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State Finalists: Tale of the Tape

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  • Mill Valley won their fifth consecutive state title Saturday. (Photo: Center State Sports/Todd and Lori Habiger)
    Mill Valley won their fifth consecutive state title Saturday. (Photo: Center State Sports/Todd and Lori Habiger)

    Update: Now updated with state championship winners and final scores. Congratulations to all the 2023 state finalist on an excellent season!

    Update: Now with our predictions. The weather is making these very tough, but check out our best guess with each classification's "Tale of the Tape" statistical information. Good luck to all the teams at state and safe travels to everyone today.

    The culmination of the 2023 Kansas high school football season arrives Saturday in the form of nine state championship matchups across the state. Let’s take a look at the “Tale of the Tape” for each team with a complete rundown of each team’s statistical leaders.

    Class 6A

    Winner: Gardner-Edgerton - 22-19

    Prediction: Gardner-Edgerton over Derby

    This should be an excellent game, but the weather may give an edge to the Trailblazer offense and GE's size could also play a role in this game. This Derby team does not have the star power of past champion teams which leads us to believe the coaching job and effort of the Panther players this season is some of the best in the storied tenure under Brandon Clark, but on paper it looks like Jesse Owen's squad is more complete top-to-bottom, giving them the slight edge.

    Gardner Edgerton Trailblazers (11-1)

    Leading Passer: 

    Bravin Powell, Jr.: 65-106, 1,297 yds., 13 TDs, 3 INTs

    Leading Rushers:

    Dylan Butash, Sr.: 122 car., 825 yds., 11 TDs

    Bravin Powell, Jr.: 116 car., 754 yds., 17 TDs

    Syre Padilla, So.: 90 car., 417 yds., 2 TDs

    Leading Receivers:

    Randy Singleton, Sr.: 26 rec, 501 yds., 8 TDs

    Colton Hawkinson, Sr.: 16 rec, 387 yds., 3 TDs

    Mason Shoemaker, Sr.: 6 rec, 139 yds.

    Leading Tacklers:

    Kaleb Dewey, Jr.: 81 tkls.

    Thomas Savastan, Sr.: 75 tkls.

    Spencer Easley, Sr.: 72 tkls.

    Dawson Kindler, Sr.: 67 tkls.

    Leading Pass Rushers: 

    Mark Debiak, Sr.: 11 sacks

    Spencer Easley, Sr.: 7 sacks

    Leading Pass Defenders: 

    Chase Bojanaski, Jr.: 4 INTs

    Eli Porter, Sr.: 3 INTs

     

    Derby Panthers (11-1)

    Leading Passers: 

    Braxton Clark, Sr.: 80-110, 1,246 yds., 14 TDs, 2 INTs

    Easton Splane, Jr.: 31-49, 784 yds., 9 TDs, 4 INTs

    Leading Rushers:

    Derek Hubbard, Sr.: 124 car., 917 yds., 13 TDs

    Arieus Finley, Fr.: 57 car., 450 yds., 11 TDs

    Leading Receivers:

    Da’saahn Brame, Jr.: 39 rec., 807 yds., 12 TDs

    Colton Ruedy, Sr.: 40 rec., 706 yds., 4 TDs

    Leading Tacklers:

    Britton Pascual, Sr.: 123 tkls.

    James Middlebrook, Jr.: 90 tkls.

    Gavin Pfannenstiel, Jr.: 85 tkls.

    Kikoa Indalecio, Jr.: 84 tkls.

    Leading Pass Rushers:

    Mason Hopper, Sr.: 15 sacks

    Britton Pascual, Sr.: 8 sacks

    Peyton Neptune, Sr.: 7 sacks

    Leading Pass Defender:

    James Middlebrook, Sr.: 2 INTs

     

    Class 5A

    Winner: Mill Valley - 62-37

    Prediction: Kapaun over Mill Valley 

    This is not the dominant Mill Valley team of the recent past and it seems the Jaguars spent quite a bit of the season molding their identity around a little less QB-centric offense. The defense is incredibly talented but has been porous at times. Again, the weather may give Kapaun a slight advantage with their run-heavy offense, but the Jaguars also have an explosive ground game organized around multiple backs. It's tough to pick against the four-time defending champions, but all streaks have to come to an end, and Kapaun's experience and depth are the difference.

