KFBCA Top 11: Bryce Noernberg

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 Olathe South quarterback and punter Bryce Noernberg's capsule below. For a look at the complete 2023 KFBCA All-State teams click here.

In their second season under head coach Ron Litchfield this fall Olathe South put together their second consecutive winning season after last posting a record above .500 in 2014. 

Much of the Falcon’s success can be attributed to Litchfield, a 32-year coaching veteran who enjoyed success in prior stops, but a talented group of upperclassmen, led by senior quarterback Bryce Noernberg, certainly gave Litchfield the key pieces for such a quick turnaround.

Noernberg proved himself to be among the top dual-threats in the state over the last two seasons recording 6,196 total yards and 83 combined TDs rushing and passing over a three year span as a varsity signal caller.

Litchfield pointed out his QB’s ability to “create with his legs, keeping pass plays alive” as his biggest strength, something Noernberg proved capable of as a sophomore when he went 42 of 60 for 591 yards and 4 TDs passing, along with 57 carries for 467 yards and two more scores on the ground.

The Falcons went 5-5 on the season, the last under head coach Craig Lewis.

With the arrival of Litchfield in 2022, South saw their record take a major leap forward as did Noernberg’s numbers.

The junior completed 92 of 159 passes for 1,491 yards and 17 TDs to eight interceptions and carried the ball 124 times for 885 yards and 14 more TDs, while the team went 7-3 after advancing to the second round of the 6A playoffs. 

Noernberg earned second team All-League honors for his performance.

While his junior season was a clear triumph, Noernberg’s finest individual performance was yet to come.

“He became very confident in the second year of our offense,” Litchfield said. “He was able to work through his progression easier in year two.”

The results were in the numbers (72-114, 1,173 yards, 11 TDs) and while his passing numbers were lower, his efficiency increased with just three interceptions and a five percent jump in his completion percentage. Where he lost a little production by air, Noernberg more than made up for it on the ground with 138 carries for 1,520 yards and 31 touchdowns.

The senior also showed off top-notch punting abilities after splitting attempts the year prior, putting six of his 22 punts inside the 20 with a 36.6 yard average and a long of 62. 

Noernberg’s dominant senior season spurred the Falcons to a 6-4 mark, with all four losses coming against dominant programs, including 5A state champs Mill Valley and 6A champs Gardner-Edgerton.

Along with his KFBCA Top 11 nod, Noernberg was chosen to multiple All-State lists, was a Simone Award finalist, and the Sunflower League Offensive Player of the Year.

After wrapping up his senior season, Noernberg made the decision to accept a Preferred Walk-On spot at Kansas State University to continue his football career, a football culture he is likely to fit in with well.

“Bryce was the leader of our team,” Litchfield said. “He is not a loud person, his play was his voice. He was very well respected in the locker room.”