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It was the best of debuts for Jacob Misiorowski … until it ended early. Plus: The Angels call up (another) prospect, the Rangers offense is maybe not dead and Ken tells us why Ryan Yarbrough’s a Yankee. I’m Levi Weaver, here with Ken Rosenthal. Welcome to The Windup!
Intros: Jacob Misiorowski’s mostly stellar debut
The news broke Tuesday: Milwaukee was calling up 23-year-old flame thrower Jacob Misiorowski to start against the Cardinals.
In 63 1/3 innings at Triple-A Nashville, Misiorowski — No. 87 on Keith Law’s top 100 prospects list and No. 5 on his Brewers list — had an ERA of 2.13, with 80 strikeouts and 31 walks. Here’s how the debut went:
First inning: 1-2-3
Second inning: 1-2-3 with a strikeout
Third inning: 1-2-3, sorta: a walk, a double play and a strikeout
Fourth inning: two walks, but still no hits
Fifth inning: 1-2-3, with two strikeouts
Three pitches into the sixth inning: a minor disaster. After Misiorowski threw ball three to Victor Scott II, this happened (watch the right ankle).
MUST SEE: Jacob Misiorowski’s first three pitches to start his Major League career:
Misiorowski left the game — right calf and quad cramping, of all things — and while reliever Nick Mears kept the no-hitter intact for the rest of the sixth inning, Cardinals first baseman Willson Contreras singled off Aaron Ashby to start the seventh inning.
(Not to get too sidetracked, but Contreras then attempted to steal and was thrown out by his brother William, who catches for the Brewers. I await Jayson Stark’s confirmation on how often this has happened in history.)
Anyway, what a debut for Misiorowski, huh?
Oh, by the way, the 37-33 Brewers won 6-0 to leapfrog the Cardinals for second place in the NL Central. All it took was for me to go and declare St. Louis this year’s Plot Twist, and now they’re mired in a five-game losing streak. Sorry ‘bout it, Cardinals fans.
More Brewers: Yesterday morning, the Brewers started their day on social media by wishing pitcher Aaron Civale happy birthday. Hours later, news broke that Civale — relegated to the bullpen for the first time in his career — had requested a trade.
Ken’s Notebook: Yarbrough thriving after leaving Blue Jays
From my latest column:
Right-hander Jacob Barnes and lefty Richard Lovelady are best described as journeymen. Most baseball fans would not even recognize their names. Yet, those are the two pitchers the Blue Jays chose over left-hander Ryan Yarbrough for their Opening Day roster, only to designate both for assignment less than a month later.
Yarbrough, after declining a revised offer from the Jays, opted out of his minor-league contract, became a free agent and signed with the New York Yankees. He started out in the Yankees’ bullpen, then joined their injury-depleted rotation in early May and produced a stunning 2.08 ERA in his first five starts before faltering last Saturday against the Boston Red Sox.
As the Jays await the return of righty Max Scherzer and ponder the regression of righty Bowden Francis, they can only wonder how Yarbrough, a pitcher who was firmly under their control, might have fit.
The Jays, winners of 12 of their last 14 games and holding the top wild-card position in the American League, are not exactly suffering. Lefty Eric Lauer, signed to a minor-league deal in December, is proving a reasonable facsimile of Yarbrough. If Scherzer makes a successful return from his right thumb injury by the end of June, the team’s decision on Yarbrough at the end of March might prove little more than a footnote.
Yarbrough is the kind of pitcher who is easy to overlook. His fastball is among the slowest in the majors, averaging just 87.5 mph. Yet Erik Neander, his former president of baseball operations with the Tampa Bay Rays, describes him as “absolutely fearless, incredibly savvy and somebody who gets the absolute most out of their abilities.”
“How do you know someone has special makeup?” Neander asked with a chuckle. “They’re getting guys out in the big leagues throwing 86 mph.”
