here’s him standing and thanking God after another touchdown

Nick Dyer of Cooper City HS exploded out of the gates in Week 1, putting his arm strength and playmaking ability on full display in a dominant 48-21 win over North Broward Prep. He completed 12/19 passes for 298 yards and 3 touchdowns while adding a two-point conversion, then punched in another score on the ground to finish with 4 total touchdowns, making for an electric opening statement.

Kelsey Rose Jr. had himself a night for JCS, flexing his impressive two-way versatility in a hard-fought 33-21 opening-night win over Union City. The three-star EDGE and USF commit was a force defensively with 11 tackles and 2.5 sacks, then flipped over to offense and had 4 catches for 77 yards. Rose brought pressure, physicality, and production on one side while making plays downfield on the other, putting together a complete performance to help JCS start the season 1-0.

Max Johnson

Jeff "Speedy Will" Williams III is BACK, and he made sure everyone knew it with a monster career night for Lima Senior HS in a dominant 42-13 win over Piqua. He was nearly unstoppable, with a school-record 17/20 catches for 234 yards and 3 touchdowns as his speed, explosiveness, and big-play ability gave the defense problems all night. Career numbers, school records, and three trips to the house made for one electric way to open the season.

Ty Cannon of Apollo HS didn't just make his football debut; he exploded onto the scene with a jaw-dropping performance against Murray HS. In the first game of his career, Cannon turned just 7 catches into an eye-popping 278 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns against last season's 3A state runner-up, repeatedly striking for huge plays in a wild 58-50 double-overtime battle. Apollo came up just short, but that kind of performance in your FIRST football game is one unforgettable way to announce your arrival.

Jayden Gusman of Frederick Douglass HS showcased exactly why there is already so much buzz surrounding the 2029 phenom, stepping into a big Week 1 matchup against a strong Highlands team and delivering. Gusman completed 12/22 passes for 218 yards and 2 touchdowns, showing off his arm strength, confidence, and playmaking ability while helping lead Frederick Douglass to an impressive 41-20 season-opening win. 

Gavin Shrader tried to will Marshall County across the finish line in Week 1, battling until the final whistle and making plays with both his arm and his legs. He completed 18/28 passes for 259 yards and 2 touchdowns while adding 30 rushing yards and another score, accounting for all 3 of his team's touchdowns in a hard-fought 35-24 loss to Lincoln County. The scoreboard didn't fall their way, but Gavin left everything he had on the field, trying to give his team a chance.

Torrey McDowell Jr. was impressive for Stone Memorial in a hard-fought 21-13 win over York Institute, bringing an explosive mix of speed, power, and toughness to the backfield. Torrey ripped off 186 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns on just 14 carries while adding 2 catches for 25 yards, giving the Panthers a major offensive spark in a gritty, hard fought Week 1 vin.

Friday night turned into a dominant showcase for 2029 phenom Brycen Blevins of Hampton HS, who put his explosive dual-threat ability on full display in a 46-24 win over Avery County HS, NC. Brycen was electric through the air, completing 10/17 passes for 253 yards and 4 touchdowns, then added another punch with 44 rushing yards and a touchdown on 7 carries. He made one powerful opening statement for the young field general.