​SPRINGFIELD — High school football begins this week in Missouri. The chase for state championships, conference titles, and rivalry wins is imminent. Big plays from key players will be the storyline week in and week out, especially in the Springfield area.Below are 10 players nominated for the Springfield News-Leader’s preseason football player of the year. Voting for the award closes at noon on Friday.Trenton Allen, Clever The junior was a first-team all-conference selection last season. As a sophomore, the wide receiver caught 36 passes for 741 yards to lead the Clever roster. Allen will also feature as a defensive back for a Bluejays team that finished 9-3 in 2025.Sam Boster, Springfield Catholic The senior running back was a first-team all-conference pick in 2025. He rushed for 789 yards and nine touchdowns on 77 carries. He also caught two touchdowns and returned two kickoffs to the house. Boster helped the Irish go 8-3 and will look to improve on that mark this fall.Will Buckley, KickapooFirst-year head coach Bill Voorhis has tabbed Buckley as one of the team’s top players entering the new season. The 6-foot-3 receiver has earned Division II and NAIA offers in the offseason as he tries to help Kickapoo bounce back after last year’s 2-8 campaign.High school football: Takeaways from Willard Jamboree featuring Parkview, Bolivar, Cassville football