    Mill Valley Jaguars (10-2)

    Leading Passer: 

    Daniel Blaine, Sr.: 31-63, 688 yds., 7  TDs, 2 INTs

    Leading Rushers:

    Tristan Baker, Sr.: 196 car., 1,553 yds., 22 TDs 

    Daniel Blaine, Sr.: 77 car., 792 yds., 12 TDs

    Chris Bohon, Jr.: 73 car., 626 yds., 13 TDs

    Jaden Scobee, Sr.: 70 car., 637 yds., 6 TDs

    Leading Receivers:

    Tristan Baker, Sr.: 7 rec., 207 yds., 2 TDs

    Devin Harris, Sr.: 11 rec., 191 yds., 2 TDs

    Leading Tacklers: 

    Evan Seifert, Sr.: 74 tkls.

    Garret Clark, Jr.: 63 tkls.

    Jayden Woods, Jr.: 61 tkls.

    Leading Pass Rushers: 

    Jayden Woods, Jr.: 7 sacks

    Conner Clifton, Sr.: 2.5 sacks

    Leading Pass Defender: 

    Jackson Lawler, Sr.: 2 INTs

     

    Kapaun Mt. Carmel Crusaders (11-1)

    Leading Passer: 

    Dylan Hamilton, Sr.: 46-86, 1,004 yds., 15 TDs, 3 INTs

    Leading Rushers:

    Omari Elias, Sr.: 363 car., 2,820 yds., 37 TDs

    Henry Chrisman, Sr.: 96 car., 679 yds., 6 TDs

    Dylan Hamilton, Sr.: 47 car., 222 yds., 11 TDs

    Leading Receivers:

    Jackson Daniels, Jr.: 20 rec., 398 yds., 5 TDs

    William Thengvall, Sr.: 17 rec., 390 yds., 5 TDs

    Leading Tacklers: 

    Hudson Cahill, Sr.: 94 tkls.

    Austin Howard, Jr.: 75 tkls.

    Kyle Keya, Jr.: 64 tkls.

    Leading Pass Rushers: 

    Hudson Cahill, Sr.: 4 sacks

    Jackson Daniels, Jr.: 4 sacks

    Trevor Jex, Sr.: 3 sacks

    Kyle Keya, Jr.: 3 sacks

    Leading Pass Defenders:

    Will Thengvall, Sr.: 3 INTs

     

    Class 4A

    Winner: St. Thomas Aquinas - 35-7

    Prediction: St. Thomas Aquinas over Andover Central 

    The Saints are talented and deep and heavy-favorites. Andover Central coach Derek Tuttle has done an incredible job building the ACHS program, but the Saints are likely too much to handle.

    St. Thomas Aquinas Saints (9-3)

    Leading Passers: 

    Aiden Skinner, Sr.: 35-74, 788 yds., 9 TDs, 4 INTs

    Leading Rushers:

    Gianni Rizzi, Sr.: 121 car., 842 yds., 9 TDs

    Elzie Slaughter, Jr.: 63 car., 535 yds., 3 TDs

    Cole Richardson, 75 car., 512 yds., 7 TDs

    Leading Receivers:

    Joe Loughman, Sr.: 17 rec., 436 yds., 6 TDs

    Elzie Slaughter, Jr.: 4 rec., 125 yds., 1 TD

    Talan Browne, Sr.: 5 rec., 100 yds., 1 TD

    Leading Tacklers: 

    Wyatt Potter, Sr.: 74 tkls.

    Kian Payne, Sr.: 62 tkls.

    K’lyn Curtis, So.: 56 tkls

    Leading Pass Rushers: 

    Kian Payne, Sr.: 7 sacks

    Joey Goodenow, Jr.: 4 sacks

    K’lyn Curtis, So.: 3 sacks

    Wyatt Potter, Sr.: 3 sacks

    Leading Pass Defenders: 

    Luke Hancock, Sr.: 3 INTs

    Blake O’Brien, Sr.: 2 INTs

    Wyatt Lewis, Sr.: 2 INTs

     

    Andover Central Jaguars (9-3)

    Leading Passer: 

    Jace Jefferson, Jr.: 159-276, 2,141 yds., 24 TDs, 11 INTs

    Leading Rusher:

    Maddox Archibald, Jr.: 263 car., 1,225 yds., 17 TDs

    Leading Receivers:

    Brandt Stupka, Jr.: 45 rec., 816 yds., 5 TDs

    Jace Adler, Jr.: 58 rec., 799 yds., 13 TDs

    Landon Kitterman, Sr.: 40 rec, 441 yds., 3 TDs

    Leading Tacklers: 

    Landon Preston, Jr.: 103 tkls

    Jace Adler, Jr.: 87 tkls.

