Each December, The Star's high school sports staff gathers inside a small conference room, typically over a stack of statistics and pizza, and hammers out the All-Metro football team.

During the meeting there's always one position where it ends up being impossible to separate the players. Take for instance last year's quarterback spot. There were four quarterbacks that could have been legitimate first-team signal callers.

After Friday night, I've got a strong suspiciaon wide receiver might be that position this year. Only Missouri teams have played so far, but there are already at least three receivers who have emerged this season.

The three (in no particular order) are:

1. Marcus Lucas, Liberty

2. Keeston Terry, Blue Springs

3. DeJuan Beard, Raytown South

The trio combined on the opening night for 21 receptions, 349 yards receiving and six touchdowns -- and three wins.

With more and more high schools teams going to a spread-like offense, it's crucial to have a big, tall target and all three of these guys fit that mold.

Lucas' mother played basketball at Mizzou, so he comes by his height rightfully. This summer at the University of Missouri combine in Liberty, he burst onto the scene.

Terry has some professional football genes. His dad Doug played four seasons for the Chiefs. Keeston knows about big plays, he scored the pivotal touchdown in the final minute of the Wildcats' 36-35 win over Lee's Summit West.

I'm not sure Beard's mom played college basketball or his dad was a pro football player, but he's just as impressive. Once Beard gets the ball in his hands, he's dangerous. Against Staley he had one 25-yard touchdown run on a reverse and another called back. Plus a receiving score.

With Kansas football starting next week, plus several more Division-I caliber players joining these three, I'm sure to have another headache when I leave the All-Metro meeting this December too.

It will be a good headache though.