EASTON ALPERS, ST. JOHN

ST. JOHN — Waiting in the wings behind his older brother, now-graduated quarterback Braxton Alpers, Easton Alpers still found a way to make an impact last year as an onside-kick specialist.

That unique skill set landed him first-team All-Central Prairie League honors as a kicker and honorable mention All-Eight-Player Division II honors from KSHSAA Covered as a specialist. Now a junior, Alpers is set for a much larger role as the Tigers’ starting quarterback. St. John first-year coach Reuben Martin said pocket presence and accuracy are strengths for Alpers, who will look to help the Tigers improve on last year’s 4-5 record as they make the jump to Eight-Player Division I.