    Kaden Seibel, Sr.: 75 tkls.

    Leading Pass Rushers: 

    Landon Preston, Jr.: 3 sacks

    Logan Taggart, Jr.: 3 sacks

    Kyle Newsom, Sr.: 2.5 sacks

    Leading Pass Defenders: 

    Jace Adler, Jr.: 7 INTs

    Brandt Stupka, Jr.: 5 INTs

     

    Class 3A

    Winner: Cheney - 34-7

    Prediction: Hayden over Cheney 

    Hate to pick against a Cheney team that beat Andale twice, but the Cardinals have had such an emotional playoff run while the Wildcats have rolled through the opposition, it just seems Bill Arnold's crew is likely heading into this contest with the fresher squad.

    Topeka-Hayden (12-0)

    Leading Passer: 

    Jett Wahlmeier, Jr.: 61-113, 1,086 yds., 11 TDs, 4 INTs

    Leading Rushers:

    Finn Dunshee, Sr.: 48 car., 821 yds., 14 TDs

    Kade Mitchell, So.: 74 car., 769 yds., 11 TDs

    Dom Ridley, Sr.: 69 car., 551 yds., 12 TDs

    Broderick Desch, Jr.: 91 car., 473 yds., 10 TDs

    Leading Receivers:

    Jensen Schrickel, Jr.: 34 rec., 659 yds., 7 TDs

    Finn Dunshee, Sr.: 11 rec., 203 yds., 3 TDs

    Kade Mitchell, So.: 12 rec., 170 yds., 2 TDs

    Leading Tacklers:

    Jude Konrade, Sr.: 144 tkls.

    Carter Chavrat, Sr.: 107 tkls.

    Xander Blasing, So.: 49 tkls.

    Leading Pass Rushers

    Carter Chavrat, Sr.: 8 sacks

    Colt Ellerman, So.: 3 sacks

    Leading Pass Defenders:

    Xander Blasing, So.: 4 INTs

    Jensen Schrickel, Jr.: 4 INTs

    Logan Saenz, So.: 3 INTs

    Finn Dunshee, Sr.: 3 INTs

     

    Cheney Cardinals (12-0)

    Leading Passer: 

    Josh Burdick, Sr.: 163-232, 2,398 yds., 33 TDs, 2 INT

    Leading Rushers:

    Jack Voth, Sr.: 32 car., 351 yds, 11 TD

    Tre Black, Sr.: 71 car., 350 yds., 4 TDs

    Josh Burdick, Sr.: 64 car., 234 yds., 6 TDs

    Leading Receivers:

    Jack Voth, Sr.: 68 rec., 954 yds., 11 TDs

    Colter McDaniel, Sr.: 23 rec., 565 yds., 9 TDs

    Gavin D Maass, Sr.: 20 rec., 376 yds, 6 TDs

    Leading Tacklers: 

    Drew Tolar, Sr.: 50 tkls.

    Grady Ditgen, Jr.: 48 tkls.

    Jack Voth, Sr.: 44 tkls.

    Leading Pass Rushers: 

    Nolan Durr, So.: 4 sacks

    Kason Messenger, Sr.: 3 sacks

    Grady Ditgen, Jr.: 3 sacks

    Leading Pass Defenders: 

    Colter McDaniel, Sr.: 3 INTs

    Class 2A

    Winner: Nemaha Central - 28-14

    Prediction: Nemaha Central over Hoisington 

    Likely an incredible game and the weather really doesn't favor one squad over another. Two humoungous front lines will battle each other all day, but we're giving the edge to Nemaha Central with their title game experience.