The Blue Jays, after acquiring Yarbrough last July 30 from the Los Angeles Dodgers for outfielder Kevin Kiermaier and cash, came to understand what makes the pitcher unique. They re-signed him on Feb. 21, and after he triggered his opt-out clause in late March, they had the ability to keep him by adding him to their major-league roster.
The Jays were willing to do that — with a catch. They asked Yarbrough to sign an advance-consent clause, allowing them to release him within the first 45 days of the regular season and terminate the rest of his $2 million guarantee. The Yankees, Yarbrough said, made him the same offer, but with a different incentive structure.
Yarbrough was willing to accept that deal from the Yankees, a team he admired from afar for its ability to get the most out of pitchers. He wasn’t willing to accept it from the Jays, for whom he had a 2.01 ERA in 31 1/3 innings after the trade, pitching in a variety of roles out of the bullpen.
More here.
Movements: Angels call up Christian Moore
There’s quite the youth movement happening in Anaheim. This year, no fewer than 14 players age 25 or younger have suited up for the Halos. Six are currently on the active roster, and here are the numbers of minor-league games they’ve played:
There are some “normal” ones there, but that chart doesn’t include Caden Dana (21 years old, 52 minor-league games), Ben Joyce (24, 47 minor-league games, currently on 60-day IL) or Ryan Johnson (22, five minor-league games) — all of whom have appeared in at least one game for the Angels this year.
There’s about to be another one. Twenty-two-year-old infielder Christian Moore, the No. 8 pick in last year’s draft, is being called up to join the team in Baltimore. Moore was Law’s No. 2 Angels prospect. After struggling in 34 Double-A games this year (.665 OPS), he was promoted to Triple A, where he hit .350/.424/.575 (.999 OPS) with four home runs in 20 games.
Interestingly, while Moore has only played in 79 minor-league games, the call-up is actually later than expected — he was set to debut last September before a knee injury.
The Angels aren’t the only organization to do this sometimes — Wyatt Langford made the Texas Rangers’ Opening Day roster in 2024 after just 44 minor-league games, for example — but they seem to have a more aggressive promotion philosophy than most.
Resurrections:Has the Rangers’ offense risen from the dead?
The story of the 2025 Rangers has been simple: great pitching; the offense stinks.
We’ll need a bigger sample size than six games against the Nationals and a struggling Twins rotation, but any time a team scores 16 runs twice in one series, it’s worth raising an eyebrow and side-eyeing them a little bit.
Emblematic of both the struggle and the renaissance: second baseman Marcus Semien.
Opening Day through May 28 (223 plate appearances): .173/.260/.224 (.485 OPS), three home runs
May 29 through yesterday: (48 PAs) .429/.500/.786 (1.286), four home runs
Semien isn’t alone. Evan Carter has hit home runs in three out of four games. Josh Smith has been red-hot, and Jake Burger has looked like a different player since his short stay in the minor leagues. Six Rangers homered yesterday.
Is it a flash in the pan? Maybe, but their next 18 games should give them a chance to lock in. They face the White Sox, Royals, Pirates, Orioles, Mariners and Orioles again. Every one of those teams is (like the 33-36 Rangers) below .500, save for the Royals (34-34).
Handshakes and High Fives
This is kind of a big deal: While MLB has previously refused to acknowledge any changes to the baseballs, this year, the league admits there’s a difference in how the baseballs are behaving. MLB insists there have been no changes and it’s just as confused as the rest of us.
My favorite read of the day: Matt Gelb has a brilliant profile on the Phillies’ one-of-a-kind starter Zack Wheeler, who does things his own way.
Tyler Kepner’s “Sliders” column starts with MacKenzie Gore and ends with umpire impersonations.
These days, we get heartwarming videos when a prospect is called up. Steve Buckley talked to a few guys whose call-ups happened in the pre-MySpace days.
Mets starter Kodai Senga is headed to the IL with a strained hamstring.
Welcome our new intern Dhani Joseph, who asks: What happens when the pope wears your hat?
