KFBCA Top 11: Keller Hurla

The Kansas Football Coaches Association picked their All-State teams on December 4th and 5th, including the All-Class Top 11. Kansas Pregame is providing capsules for each of the Top 11 selections. Check out St. Marys quarterback and defensive back Keller Hurla's capsule below, the fourth of the KFBCA Top 11 capsules for 2022.

Keller Hurla, QB/DB, 6-0, 170, St. Marys

St. Marys senior Keller Hurla is the total package on the football field with a great arm, impressive athleticism, and all the intangibles a coach could ask for.

After throwing for 1,581 yards and rushing for 490 yards with 26 total touchdowns en route to a 5-4 record during his junior season, Hurla came back even stronger for his senior year.

The Bears’ signal caller was instrumental in their 11-2 season capped with the school’s first ever state title game victory. He went 143 of 235 passing for 2,656 yards and 27 touchdowns to just five interceptions, and averaged 18.6 yards per completion. On the ground he rushed 188 times for 1,272 yards and 25 touchdowns on 6.8 yards per carry. 

“Keller is a rare athlete with talent and toughness,” head coach Kyle Schenk said. “He loves the physical component of running, but at the same time he loves the mental aspect of reading coverage, looking off the defense, and making the right decision.”

Hurla also made a big impact on defense, recording 39.5 total tackles, 4.5 tackles-for-loss, 10 pass breakups, and an interception.

It’s not just Hurla’s on field abilities that impress though, his leadership is leadership is an equal asset, something Rossville head coach Derrick Hammes observed in their season-opening seven-point loss to the Mid-East League rival.

“Keller was a true run-pass threat who was able to beat opponents in many different ways. He was also able to elevate the play of those around him. He was truly the MVP of his team.” 

Hurla and company lost Week 2 and 3 matchups against fellow Mid-East League powers Silver Lake and Rock Creek before going on to win the remainder of their games. Against Inman in the title game St. Marys edged the Teutons, 44-41, in one of the best games of the 2022 postseason. It was the Bears only contest decided by less than three possessions.

Hurla ran in the winning touchdown with 13 seconds left in the game after driving the length of the field in just two minutes, capping his high school football career in epic fashion.

“Keller takes a lot of personal responsibility for anything he does,” Schenk said. “He is willing to put in hard work and be held accountable. He has the same standard for everyone as he does for himself.”

Hurla’s abilities aren’t limited to the football field, with an equally impressive résumé on the basketball court. As a junior he led the Bears to a 22-4 record and state runner-up finish, averaging 19.8 points, four rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.8 steals per game on 46.9% shooting from beyond the arc.

Hurla has received football offers from Washburn, Bethel, and Ottawa, along with a basketball offer from Doane. It’s likely he will see more interest as his senior year approaches its end. 

No matter the direction he decides to go in his athletic and academic career, his path is likely to be guided by the same approach that has seen him already achieve so much success.

“Keller's intangibles like leadership and toughness are something everyone hears about, but you can't understand until you see him apply those things to all aspects of his life,” Schenk said. “One of the most self-disciplining players I have seen.”