    Nemaha Central (12-0)

    Leading Passer: 

    Carter Hajek, So.: 67-106, 933 yds., 10 TDs, 4 INTs

    Leading Rushers:

    Carter Hajek, So.: 303 car., 2,165 yds., 39 TDs

    Caleb Strathman, So.: 22 car., 213 yds., 3 TDs

    Jonah Deters, Jr.: 23 car., 143 yds., 3 TDs

    Cooper Kramer, Sr.: 30 car., 149 yds, 3 TDs

    Leading Receivers:

    Caleb Strathman, So.: 25 rec., 347 yds., 4 TDs

    Aidan Boxterman, Sr.: 14 rec., 193 yds, 2 TDs

    Carter Rotinghaus, Sr.: 12 rec., 190 yds., 2 TDs

    Leading Tacklers: 

    Abram Keim, Jr.: 135 tkls.

    Sam Nordhus, Jr.: 128 tkls.

    Holden Bass, Sr.: 107 tkls.

    Leading Pass Defenders: 

    Carter Hajek, So.: 6 INTs

    Carter Rottinghaus, Sr.: 5 INTs

     

    Hoisington (12-0)

    Leading Passer: 

    Tony Moore, Sr.: 66-113, 1,453 yds., 19 TDS, 2 INTs

    Leading Rushers:

    Teron Kraft, Jr.: 145 car., 1,171 yds., 13 TDs

    Tony Moore, Sr.: 87 car., 838 yds., 8 TDs

    Mason Alderdice, Sr.: 39 car, 572 yds., 11 TDs

    Leading Receivers:

    Mason Alderdice, Sr.: 14 rec., 399 yds., 3 TDs

    Mason Martin, So.: 14 rec., 330 yds., 6 TDs

    Jason Robinson, Jr.: 8 rec., 228 yds., 2 TDs

    Leading Tacklers: 

    Ian Smith, Sr.: 78 tkls.

    Jason Robinson, Jr.: 58 tkls.

    Teron Kraft, Jr.: 51 tkls.

    Leading Pass Rushers:

    Teron Kraft, Jr.: 3 sacks

    CJ Bryant, Jr: 2 sacks

    Gage Britt, Sr.: 2 sacks

    Leading Pass Defenders: 

    Jason Robinson 8 INTs

    Mason Alderdice 5 INTs

    Carson Mason 2 INTs

     

    Class 1A

    Winner: Conway Springs - 35-6

    Prediction: Conway Springs over Jeff County North 

    Conway Springs run game and clock control gives them a slight edge over the Chargers.

    Jefferson Co. North Chargers (11-1)

    Leading Passer: 

    Grady Noll, Sr.: 50-104, 1,072 yds., 11 TDs

    Leading Rushers:

    Grady Noll, Sr.: 174 car., 1,165 yds., 15 TDs

    Ethan Noll, Sr.: 99 car., 867 yds., 17 TDs

    Connor Keims, Sr.:  78 car., 830 yds., 14 TDs

    Leading Receivers:

    Ethan Noll, Sr.: 15 rec., 354 yds., 3 TDs

    Cameron Seever, Sr.: 13 rec., 264 yds., 4 TDs

    Connor Keirns, Sr.:10 rec., 221 yds., 2 TDs

    Leading Tacklers: 

    Ethan Noll, Sr.: 80 tkls.

    Carson McAfee, Sr.: 75 tkls.

    Cameron Seever, Sr.: 54 tkls.

    Leading Pass Rushers: 

    RB Tweed, Sr.: 7 sacks

    Brayden Williams, Sr.: 3 sacks

    Leading Pass Defenders: 

    Connor Keirns, Sr.: 9 INTs

    Grady Noll, Sr.: 3 INTs

     

    Conway Springs Cardinals (10-2)

    Leading Passer: 

    Eli Binge, So.: 8-20, 172 yds., 1 TD, 2 INTs

    Leading Rushers:

    Brayden Kunz, Sr.: 262 car., 2,506 yds., 30 TDs

    Isaac Winter, Jr.: 94 car., 789 yds., 13 TDs

    Nathan Bernsten, Sr.: 107 car., 641 yds., 10 TDs

    Leading Receiver:

    Grant Fisher, Jr.: 4 rec., 173 yds., 2 TDs

    Leading Tacklers: 

    Brayden Kunz, Sr.: 99 tkls.

    Cade Howell, Jr.: 65 tkls.

    Isaac Winter, Jr.: 61 tkls.