Last year’s Tigers surprised people. This year, it’s just who they are, says Britt Ghiroli.
With a month and a half til the trade deadline, who needs what, and how urgently? It’s the Trade Deadline Urgency Index 1.0.
Meanwhile, Jim Bowden gives us 20 deadline-related things he’s hearing.
And lastly, a correction. In yesterday’s Windup, I mentioned a story in the Boston Globe. It was, in fact, the Boston Herald. Apologies. (At least I got the link right?)
On the pods: The “Rates and Barrels” crew asks if the Rangers might consider offers on Jacob deGrom, and highlights some overlooked hitters from this year.
Most-clicked in our last newsletter: Keith Law’s 2025 Mock Draft 2.0, with Oregon State shortstop Aiva Arquette at No. 1.
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Seven new inductees set for MHS sports hall of fame
Published 1:35 pm Tuesday, November 25, 2025
By Tony Ahern, for the Madras Pioneer
The Madras High School Athletic Hall of Fame will have seven new inductees in January.
After a pause initiated by the COVID pandemic, the hall committee restarted this year and recently announced the inductees for this year. The list includes Merlin Rodman, Fran Moses Ahern, Steve Rogers, Darrell Ceciliani, Dave Randle, Dallas Stovall and the 1970 boys basketball team.
The Class of 2026 will be inducted through ceremonies during a Jan. 30 girls basketball game against Henley. A meet and greet at 6 p.m. at the commons across from the gymnasium will kick off the festivities. The inductees will be introduced during halftime of the varsity game. Following the game, the class will be formally inducted and will give speeches at a ceremony in the commons room.
All fans of MHS athletics, friends and families of the inductees, and the public at large are invited to attend the festivities. The only cost is admission to the game.
Merlin Rodman, a 1948 graduate, competed only two years at MHS and was a three-sport athlete. As a senior, he led the football team to one of the program’s best-ever seasons, reaching the Class B state quarterfinals in 1947. He was also on the basketball team that qualified for the Class B state tournament. At the state track meet in 1948, he was prolific, winning the 100, 220 and long jump, setting new state records in all three events.
Fran Moses Ahern, from the class of 1977, was a volleyball and basketball standout. She led the Buffalos to a third-place finish in the AA state volleyball tournament as a junior, making first team all-tournament. She was a key member of the state champion girls basketball team of ’77, again earning first-team all-tournament. She would later play both volleyball and basketball at Mount Hood Community College, then basketball at Washington State University. She also coached varsity softball at MHS.
Steve Rogers, class of 1981, was a multi-sport standout, earning varsity letters in four sports. It was football, though, which he made his biggest mark as a dominating two-way player. As a tailback, he rushed for more than 1,000 yards in both his junior and senior seasons. He was also a first-team all-Greater Oregon League defensive back his junior and senior seasons. He started on both offense and defense in the 1981 Shrine Game, making two interceptions, one he returned for a touchdown.
After playing baseball his freshman and sophomore seasons, Rogers went out for track as a junior and senior. He was the team’s lead sprinter and ran a leg on the school-record 4×400 team, a foursome that took second in state. He played football at Portland State University.
Darrell Ceciliani, class of 2009, was a fiery multi-sport athlete during high school, making several all-league teams. His post-high school athletic achievement, however, powered his induction. A baseball standout at Columbia Basin College, Ceciliani was drafted by the New York Mets in the fourth round of the 2009 draft, the highest Oregon product drafted that year. He progressed through the minor leagues and would later play Major League Baseball for both the Mets and the Toronto Blue Jays before injuries derailed his career.
Dave Randle was a longtime track and cross-country coach at MHS, starting at the school in 1964 and retiring in 1994. His boys cross-country teams won three-straight state titles, in 1982, ’83 and ’84, and his girls team finished third at state in 1980. He was Oregon State High School Coaches Association cross-country coach of the year a remarkable five times.
Randle was also a highly regarded high school basketball official and outdoorsman.
