Justin Stephens of Maize was voted the Wichita Large School Preseason Special Teams Player of the Year. Stephens, who is also a starting wide receiver for the Eagles, is a versatile threat every time he touches the ball.

Dues to how good Maize is defensively, Stephens did not get many opportunities to return kick offs, but just being a threat is scary enough for opponents.

Stephens has been focusing on combining his intellect for the game, with his ability in order to become a better player this season.

“A weakness I have would have to be my speed,” Stephens said. “I have never been a really fast guy. One of my strengths is I can feel the field when I am playing and adjust to my teammates. Summer is where all the work gets put in and you just got to carry that into the season.”

Maize fell in the 5A title game last season and Stephens and his teammates want to take the necessary steps each week to make sure they can play for a championship again.

“As a team I hope we can build off each week and get better and better throughout the season and hopefully make it back to that state championship,” Stephens said. “For myself I just want to make sure I am doing my job every play, of every drive, of every game.”