    Leading Pass Rushers: 

    Jacob Osner, Sr.: 2 sacks

    Layne Whitney, Jr.: 2 sacks

    Cooper Koster, Jr.: 2 sacks

    Leading Pass Defenders: 

    Taylor Wykes, Sr.: 4 INTs

    Grant Fisher, Jr.: 2 INTs

    Eli Howard, Jr.: 2 INTs

     

    8-Man, Division I

    Winner: Lyndon - 34-6

    Prediction: Wichita County over Lyndon 

    Tanner Heckel has been the truth for Lyndon coming over from Inman and the talent on the Tiger squad is elite, but coach Brant Douglas has done such an incredible job with Wichita County we think he'll find a way to will the Indians to a victory.

    Lyndon Tigers (12-0)

    Leading Passer: 

    Tanner Heckel, Sr.: 54-97, 1,040 yds., 19 TDs, 2 INTs

    Leading Rushers:

    Tanner Heckel, Sr.: 157 car., 2,062 yds., 46 TDs

    Jalen Massey, Sr.: 131 car., 1,342 yds., 18 TDs

    Leading Receivers:

    Jalen Massey, Sr.: 30 rec., 435 yds., 8 TDs

    Ethen Ramey, Sr.: 7 rec., 225 yds., 4 TD

    Casten Wirth, Sr.: 15 rec., 213 yds., 3 TDs

    Leading Tacklers: 

    James Marcotte, So.: 86 tkls.

    Jalen Massey, Sr.: 86 tkls.

    Casten Wirth, Sr.: 83 tkls.

    Leading Pass Rushers: 

    Daxten Miller, Sr.: 7 sacks

    Leading Pass Defenders: 

    Tanner Heckel, Sr.: 7 INTs

    Casten Wirth, Sr.: 3 INTs

     

    Wichita County Indians (12-0)

    Leading Passer: 

    Wyatt Gardner, Sr.: 974 yds., 22 TDs, 1 INT

    Leading Rushers:

    Wyatt Gardner, Sr.: 153 car., 1,477 yds., 23 TDs

    Khris Hermosillo, Jr.: 127 car., 1,162 yds., 25 TDs

    Cashton Young, So.: 83 car., 723 yds., 15 TDs

    Leading Receivers:

    Colton Harbin, Sr.: 18 rec, 347 yds., 9 TDs

    Cashton Young, So.: 19 rec., 336 yds., 10 TDs

    Khris Hermosillo, Jr.: 8 rec., 124 yds., 2 TDs

    Leading Tacklers: 

    Max Whitham, Jr.: 65 tkls.

    Cashton Young, So.: 52 tkls

    Christopher Michel, Sr.: 40 tkls.

    Leading Pass Rushers: 

    Christopher Michel, Sr.: 12 sacks

    Max Whitham, Sr.: 5.5 sacks

    Khris Hermosillo, Jr.: 5 sacks

    Leading Pass Defenders: 

    Pablo Reyes, So.: 3 INTs

    Khris Hermosillo, Jr.: 2 INTs

    Dylan Luna, So.: 2 INTs

     

    8-Man, Division II

    Winner: Axtell - 50-0

    Prediction: Axtell over South Central 

    An incredible season for the Timberwolves and we continue to be wrong in picking against them, but this Axtell squad is a generationally talented team who it's just illogical to pick against.

    Axtell Eagles (12-0)

    Leading Passers: 

    Brandon Schmelzle, Jr.: 85-102, 1,503 yds., 29 TDs

    Leading Rushers:

    Brandon Schmelzle, Jr.: 92 car., 675 yds., 14 TDs

    Eli Broxterman, Jr.: 34 car., 602 yds., 13 TDs

    Landon Schmitz, So.: 11 car., 166 yds., 3 TDs

    Leading Receivers:

    Eli Broxterman, Jr.: 32 rec., 518 yds., 10 TDs

    Grady Buessing, Jr.: 24 rec., 469 yds., 8 TDs

    Landon Schmitz, So.: 19 rec., 337 yds., 8 TDs

    Leading Tacklers: 

    Rilyn Buessing, Jr.: 58 tkls.

    Eli Broxterman, Jr.: 40 tkls.

    Grady Buessing, Sr.: 34 tkls.

