KFBCA Top 11: Dawson Rodd and Jace Adler

The Kansas Football Coaches Association picked their All-State teams in early December, including the All-Class Top 11. Kansas Pregame is providing capsules for each of the Top 11 selections. Check out Andover Central teammates Dawson Rodd and Jace Adler's capsule below. For a look at the complete 2024 KFBCA All-State teams click here.

Dawson Rodd and Jace Adler played pivotal roles in Andover Central’s historic 2024 season, helping the Jaguars to a 12-1 record, an AVCTL-II title, and their first-ever Class 4A state championship. The senior duo, both selected to the KFBCA Top 11, made significant contributions on both sides of the ball, leading the Jaguars through a grueling playoff run that culminated in a thrilling 49-42 victory over perennial power Bishop Miege in the championship game.

Rodd, a 6-foot-3, 305-pound offensive and defensive lineman, anchored Andover Central’s line of scrimmage with his physicality and leadership. A first team all-state and All-AVCTL-II selection on both offense and defense, Rodd’s dominance in the trenches was instrumental in the Jaguars’ success. While his offensive line stats are not tracked, his impact was clear, as he consistently opened running lanes for a Jaguars offense that tallied 392 rushing yards in the state title game, led by Maddox Archibald’s state record 341 yards and 4 TDS on 38 carries.

“Dawson forced his teammates to be physical in practice because if they didn’t, Dawson’s intensity had to be reckoned with,” Andover Central head coach Derek Tuttle said. “He was a great inspiration to his teammates with how physical and explosive he played. We have an expression for our O-Line to finish their blocks so that their defender is driven 10 yards, or on his back, and Dawson finished many plays that way.”

Rodd also showcased his athleticism on defense, finishing his career with 90 total tackles and 17 tackles for loss. His season was highlighted by an unforgettable moment in a pivotal 27-26 Week 7 win over 5A semifinalist Goddard-Eisenhower that secured a league title for Central.

“Dawson sniffed out a screen pass, intercepted it and took it 59 yards for a Pick 6 touchdown, outrunning even the D1 players on Eisenhower’s offense,” Tuttle said. “It was one of the most amazing defensive plays I have witnessed in my career.”
Rodd is being actively recruited by MIAA schools, top junior colleges, and NAIA programs, and he plans to continue his football career while pursuing a degree. He currently maintains a 3.5 GPA.   

Adler, a 6-foot-2, 180-pound defensive back and wide receiver, was a versatile standout for the Jaguars. His senior year featured 61 receptions for 909 yards and 11 touchdowns, in addition to his contributions on defense, where he recorded 53 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, and an interception. Adler’s ability to impact games on both sides of the ball earned him first team all-AVCTL-II and all-state honors.

“In practice, Jace would often joke around with his teammates in a joyful manner,” Tuttle said. “He was a great example of simply playing for the love of the game and of his teammates, and I felt like he would cause his teammates to relax and have fun daily. At the same time, he inspired his teammates by being fiercely competitive—a great balance in a great player.”

Adler delivered one of the season’s most memorable plays in the state semifinals against Buhler.

“Jace had a touchdown catch that was incredible,” Tuttle recalled. “Near the boundary in the end zone, Jace stopped the pass from (senior QB Jace) Jefferson with one hand in midair, brought it down and completed the amazing catch for a touchdown. It was a situation where the entire crowd wondered, ‘How did he do that?’ Jace often made plays like that the last two seasons.”

Adler, like Rodd, is being heavily recruited by MIAA programs, junior colleges, and NAIA schools. He holds a 4.0 GPA and also plans to continue his football career while pursuing a degree.

Rodd and Adler were part of a loaded senior class at Andover Central that helped the Jaguars deliver the first public school title in 4A in more than a decade. It was the first state championship for coach Tuttle in an incredible seven season stretch as ACHS head coach that included state championship appearances in 2019, 2021, and 2023.