Dallas Stovall, a 1975 graduate, was a standout football and baseball player while a student at MHS. He is being inducted, however, for his contributions to MHS athletics as a community member and businessman. As CEO of Bright Wood Corp. for many years, Stovall consistently and generously contributed to the MHS athletic department at levels neared by no other person or business.
Bright Wood’s contributions were always made without fanfare, and a comprehensive list of them would be next to impossible to build. Through Stovall, Bright Wood for years donated tickets to Trail Blazer games and other Moda Center events for raffles that raised funds for athletics and other programs. A longtime youth baseball coach, Stovall had a batting cage at Bright Wood, allowing local kids to practice year-round.
“The contributions of Bright Wood and Dallas Stovall to MHS sports, to the community in general, are countless. Dallas just stepped down as CEO of Bright Wood, and we’re very happy to honor him,” said Evan Brown, chairman of the hall of fame committee. “Dallas has also regularly attended MHS events. He’s just an amazing supporter.”
Each year, the committee has inducted a team. This year, it’s the 1970 boys basketball state champion team. That team was led by all-American center Ron Jones, who would go on to be a team captain and guard at Oregon State University, and featured a starting lineup of Jones, Willie Stacona, Phil Utter, Ken Shaffer and Danny Martinez. Fred Sandgren was head coach. It was the last MHS boys basketball team to win a state title.
The new class joins 23 other athletes, coaches and teams that have been inducted in four previous classes.
The hall committee consists of Evan Brown, Margaret Sturza, Tony Ahern, Gary Harris and newcomers to the committee Rich Madden, Andy Leonard and Shawna McConnell. MHS Athletic Director Walt Stahl is a non-voting administrator. To be eligible for induction, an athlete must have graduated from MHS at least 10 years prior, and a coach has to have been retired.
BRYAN, Texas (KBTX) – A new nonprofit wants to help local kids get in the game, on stage or in the studio.
“All In” is kicking off its mission to help local youth have access to creative arts and extracurricular activities with a donation drive during downtown Bryan’s First Friday.
The goal is simple: remove financial barriers so kids, ages 3 to 25, can participate in sports, music, art, dance, STEM, and other skill-building programs.
Whether it’s a pair of soccer cleats, art supplies, a musical instrument, or help with program fees, “All In” wants to ensure cost is never a reason a child misses out.
Inaugural donation drive set for First Friday
The nonprofit is holding its inaugural donation drive at First Friday, Dec. 5 from 5 to 9 p.m. at NPT Network, 204 South Parker Ave in Downtown Bryan.
Residents are invited to donate new or gently used sports gear, art supplies, instruments, equipment, and gift cards.
Every donation stays right here in the Brazos Valley, directly supporting local kids.
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) — The Joseph Project led a community impact initiative at the Downtown Felix Square to do more than just sweep the sidewalk.
Multiple St. Joseph departments, alliances and non-profits worked to beautify Felix Square. The reason for the sudden work is to give St. Joseph students the chance to play youth sports.
“We’re here today with the 3D leadership journey through the Joseph company to spend a few hours in our community, to give back to our community through just clean up of the area,” said Markus Shepard, an Altec Industries volunteer.
Shepard was one of the many volunteers who joined the cleanup efforts
“We’re raising money for under-resourced youth in our city who have a desire to play school basketball with their school teams, but they have financial hindrances that prevent that,” Joseph Company organizer Wes Simmons said.
Simmons and the Joseph Company announced the project to raise $6,000 by Nov. 25. The money will go toward letting 100 St. Joseph students participate in the MO Family Sports Elementary School Basketball League.
For every $60 donated, one St. Joseph student is sponsored. With the $60, the Joseph Project will add two hours of community service.
“Our team set the goal for $6,000 raised, and I’m happy to report that we’re at almost $6200 right now,” said Simmons.
Since the Joseph Company has completed its goal, the company is looking to move forward with helping more students and families in the St. Joseph community.
