Mr. Football: 1A Pre-Season Watch List

Although the 1A classification makes up the smallest teams numbers wise in the state, the quality of play and action never disappoints. Towns that live and die by every game, if not every snap, pour to fields to watch these young men compete on Friday nights. Let's take a look at some of the top talent in the 1A ranks as we approach kickoff to the 2021 campaign. <a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/vontrez-rush/">[player_tooltip player_id="104163" first="Vontrez" last="Rush"]</a> | RB | Simmons | SR One of the best names in high school football who plays for one of the top 1A programs historically in the state. Rush averaged over 12 yards per carry in a shortened season last year as a junior. With a full year to compete expect eye popping numbers from the leader of the Simmons offense. <a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/debyron-conerly/">[player_tooltip player_id="182910" first="Debyron" last="Conerly"]</a> | LB | Lumberton | JR Conerly was arguably the top 2023 defensive player in 1A last season with 120 total tackles. Conerly plays free at the linebacker position and makes plays across the field. Simply a playmaker that is tough to account for, with another year to mature under his belt Conerly looks to be special. <a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/quandarius-hubbard/">[player_tooltip player_id="182912" first="Quandarius" last="Hubbard"]</a> | RB | Mt. Olive | SR Hubbard is a testament to what makes 1A football great. True production on both sides of the football with nearly 1,200 yards rushing last year and 9 TD's, as well as production defensively with 57 tackles and 3 forced turnovers. Numbers like that will garner him consideration for this award easily. <a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/karson-evans/">[player_tooltip player_id="182913" first="Karson" last="Evans"]</a> | LB | Taylorsville | SR Evans has potential on the baseball diamond as a catcher and he brings that mindset to the football field. As the leader of the defense Evans plays with a high football IQ and produces. 99 tackles and 3 INT's helped lead the Taylorsville defense last season while also producing sporadically on the offensive side. <a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/zae-davis/">[player_tooltip player_id="104530" first="Zae" last="Davis"]</a> | ATH | Biggersville | SR Davis played a huge role in winning the 1A state title last year. Truly capable of lining up anywhere at anytime, Davis plays with as much athletic ability as anyone in the region. Nearly 1,000 all purpose yards and 11 TD's helped lead the way last year and will be expected again this season.