Several stars of the 2013 Kaw Valley League season are gone to graduation, paving the way for a new crop of players to establish themselves as the league’s premier talent. Here is a look at 10 players seemingly poised for breakout seasons in the following months. Players are listed in no particular order.

Krystian Abbott, Sr., Lansing

One of just two returning quarterbacks in the league, Abbott was one of the state’s most prolific passers in 2013. He threw for 2,759 yards and 24 touchdowns on the way to an All-KVL honorable mention. He also accounted for six scores on the ground.

If Abbott wants to replicate his success through the air this fall, particularly through the air, he’ll have to do so with an almost entirely different supporting cast. Gone are 2014 grads Khalil Bailey and Hector Porter, who combined for 1,968 receiving yards and 21 touchdowns.

Evan Applegate, Sr., Mill Valley

Regarded as one of the top players in the state, Applegate anchored an offensive line that helped the Jaguars rack up 241.9 rushing yards per game in an undefeated regular season. The All-KVL first-teamer is ranked as the seventh-best senior in Kansas by Rivals and currently has several scholarship offers from Division I college programs, including Arkansas, Kansas State, Nebraska and Oklahoma State.

Applegate will likely line up against larger defensive fronts this season, as Mill Valley has replaced several smaller league opponents on its schedule with larger programs in the Kansas City area.

Travon Jones, Jr., Piper

One of Piper’s most versatile offensive threats is back after leading the Pirates to the sectional round of the Class 4A playoffs. Jones was Piper’s leading rusher (105 carries, 570 yards, 3 touchdowns) and receiver (26 catches, 301 yards, 5 touchdowns) last season, while also contributing 59 tackles, two interceptions and a forced fumble on defense. He was an all-league second-team pick at running back and an honorable mention defensive back.

Jared Sommers, Sr., Tonganoxie

Sommers brings varsity experience to the Chieftains, who must replace almost every starter on both sides of the ball this season. A first-team defensive back, he tied for the team lead with 81 total tackles, intercepted four passes and forced a fumble. He also accounted for nine total touchdowns on offense — six rushing and three receiving — and averaged 36.7 yards on six punt returns.

Sommers will look to play a larger role on the THS offense this season, as he’ll split snaps at quarterback with fellow senior Carl Hecht.

Connor Byers, Jr., Bonner Springs

After sitting the last two seasons behind starting quarterback Jordan Jackson, Byers will get his chance for the Braves under center. The incoming junior completed the only three passes he threw last season for 25 yards and added five rushes for 29 yards. He also lined up at receiver, catching 14 passes for 171 yards. Defensively, he carded 39 tackles, three forced fumbles and an interception.

Byers will have his work cut out for him at quarterback, particularly late in the season, as the Braves are a Class 5A school in the new district cycle.

Jahron McPherson, Jr., Basehor-Linwood

A do-it-all player for the Bobcats a year ago, McPherson will look to make waves in coach Rod Stallbaumer’s first year. The junior earned first-team honors at defensive back, where he recorded 31 tackles, one interception and one forced fumble. He was also near the top of the team with 381 rushing yards, 212 receiving yards and eight total touchdowns on offense.

McPherson will likely play a bigger offensive role this season, as BLHS must replace most of its skill position players.

Colton Beebe, Sr., Piper

Perhaps the league’s top defensive player a year ago, Beebe returns after racking up 159 tackles, including eight for negative yardage. He also had two sacks, one interception and one forced fumble and ran for 10 touchdowns on offense. In addition to first-team honors at linebacker, Beebe was the 2013 recipient of the Bobby Bell award, presented by the Simone-Fontana Foundation to the top defensive lineman or linebacker in Kansas and Missouri’s smallest four classes.

Carl Hecht, Sr., Tonganoxie

One of six senior captains alongside Sommers, Hecht will look to play an increased role on both sides of the ball in 2014. He emerged as a receiving threat last year, catching seven passes for 109 yards and two touchdowns, and also had nine tackles at defensive end. Additionally, he averaged 27.8 yards on 10 punts and returned two punts for 66 yards. Like Sommers, Hecht will see time at quarterback, where the duo must fill the void left by all-league honorable mention Tyler Ford.

Logan Koch, Jr., Mill Valley

Despite missing five games with an injury, Koch was one of Mill Valley’s top offensive weapons last season. He ran for 849 yards — 141.5 per game — and 13 touchdowns and threw for 258 yards and five more scores. He was injured in the Jaguars’ second game and didn’t return until Nov. 1. Fellow incoming senior Ty Bruce started the majority of the season at quarterback in Koch’s absence, but expect Koch to once again play a big role on the MVHS offense.

Jared Hiss, Sr., Basehor-Linwood

The Bobcats view their offensive line as a strength as they enter the Stallbaumer era, and Hiss could go a long way in making sure that prediction comes true. A second-team selection as an interior lineman, Hiss is one of several returning upperclassmen up front. The line helped the BLHS offense average 272.4 yards per game last year, including 146.8 on the ground. Hiss was also a factor in the Bobcat defense, recording 37 tackles and a forced fumble.