“Each dollar goes towards one life. But how can we do more? How can we just go out to get hundreds? Can we get to 150 this week?” said Shepard. “This is a great one-time thing, but then what do we do tomorrow to also continue to grow our community?”
The Joseph Company hopes to combine all sides of St. Joseph to come together and use resources for a good cause.
Dear Community, As I close out my term as your Mayor, I’ve been reflecting on the journey we’ve taken together this year.
When I stepped into this role, I made a commitment, not to titles or recognition, but on making a real difference that families could feel in their daily lives.
Throughout the year, I carried with me the same values I was raised with here in Watsonville: work hard, listen closely, stay grounded and never forget who you serve. Every improvement we made, every streetlight, sidewalk, housing initiative, arts program, and safety investment, comes back to one thing: our people.
The families who wake up early for work, the seniors who rely on safe sidewalks, the youth who deserve opportunity, and the parents who want a strong, vibrant future for their children. And because of our collective effort, this year has been one of the most collaborative and productive in recent memory. Below is a look at what we set out to do, and what we accomplished together.
“Delivering Safer, More Connected Neighborhoods,” my first column, highlighted the city’s commitment to improving infrastructure, lighting, and street safety across our community. This year, we delivered in measurable, visible ways:
• Road improvements and traffic-calming projects were completed across multiple districts, driven directly by resident petitions and our Pavement Management Plan.
• A total of $82 million in road and infrastructure improvements advanced this year, reflecting one of the largest investments in recent Watsonville history.
• Green Valley Road now features upgraded signals, smoother pavement, ADA improvements, and safer crossings for seniors, students, and workers.
• School zones received new striping, signage, and safety enhancements based on resident feedback.
• More than 3,000 streetlights are being upgraded citywide, increasing safety for families walking home from school, night-shift workers, and residents across all neighborhoods.
• We advanced the Green Valley Pedestrian Bridge, a long-awaited safety improvement for Pajaro Valley High School families, moving it significantly closer to construction.
We also followed through on park-related commitments, including expanded janitorial services to reduce vandalism, restroom improvements, and major progress on Ramsay Park’s renovation and the City Plaza remodel, which will move to bid this month.
Expanding Housing Stability and Homelessness Response
Last year, we set out to strengthen our Affordable Housing Program, explore workforce housing partnerships, and improve support for residents facing the greatest hardships.
This year we:
• Adopted Watsonville’s first-ever Homelessness Plan, a milestone that guides outreach, sheltering, and pathways to permanent housing.
• Expanded our Homeless Outreach Program, pairing a police outreach specialist with a social services navigator to provide connection, not just enforcement.
• Made major progress on affordable housing developments, resulting in hundreds of new affordable units completed or under construction.
• Strengthened our Affordable Housing Program Ordinance, increasing opportunities for local families and local workers to become homeowners.
• Continued regional discussions with Cabrillo College, PVUSD, UCSC, and the County on workforce housing, advancing long-term solutions.
Housing stability is not just about construction; it’s about making sure families can stay in the community they call home. This year, we moved that work forward. Strengthening Public Safety and Community Trust Ensuring safety for every resident remained a top priority, and this year, important progress was made:
• Watsonville saw a significant decrease in violent crime and property crime, and an 8% decrease in overall crime.
• We expanded the Connector Program, allowing Officers to focus on urgent calls while trained connectors respond to non-criminal situations.
• We continued investing in firefighter and police recruitment, focusing on building a strong organizational culture and attracting qualified professionals committed to serving Watsonville.
• Resources were allocated to ensure our public safety departments have the tools they need to respond to emergencies and protect our community. Public safety is foundational, and this year we strengthened it.
Supporting Youth, Families, and Community Wellness and Engagement
Family-centered programming, literacy initiatives, and stronger community engagement continued to guide our work. This year, we delivered:
• Districtwide Read Across America Bookmobile Tours in every district, bringing books and literacy programs directly to families.