    Leading Pass Rusher: 

    Sawyer Deters, Sr.: 3 sacks

    Leading Pass Defenders: 

    Brandon Schmelzle, Jr.: 8 INTs

    Wyatt Detweiler, Fr.: 5 INTs

    Landon Schmitz, So.: 3 INTs

     

    South Central Timberwolves (9-3)

    Leading Passer: 

    JT Prusa, Jr.: 38-79, 561 yds., 11 TDs, 1 INT

    Leading Rushers:

    JT Prusa, Jr.: 177 car., 1,738 yds., 32 TDs

    Isaiah Jellison, Sr.: 97 car., 814 yds., 16 TDs

    Coda Lindsay, Fr.: 35 car., 293 yds., 4 TDs

    Leading Receivers:

    Jamie Sarminento, Jr.: 18 rec., 270 yds., 4 TDs

    Gavin Uhl, Sr.: 11 rec., 182 yds., 6 TDs

    Isaiah Jellison, Sr.: 9 rec., 106 yds., 1 TD

    Leading Tacklers: 

    Gavin Uhl, Sr.: 103 tkls.

    Jack Herd, So.: 100 tkls.

    Jase Rutherford, 88 tkls.

    Leading Pass Rushers: 

    Jase Rutherford, Jr.: 16 sacks

    Coda Lindsay, Fr.: 7 sacks

    Creed Leeper, Sr.: 7 sacks

    Leading Pass Defenders: 

    Jamie Sarminento, Jr.: 9 INTs

    Gavin Uhl, Sr.: 5 INTs

    JT Prusa, Jr.: 3 INTs

     

    6-Man

    Winner: Cheylin - 57-8

    Prediction: Cheylin over Cunningham 

    Coach Lance McGuire has done an incredible job with the Wildcat program, but the senior leadership of the Cougars gives Cheylin the edge.

    Cunningham Wildcats (10-1)

    Leading Passers: 

    Luke McGuire, Sr.: 34-55, 503 yds., 10 TDs, 1 INT

    Will Wegerer, Jr.: 21-32, 333 yds., 10 TDs

    Leading Rushers:

    Layne Green, Fr.: 25 car., 172 yds., 9 TDs

    Kollin Fischer, 19 car., 12 yds., 2 TDs

    Jack Ruckle, Sr.: 9 car., 48 yds., 4 TDs

    Leading Receivers:

    Luke Albers, Jr.: 24 rec, 287 yds., 7 TDs

    Skyler Thimesch, So.: 11 rec, 156 yds., 5 TDs

    Luke McGuire, Sr.: 2 rec, 63 yds., 2 TDs

    Leading Tacklers: 

    Trent Schnittker, Jr.: 36 tkls.

    Jack Ruckle, Sr.: 34 tkls.

    Dylan Halderson, So.: 31 tkls.

    Leading Pass Rushers:

    Trent Schnittker, Jr.: 1 sack 

    Leading Pass Defenders: 

    Luke Mcguire, Sr.: 5 INTs

    Luke Albers, Jr.: 5 INTs

    Dagim Reed, Jr.: 2 INTs

     

    Cheylin Cougars (11-0)

    Leading Passers: 

    Logan McCarty, Sr.: 88-130, 1,923 yds., 37 TDs, 1 INT

    Leading Rushers:

    Logan McCarty, Sr.: 82 car., 930 yds., 17 TDs

    Pablo Bermudez, Sr.: 59 car., 605 yds., 16 TDs

    Brady Ketzner, Sr.: 16 car., 138 yds., 5 TDs

    Leading Receivers:

    Pablo Bermudez, Sr.: 32, rec., 852 yds., 18 TDs

    Brady Ketzner, Sr.: 29 rec., 593 yds., 8 TDs

    Harley McPherson, Jr.: 11 rec., 219 yds., 5 TDs

    Leading Tacklers: 

    Brady Ketzner, Sr.: 83 tkls.

    Logan McCarty, Sr.: 74 tkls.

    Pablo Bermudez, Sr.: 65 tkls.

    Leading Pass Rushers:

    Pablo Bermudez, Sr.: 4 sacks 

    Logan McCarty, Sr.: 3 sacks

    John Paul Sabatka, Jr.: 2 sacks

    Leading Pass Defenders: 

    Logan McCarty, Sr.: 6 INTs

    Harley McPherson, Jr.: 3 INTs

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