Grand Lake Area Football Players to Watch – Presented by The Cole Organization

Cooper McCord – Adair

McCord is a standout for us at both quarterback and linebacker, serving as one of Adair’s top performers on each side of the ball. He’s a tough, smart player with a strong work ethic, and we’re excited to see his continued growth and leadership this season. Cooper already holds multiple offers from small colleges, and we expect his recruitment to keep gaining momentum.

Tanner Reed – Chelsea

Tanner is a dedicated student-athlete with a GPA above 3.5. He excels in football, basketball, baseball, and track, demonstrating his versatility and commitment. A true leader both on and off the field, Tanner leads by example through his actions, not just his words. He set the school’s single-season records for passing yards and touchdown passes while also being a leading tackler for the past three years.    

Tayler Applegate – Chouteau

If you’re looking for a true game-changer, Tayler is your guy. He doesn’t just show up—he takes control. On offense, he’s a nightmare to tackle. Standing 6-foot and weighing 235 pounds, Tayler runs like a freight train with incredible balance. Just when you think you’ve got him stopped, he drags two or three defenders for an extra five yards. He’s not only powerful—he’s relentless. Flip on the tape and watch him at linebacker, and it’s more of the same. Sideline to sideline, play after play, Tayler is everywhere. He reads the field like a quarterback, and when he hits, it’s with brutal force. Whether it’s stopping the run, dropping into coverage, or bringing the blitz, he does it all. Tayler sets the tone—he’s the kind of player who makes opponents hesitate before running his way.

Seth Bonham – Commerce

He’s one of the team’s top players, consistently putting in hard work every day. He’s beginning to emerge as a strong leader for the program.         

Carson Schertz – Fairland

Carson is a true playmaker all over the field. He has the ability to create opportunities on offense from the quarterback position and is a dominant force on defense as a safety. He can take over a game while involving his teammates, making the Owls a tough team to handle.

Isaac Sheffield – Grove

Sheffield brought in 38 catches for 785 yards last season. He is an outstanding receiver and has begun to attract multiple Division II offers.

Armando Newcomb – Jay

Armando will be a key anchor for the Bulldogs on both sides of the ball. After missing his junior season due to injury, he is poised to make a significant impact in his senior year.

Gracian Jones – Ketchum

Gracian is a promising young wide receiver with a passion for football and aspirations of playing at the next level. As a freshman, he led the team in several key categories, and expectations are high for him to perform even better this season.       

Titan Hix – Locust Grove

Titan is a four-year starting quarterback who currently holds an offer to play at NSU. He finished the 2024 season ranked among the top 30 high school athletes in combined passing and rushing yards. A physical running threat with a powerful arm, Titan can deliver the ball accurately to all areas of the field. In addition to his football talents, he is also a returning state champion wrestler.  

Josiah Barley – Miami

Josiah has been a cornerstone of Miami’s offensive attack. He is not only gifted on the field but also excels in the classroom. We look forward to him attracting Division I offers and having the opportunity to compete at the next level. 

Cooper Hooker – Salina

As mentioned earlier, Cooper is destined to play at the next level. He has recorded 20 touchdowns in just about 15 games so far in his career. Despite playing most of last season while injured, he still delivered impressive production. A tough and aggressive player, Cooper is a versatile weapon who contributes in every aspect of the game—whether in the passing game, running game, as the Wildcat quarterback, or on all returns.           

Mason Brown – Wyandotte

Mason has faced off-season surgeries following both his sophomore and junior years. If he can stay healthy during his senior season, he is poised to have an outstanding year on both sides of the ball. When fully healthy, Mason has the talent to compete with anyone in the state.