Chiefs honor September high school officiating crews in partnership with MSHSAA and KSHSAA
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — On Oct. 2, 2026, the Kansas City Chiefs announced the region’s Football Officiating Crews of the Month for September. The honors recognize two high school officiating crews selected in collaboration with the Missouri State High School Activities Association and the Kansas State High School Activities Association. The Chiefs said the program is part of a broader partnership with the National Football League and the National Federation of State High School Associations to spotlight excellence and integrity in high school officiating.
The Chiefs selected the Missouri crew led by referee Brian Keath. The crew includes umpire Matthew Cellar, head linesman Brian Hyatt, line judge Ike Stearns III and back judge Tyler Buckman. Chiefs officials said the honorees demonstrated strong commitment to impartiality and fairness in applying rules during the month of September.
The Kansas crew honored was led by referee Josh Maike and included umpire Blake Thorson, head linesman Jay Harmison, line judge Joshua Marquardt and back judge Isaiah Tetuan. The announcement said this marks the program’s second season and that future monthly honorees will be chosen based on a crew’s experience, community involvement and demonstrated commitment to impartiality. All active high school football officials in Missouri and Kansas are eligible for nomination. The Chiefs congratulated the Brian Keath crew and the Josh Maike crew and thanked them for their service to youth and prep football.
NFL Sports Blog Take
By recognizing local officiating crews, the Chiefs extend NFL and NFHS efforts to raise officiating standards at the grassroots level. Highlighting crews across Missouri and Kansas and using selection criteria such as experience and community involvement should raise the profile of high school officiating. Continued collaboration with MSHSAA and KSHSAA signals a sustained commitment and gives local officials visibility tied to professional initiatives.