• Expanded library outreach to increase access to books, safe spaces, and learning opportunities.
• Secured funding for the volunteers who power our Parks & Community Services Department, strengthening youth sports, afterschool programs, and community events.
• Strengthened partnerships with community organizations to support families, seniors, and youth.
• Conducted a citywide, district-based survey to inform our Strategic Plan and city priorities, ensuring that residents across all districts had their voices represented.
• A full slate of family-focused events including National Night Out, Earth Day, community clean-ups, Summer in the City, Watsonville Academy, and the airport fireworks celebration.
• We launched a brand-new holiday celebration, Noche de Brillo/A Night of Sparkle, on Dec. 14, bringing Santa, snow, light displays, train rides, performances and community unity to our historic downtown. These programs strengthen our shared identity and ensure every family feels connected to their city. Arts, Culture, and Downtown Vitality
This year marked a turning point for arts and culture in Watsonville.
• We adopted the Arts Master Plan, creating a roadmap for expanding public art, murals, and creative opportunities for local artists.
• New mural locations and artist programs were identified, and several communitybased art projects were commissioned.
• Downtown Watsonville came alive with year-round tree lighting, adding warmth, vibrancy, and presence every night of the year.
• Watsonville became a candidate for state designation as a Cultural District, a recognition that would bring new opportunities and visibility to our arts ecosystem. We are building a downtown that reflects the creativity and cultural richness of our community. Strong Fiscal Stewardship and Modernized Government
A well-functioning city government remained at the forefront of our efforts. This year, we:
• Adopted a balanced two-year budget of more than $309 million. • Continued securing grants to invest in key infrastructure, technology, and public safety improvements.
• Began work with a financial advisor to strengthen long-term investment strategies.
• Continued major efforts to hire engineers and other technical staff, ensuring we have the workforce needed to execute complex capital projects.
• Advanced our city website modernization, improving accessibility and user experience.
• Implemented our new Resident Access Program, a universal login that allows residents to pay, register, and reserve all City services through a single portal, significantly improving customer service and ease of access.
• Expanded IT security and stormwater mapping efforts to enhance efficiency and resilience.
• Held a successful State of the City to celebrate collective accomplishments with residents, businesses, and community organizations. Good governance is the backbone of everything else and this year we continued strengthening it.
Supporting Local Business and Economic Development
Economic Development continues to be a top priority of our Council. Last year, efforts focused on uplifting local businesses, expanding family-friendly entertainment, and improving support for new and existing entrepreneurs. This year, we:
• Launched “Mayor on the Move” social media video series, highlighting dozens of local businesses.
• Advanced citywide retail strategies to support new business growth, fill vacancies, and strengthen economic corridors.
• Progressed the creation of a business support hub to help streamline permit processes and make it easier for small businesses and developers to invest in Watsonville. Economic development is essential to a healthy city, and this year, we laid strong groundwork for continued growth.
A Year of Commitment, Collaboration, and Community Strength
As I look back on 2025, I feel deeply grateful. Grateful for the trust you placed in me, grateful for a City Council that worked collaboratively, and grateful for a staff that shows up every day with heart and commitment. The progress we made this year belongs to all of us, to a community that speaks up, shows up, and pushes us to do better. Watsonville is resilient. Watsonville is creative. Watsonville is strong because of the people who call it home. I am proud of what we accomplished together and honored to have served as your Mayor. Wishing every family a joyful, safe holiday season. I look forward to continuing to serve and support our community in the years ahead.
Clemson running back Adam Randallwas one of five finalists named Tuesday for the Pop Warner College Football Award, presented annually to a player who makes a positive impact on the field, in the classroom and in the community, and who serves as a role model to Pop Warner’s young student-athletes.
More information from Pop Warner Little Scholars in included below.
