Small Town Standouts of the Week
There were some big performances from some players in small towns this past Friday, and these guys deserve to turn some heads. Small town kids rarely ever get a preference over a big school or a city kid, but that…
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Continue ReadingThere were some big performances from some players in small towns this past Friday, and these guys deserve to turn some heads. Small town kids rarely ever get a preference over a big school or a city kid, but that didn’t stop these guys from balling out. These guys are built different. Take a look at 5 small town kids who played lights out in week 5:
Richard Stallworth, QB, Yuma Catholic HS (C/O 2023)
It’s time to take serious notice of Stallworth, as he continues to put up insane numbers week by week. The sophomore went 14-17 with 428 yards and 8 TD’s…in one half of football. Stallworth looked calm and poised in the pocket and delivered accurate bombs all night. He displayed good pocket mobility, and showed the ability to make accurate throws outside the pocket as well. Stallworth has good arm strength with solid velocity. He does not look or play like a sophomore. At 6’2″ 210lbs, Stallworth shows all the potential to be a legit D1 prospect. He will continue to develop and get better, which will be a scary sight for anyone playing Yuma Catholic for the next couple years.
Zach Hammett Zach Hammett 5'8" | 185 lbs | RB River Valley | 2022 State AZ , ATH, River Valley HS (C/O 2022)
Hammett is another guy who is among the state’s best every week. He had 11 carries for 260 yards and 3 TD’s. He had about an 85 yard TD in which he took a pitch on an option, cut upfield and slipped between two defenders then used his second level speed to house it. Every week, everybody has a game plan for Hammett, yet nobody has been able to contain him. Hammett is a very versatile athlete, and continues to rise his stock every week. Hammett will have one of his biggest tests of the season next week when he faces off against an undefeated Yuma Catholic.
Adam Navarette, ATH, Superior HS (C/O 2021)
Navarette can make plays from anywhere, as he threw for 168 yards and 3 TD’s, rushed for 107 yards and 2 TD’s, and also took a punt return to the house. The 6 TD night for Navarette helped Superior keep their perfect record alive as they look like one of the biggest powerhouses in 1A. Navarette is the do it all guy for superior, and should continue to put up big numbers throughout the playoffs to help Superior get to the championship.
Zachary Bennett Zachary Bennett 5'8" | 180 lbs | RB Coconino | 2021 State AZ , RB, Coconino HS (C/O 2021)
Bennett had 30 carries for 226 yards and 3 TD’s against a gritty Bradshaw Mountain defense to keep the undefeated record alive. Bennett has been the man on one of the best team’s in school history, and is on the verge of becoming the all-time rushing leader at Coconino. He is a workhorse, all-purpose back that can burn you with speed and power. Bennett has exceptional balance and vision with the ability to break and bounce off tackles very effectively. He had about an 80 yard TD run where he was hit and wrapped up twice, and broke through about 5 Bradshaw defenders to take it to the house. I believe Bennett is a true FCS level player, and definitely deserves some more attention.
Isaac Stopke, RB/LB, Lake Havasu HS (C/O 2023)
Stopke had a very impressive night with 242 yards and 3 TD’s on 18 carries. As mentioned before, Stopke looks to get better and mature every week, and is really developing into an all-purpose back. He had an 89 yard TD up the middle and was able to achieve solid second level speed to burn past speedy Deer Valley DB’s. Stopke has stepped up big time for Havasu adding another dimension to an already talented offense. Stopke is an exciting sophomore to watch, and is definitely one to get on your radar ASAP.