcats rarely needed to blitz, thanks to a defensive line sparked by Davis and fellow first-teamer Elijah Lee. It was Khalil, a defensive tackle, who led the team in stops for loss with 26. He added 62 tackles for the state champions.
The back-to-back winner of the Buck Buchanan Award notched 12 sacks and anchored the state’s top defensive line. Lee fought through double teams most of the season but still tallied 24 tackles for a loss. He will attend Kansas State.
Casey McDermott, Raytown South, senior.With 15 sacks this fall, McDermott brought his two-year total to 32. He also recorded 75 tackles, including 16 for loss, and was selected the Suburban Blue Conference defender of the year. He will attend TCU next season.
LINEBACKERNathan Iloilo, Fort Osage, senior.On a defense that never allowed more than 14 points in a game, Iloilo served the role of playmaker. He forced four fumbles, intercepted three passes and led the Indians with 12 tackles for loss.
Brad Ivey, Bishop Miege, senior.The Eastern Kansas League Defensive Player of the Year recorded 124 tackles, 24 for loss and five sacks. He was selected to the Top 11 all-state team by the Kansas Football Coaches Association.
Jimmie Swain, Olathe North, senior.Tonight, Swain will play in the Semper Fi All-American Football Game in Carson, Calif. He led the Eagles with 92 tackles and 11 for loss. Olathe North finished the season 7-4 and made the state sectional playoff round after going 3-7 a year ago.
Josh Watson, Blue Springs South, senior.A tackling machine, Watson recorded 166 stops, breaking a school record. He added three sacks and forced three fumbles. Watson plans to attend Colorado State.
DEFENSIVE BACKLogan Cheadle, Lee’s Summit West, senior.A true shutdown corner with speed to burn, Cheadle picked off three passes in the Titans’ state-championship win against Parkway Central. A month later, he finished high school and left to join the Missouri football team.
McKinley Johnson, Bishop Miege, senior.A versatile athlete, Johnson was an Eastern Kansas League first-team pick as a wide receiver and defensive back. He had 29 tackles, 11 passes defended and six interceptions for the Stags.
Kaleb Prewett, Blue Springs, senior.Playing strong safety, Prewett picked off four passes and broke up nine others this season. He also split time on offense, where he caught 30 passes for 674 yards and 12 touchdowns. Prewett has committed to Kansas State.
KICKERCollin Carter, Bishop Miege, senior.The first-team all-state kicker went seven-for-12 on field goals, including one for 51 yards and another for 50 this season. He also went 50-for-50 on PATs and had 34 touchbacks on 64 kickoffs.
PUNTERGrant Robbins, Lee’s Summit, senior.This story was originally published January 4, 2014 at 6:34 PM with the headline "The Star’s All-Metro football: First-team defense."