Kansas Pregame 8-Man Top 8: Wyatt Griffin

Kansas Pregame polled 8-Man coaches earlier this month who voted for the top four seniors they coached against this season. Kansas Pregame staffers then used those votes to develop a Top 8 list of seniors for each division. Check out several more Top 8 capsules below, and find the complete list of Top 8 selections, and the honorable mention list, here for 8-Man I and here for 8-Man II. 

Senior quarterback and defensive back Wyatt Griffin played a pivotal role in Victoria’s run to the 8-Man Division II state championship game. The Knights finished 12-1, dominating opponents en route to their first state title game appearance since their back-to-back championships in 2014 and 2015. Victoria’s only loss came in the final, where they fell to four-time defending champion Axtell.

Griffin’s steady leadership helped guide the Knights to one of the most successful seasons in in Victoria’s rich football history. On offense, head coach Doug Oberle described his QB as a game manager with his ability to control games and avoid errors, but didn’t discount his ability to make a game-changing impact when called upon.

"Wyatt's impact on our team was one of a steady hand,” Oberle said. “Never got to high, never got too low. Offensively he was a guy who ran our offense, limited our mistakes and got guys lined up in the right position. He was a game manager and got the ball to the guys where it needed to be. He would make plays when needed."

Griffin’s dual-threat capabilities were on display throughout the season. He completed 55 of 87 passes for 883 yards and 19 touchdowns with just four interceptions while rushing for 587 yards and 14 touchdowns on 72 carries.

On the other side of the ball, Griffin took a step forward as a key member in the Knights’ secondary, contributing 35 tackles, four tackles for loss, and three interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown. His grit was evident particularly in the latter half of the season.

"Defensively he was a very improved player from the previous year,” Oberle said. “Tough kid who played the last five weeks with an injured left hand. His play improved our overall team defense, and he became a consistent playmaker for us at the third level."

Griffin’s play helped Victoria outscore opponents 726-164 over the season, receiving little resistance in matchups prior to the state final.

“Wyatt had a good feel for the game and would make solid play calls,” Oberle said. “Smart kid who showed up everyday ready to work with a good attitude.”  

After high school, Griffin plans to attend Fort Hays State University.