LANGHORNE, PA (November 25, 2025) – Pop Warner Little Scholars, the nation’s preeminent youth football organization, has announced five finalists for its 16th Annual Pop Warner College Football Award. Established in 2010, the award honors a player who has made a positive impact on the field, in the classroom, and in the community, and who serves as a role model to Pop Warner’s young student-athletes.
This year’s finalists include:
Tanner Wall, BYU (Redshirt Senior, Arlington, VA): A two-time BYU captain, Wall has emerged as one of the Cougars’ most productive defensive leaders in 2025, earning spots on the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team, recognition as a Wuerffel Trophy finalist, and semifinalist honors for the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Award and the Campbell Trophy. Through 10 games he leads No. 11 ranked BYU in interceptions with four and is third in tackles with 53, building on a 2024 season in which he started all 13 games and earned CSC First Team Academic All-America honors. Wall graduated with a 3.89 GPA in business finance and is pursuing his MBA in the Marriott School. His service includes coordinating BYU Pathway Worldwide mentoring programs across Africa and the South Pacific, leading SAAC initiatives, organizing hospital and community outreach, teaching youth Sunday School, completing a two-year mission in Brazil, participating in the True Blue Hero program, supporting Built4Life outreach and assisting youth development efforts during a 2025 football and service trip to Israel.
Jalon Daniels, Kansas (Redshirt Senior, Lawndale, CA.): A four-time Jayhawks team captain and one of the most decorated players in Kansas history, Daniels has delivered another standout 2025 season, highlighted by recognition as a finalist for the William V. Campbell Trophy and semifinalist for the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Award, along with placements on the Manning Award Midseason Watch List and multiple national award lists. A past Big 12 Co-Scholar Athlete of the Year and Academic All-America honoree, Daniels continues to excel academically while pursuing his degree in education. A dynamic leader on the field, he has helped guide Kansas to one of its most competitive stretches in recent program history. Off the field, he serves on Kansas’ leadership council, contributed to the program’s record 500 community-service hours in 2025, represented the Jayhawks at Big 12 Media Days for the fourth straight year and oversees the Moms 2 J6 Foundation, which supports single mothers and young athletes.
Josh Kattus, Kentucky (Senior, Cincinnati, OH): A seasoned leader for Kentucky, Kattus has appeared in 43 games with 24 starts while emerging as one of the Wildcats’ most reliable offensive contributors, currently tied for third in receptions and receiving yards early in 2025. Widely respected for his character and service, he is one of only 11 FBS players named to the 2025 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team and appears on the Wuerffel Trophy semifinalist list, the Campbell Trophy Watch List and the CSC Academic All-District Team. Academically, he is a three-time SEC Academic Honor Roll member, a five-time Dean’s List honoree and a member of Kentucky’s Frank G. Ham Society of Character. Kattus volunteers weekly at Goliasano Children’s at UK, supports the Scott County Humane Society, assists Ronald McDonald House programs, leads a shoe drive benefiting Camp Horsin’ Around, helped raise more than $45,000 through two “Dancing with the Lexington Stars” charity events and represents the SEC on the NCAA Football Oversight Committee’s Student-Athlete Connection Group.
Aaron Graves, Iowa (Graduate Student, Dayton, IA): A dominant defensive force and exceptional scholar-athlete, Graves has 33 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, 5 sacks and an interception through 10 games. The team captain graduated with highest distinction in 2024 after completing his bachelor’s degree in exercise science in just two years with a 4.03 GPA, and is on track to complete his master’s degree in sport and recreation management in December. Graves is a two-time CSC Academic All-District honoree, a 2024 Second Team Academic All-American and a Big Ten Distinguished Scholar. He has helped Iowa to three bowl appearances, including the 2022 Music City Bowl victory. His volunteer work includes service with Filter of Hope, Safe Haven Animal Shelter, Athletes in Action, Day of Caring and CommUnity Crisis Services & Food Bank.
