I've been lucky this weekend to see two of the top running backs in our coverage area, maybe the top two. (See, being low man on the totem pole does have some advantages.) David Johnson and Josh Vos are different and similar in many ways.

Scoring ability - Both of these young men are capable of scoring from anywhere on the field and doing so with frequency. Johnson's 23 touchdowns lead the MAC and Vos' 19 isn't too shabby either.

Running style - Here is where the main difference lies. Johnson has more of the breakaway speed, Vos the pure power. Johnson can run you over, and pull away from arm tackles as evidenced against Davenport Central. Vos routinely ran over would be tacklers and carried several with him, but bursts of speed were there on his touchdown runs. Both are secure ball handlers that don't fumble.

Defense - Hard to compare them here, playing different positions on this side of the ball. Johnson plays corner and Vos linebacker. Vos is seemingly in on every tackle. Johnson gets far fewer opportunities, but makes the most of the ones he gets.

Size - Johnson goes 6-1, 196 lbs., and Vos comes in at 6-1 205.

Leadership - This is the one category where one of these guys truly wins and it's Vos. He is the undisputed leader of the Mustangs on both sides of the ball and in the locker room. Johnson is more low key and has senior quarterback Jake Mangler to help shoulder the leadership burden.

Outlook - Both Johnson's River Kings and Vos' Mustangs look to enjoy long playoff runs, setting school records and both will be playing on Saturdays come next fall.