Corbyn Clement of Wichita East was chosen as the Athlete of the Month. Last season, Clement was an honorable mention all-city defensive tackle. Avery Johnson of Maize was chosen as the Athlete of the Month for August. Johnson, a Kansas State commit, was a first team all- state and all-league quarterback last season. With the season fastly approaching, Clement is ready for that first game feeling again. “The outcome of the state title game has been great motivation to my teammates and I throughout the offseason but it has not affected my work ethic,” Johnson said.

“No matter how the season ended I was going to spend all offseason working to better myself as a player and as a teammate.” “I am feeling very excited for the season, I just can’t wait to touch the turf and hear that first whistle blown,” Clement said. Maize has significant talent returning this season, which means it will be one of the teams to beat in 5A. That pressure does not bother Johnson, though. Clement spent the summer training and prioritizing his strength, preparing for the competition on the offensive line.

“We are considered the so called ‘team to beat’ because of what we have proved in the past but it’s a new season so none of that matters to us anymore,” Johnson said. “Regardless if we are the favorite or not we will take the season week by week and continue to get better.” “I’ve been in the weight room non-stop this summer working and increasing my strength, to better my chances of going up against bigger offensive lineman,” Clement said. “My personal goals for this year are to do a better job of using my footwork and using my hands.”

Johnson is third ranked dual-style quarterback in the Class of 2023, according to Rivals, so he was a highly-sought out recruit by several top programs in the country. Choosing Kansas State before the high school season started was important to Johnson. While he still hopes to continue playing football, Clement also wishes to attend Oklahoma State University. “I am keeping my options open for upcoming offers from this football season,” Clement said. “But I do have aspirations to attend Oklahoma State University to become a sports broadcaster.”