Adam Randall, Clemson (Senior, Myrtle Beach, SC): One of the ACC’s most versatile offensive weapons, Randall has excelled since transitioning permanently to running back in 2025, recording multiple 100-yard rushing games and becoming the first Clemson player since 2018 to score in each of the first six games of a season. A member of the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team and a Wuerffel Trophy semifinalist, he has produced several explosive all-purpose performances, including a 227-yard effort against Syracuse. Randall earned two ACC Honor Roll selections and completed his degree in management in just three years. Off the field, he plays a key role in Clemson’s P.A.W. Journey service and leadership initiatives, participated in a service trips to South Africa and Italy and remains active in youth mentorship and community outreach throughout South Carolina with the Randall Family Foundation and beyond.
The award winner will be announced Dec. 10 during the 68th Pop Warner Super Bowl in Charlotte, NC.
“We all love watching these young men compete on Saturdays, but what makes them truly special is who they are when the cameras are off,” said Steve Strawbridge, Pop Warner Little Scholars CEO. “Each of these finalists embodies the qualities we hope to inspire in every Pop Warner athlete: commitment to academics, servant leadership, and the drive to make a positive impact in their communities. They represent the very best of college football, not just because of what they accomplish when the stadium lights are on, but because of the integrity, character and compassion they demonstrate away from it.”
Last year’s winner was Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe, recognized for his performance as one of college football’s most dynamic offensive players, his academic achievements and his meaningful community engagement. Previous recipients include Prince Amukamara (Nebraska), Chase Minnifield (Virginia), Sean Renfree (Duke), Gary Bush (Purdue), Jordan Richards (Stanford), Brandon Chubb (Wake Forest), Evan Engram (Mississippi), Braxton Berrios (Miami), CJ Conrad (Kentucky), Michael Pittman Jr. (USC), Ian Book (Notre Dame), Elijah Hicks (California), Kenneth Horsey (Kentucky) and Tony Bradford Jr. (Texas Tech).
About Pop Warner Little Scholars, Inc. Founded in 1929 and headquartered in Langhorne, PA, Pop Warner Little Scholars is the nation’s oldest youth football, cheerleading and dance organization and the only youth sports organization that emphasizes academics as a prerequisite for participation. Pop Warner participants enjoy the opportunity to learn and compete in an atmosphere that emphasizes fun, safety, academics and character. For more information on Pop Warner and its programs, visit www.popwarner.comor follow Pop Warner on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.
“I have some girls on this team who have never played basketball before, so right now we’re really working on instilling confidence in this group,” Hammond said. “The first thing we really want them to understand is that you have to go hard, because effort never fails you.”
Offseason workouts and the first three games of the campaign, in which Owen is 0-3, has been “all about fundamentals,” according to the coach.
“We’re already seeing improvements, every game, and we’re building from that,” she said. “What we’re really trying to get across to the girls is the importance of being competitive, whether it’s in practice or a game. No matter what we’re doing, we need to try to win.”
Relentless effort, she added, allows an inexperienced roster to to compensate for its lack of experience.
“We may not be the fastest, we may not be the tallest, we may not be the strongest, but we are going to be fundamentally sound,” she said. “If we do that, embrace the hard work and the girls are willing to be gritty, we’re going to compete.”
The Warlassies fell, 59-29, in their home opener, Nov. 21, against Tuscola, but freshman guard Aleah Myers represented the kind of development Hammond and assistant coach Jackson Shaw would like to see in their players.
Myers scored 21 of Owen’s points, hitting 9 out of 10 field goal attempts and pulled down 4 rebounds. Her supporting cast, including junior Lucille Conner, sophomore Audrey Mercurio and junior Ava Grant, all demonstrated the level of effort required to rebuild the program, according to the coach.
“Aleah is a great example, because she kind of struggled the first two games, specifically because of a lack of confidence,” Hammond said. “There was a time in the R-S Central game where she went to the hole and drew a foul with no time on the clock. I asked her if she was aware of how much time was on the clock and she said no.”
The coach urged her freshman player to maintain that level of focus in game situations.
