KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Ten Missouri Baptist University football players earned Heart of America Athletic Conference South Division postseason honors on Tuesday, as the league announced its 2025 All-Conference teams and award winners.
The Spartans earned recognition across all three phases — including two First Team selections, five Second Team honorees, and three Honorable Mention picks — after finishing the season 4–6 overall and 3–3 in Heart play.
FIRST TEAM ALL-CONFERENCE
Cale Bunner – Offensive Line
Bunner anchored an offensive front that powered the Spartans to 364.1 yards per game and allowed just 16 sacks in 10 contests. The senior started played in every game for MBU and graded out as one of the most reliable linemen in the Heart.
Brady Davis – Defensive Line
Davis delivered a breakout year with 37 tackles, 8.0 tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks. His size, strength, and interior disruption helped MBU generate 69 tackles for loss as a defensive unit.
SECOND TEAM ALL-CONFERENCE – OFFENSE
Lionel Banks – Running Back
Banks became MBU's all-time rushing touchdown leader (25 career TDs) during his senior season. He finished with 589 rushing yards, four touchdowns, and three 100-yard games while averaging 3.6 yards per carry.
Gavin Claud – Wide Receiver
Claud closed a historic Spartan career with 52 catches for 765 yards and seven touchdowns this season. He ends his career with 2,046 receiving yards, becoming just the second MBU wideout ever to surpass 2,000 career yards.
SECOND TEAM ALL-CONFERENCE – DEFENSE
Evan DeWilde – Linebacker
DeWilde led MBU with 99 tackles — the third-highest single-season total in program history. He added 5.5 tackles for loss, two interceptions, and a forced fumble while serving as the heart of the defense.
Nick Stepney – Linebacker
Stepney was a consistent force with 64 total tackles and 9.0 tackles for loss. His physical style anchored MBU's run defense throughout the season.
SECOND TEAM ALL-CONFERENCE – SPECIAL TEAMS
Jaden George – Punter
George posted 1,674 punting yards on 47 attempts (35.6 avg), dropped 12 punts inside the 20, and recorded a long of 50 yards. His consistency helped MBU control field position.
HONORABLE MENTION ALL-CONFERENCE
Jaylon Williamson – Defensive Back
Williamson set the single-season program record with 15 pass breakups, surpassing the previous mark of 13. He added 39 tackles and two interceptions while emerging as one of the Heart's top cover corners.
Antonio Willis – Offensive Line
Willis played in every game on an improving Spartan offensive line, contributing to a balanced offense that averaged 214.7 passing yards and 149.4 rushing yards per game.
Shane Becker – Wide Receiver
Becker recorded 19 receptions for 255 yards and three touchdowns. He finishes his MBU career with ten receiving touchdowns, third most in program history.
SUMMARY
MBU's 2025 All-Conference honorees:
First Team: Cale Bunner (OL), Brady Davis (DL)
Second Team: Lionel Banks (RB), Gavin Claud (WR), Evan DeWilde (LB), Nick Stepney (LB), Jaden George (P)
Honorable Mention: Jaylon Williamson (DB), Antonio Willis (OL), Shane Becker (WR)
The Spartans' 10 total selections reflect one of the program's strongest postseason showings to date.
