​Inman, Monrian are pumped for opportunity to play in all-star game

by Michael Smith, Grain Valley News


Recent Grain Valley graduates Toby Inman and Eli Monrian were pumped when they heard the news.

Inman, a linebacker. received a text from the defensive coordinator of the Grain Valley football team, Matt Curts, that he was selected to play in the 2025 DM Law Kansas vs. Missouri All-Star Game, which will take place Friday at Liberty High School.

Monrian, a tight end, received the same news from his tight ends coach.

“I was really excited,” Inman said. “I initially told Coach (David) Allie that I wanted to get in this game, so I could get one last game. I was happy.

Added Monrian: “I am so stoked for this because I am not playing at the next level. I wanted to play one more time and put the pads on. I miss it a lot.”

They will get that chance Friday as they join four teammates Robert Palmer, Alex Osborn, Korbyn Goodwin, Aaron Barr on Team Missouri as all stars. Grain Valley head coach David Allie will also be he one leading Team Missouri.

Inman is a three-year starter for the Eagles who had a breakout season in 2024 as he had 65 tackles
(39 solo), 13 tackles for loss, three sacks and two pass breakups.

“I want to make a name for myself,” Inman, an Ottawa University commit, said of his opportunity to play in the all-star game. “I know there are guys going to bigger schools than I am. I want to try and set up some opportunities down the road.

Monrian was a varsity letter winner for all four seasons of his high school career.

“I just want to take this opportunity and excel at it,” Monrian said.

Both Inman and Monrian said playing in this game won’t be as emotional as their season-ending 21-9 loss to Webb City in the Class 5 District 7 semifinals, but they are going to relish the moment of playing one final game with their Eagles teammates.

“I know this is going to be our last high school game, but I am going to leave it all out there,” Monrian said. “I think it’s going to help Team Missouri that we have six of our guys on the team. We just flow so much better because we have played together for four years.”

Added Inman: “Having (six) guys on the team is a testament on how Grain Valley produces successful players. We got the right coaches and the right people around us.”

And playing in the all-star game will add just one more layer to a successful football career for both graduates.

“I wouldn’t change anything besides a state win,” Inman said. “I think I worked really hard and did everything I could for four years.”

Added Monrian: “I had so much fun. I miss it. You don’t really know how much you miss something until you don’t have it anymore. It was the time of my life. I couldn’t change anything about it.”

It didn’t take long for Inman and Monrian to knock off the rust after not playing competitive football since Nov. 8 as they and the other members of Team Missouri have been practicing at Raytown South High School this week. 

“I wasn’t just sitting around, I have been preparing for this game for a minute,” Inman said. “It’s just about putting the pads on and getting to work. I was lifting weights and doing drills at the school.”

Added Monrian: “I am picking it all back up this week now that we have been practicing. I am just getting my conditioning back up. We are running our offense so, I already know everything.”

They hope having that chemistry with each other and meshing with the other players for Missouri will result in a win over Kansas. Inman is certainly confident in his team’s chances.

“We are going to find out which state has the better football, and I think we know who that is,” Inman said with a smile.
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Linebacker Toby Inman. Photo credit: Bill Althaus

Tight end Eli Monrian. Photo credit: Bill Althaus