5A Player to Watch: Jace Jefferson of Andover Central finished a standout football career for the Jaguars this fall and is ready for another big baseball season. As a junior Jefferson hit .369 and had a .443 OBP. He earned SIK All-State HM utility honors as a shortstop who also got on the mound with a 1.562 ERA on the year. When asked about the season Jefferson said, “I am looking forward to play one last season with my friends, who I have played my whole life with. We are anticipating and excited to make a run at state, especially since we fell short last year.” Jefferson earned SIK 4A Offensive POY this fall in football as he led the Jaguars to their first ever state title taking down powerhouse Miege in the championship. He threw for 2,563 yds and 32 passing TD’s in his senior season. #sportsinkansas
Photo: Shotby_alex
2024 Sports in Kansas 4A Offensive Player of the Year
Jace Jefferson, Andover Central, Sr. QB & Maddox Archibald, Andover Central, Sr. RB
Jefferson passed for 2,563 yards this season along with 32 passing touchdowns to his top targets Brandt Stupka and Jace Adler. He guided the high power balanced offense that led the Jaguars to their first ever state title as they defeated Bishop Miege, 49-42, becoming the first public school to win a football title in 4A since 2013. Jefferson is also all state in baseball. His mother, Stana, is the Andover Central basketball coach.
Archibald had an incredible senior year and made a statement in the state title game with 341 yards rushing (state championship game record) along with four touchdowns. He rushed for 1,850 yards this season along with 25 rushing TDs. He had another 5 touchdown receptions in his career. Also a standout baseball player.
These two were two of the best in Kansas this season for head coach Derek Tuttle. #sportsinkansas
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Congrats Maddox and Jace!! We are so proud of you boys and have loved every second of watching you through the years!! I am most proud of the young men that you have grown up to be! Love you boys so much! Tricia and Devin
𝕎𝕖𝕝𝕔𝕠𝕞𝕖 𝕥𝕠 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕁𝕦𝕟𝕘𝕝𝕖, 𝕁𝕒𝕪𝕝𝕖𝕖🦍
‼️Gorilla Nation‼️ give a warm welcome to Jaylee Jefferson, shortstop from Johnson County Community College 🤩
#GorillaNation || #OAGAAG 🥎 🦍
Andover Central is 8-1 on the season with senior standout Jace Jefferson playing a huge role in that success. The senior went 8/8 with 3 passing TDs and 152 yards in the 49-13 win over El Dorado last week. On the season Jefferson has 1747 yds and 20 TDs in the air. Andover Central matches up against Winfield (6-3) this week. #sportsinkansas
📸: Steve Adelson