Star Studded Matchup Kicks off Week 1 of High School Football

High school football is back and what better way to kick things off than a heavyweight fight between two top 5 programs?  A star-studded matchup led by the class of 2023’s #2 ranked quarterback, [player_tooltip player_id="117098" first="Connor" last="Clark"], against the #1 ranked running back, [player_tooltip player_id="44973" first="Daylan" last="Smothers"].  Let’s take a deep dive into the matchup between Chambers High School and Cardinal Gibbons. Chambers, formerly known as Zebulon B. Vance, is coming off back-to-back 4AA state titles. A juggernaut of a team with the ability to rebuild and reload every year.  Once again, Chambers enters the season as the top-ranked team in North Carolina.  Cardinal Gibbons went 9-1 last year, the one loss being in the 4A state championship game to Grimsley of Greensboro, NC.  Many believe this is the year for Gibbons to get over the hump, returning 6 starters on defense and seven starters from an offense that averaged more than 35 points per game.  Let’s take a look at some of the players you should have your eyes on Friday night. -[player_tooltip player_id="117098" first="Connor" last="Clark"], <strong>6’6″, 210, Cardinal Gibbons HS (No. 2 QB, No. 8 Overall).</strong> Heading into his junior season, [player_tooltip player_id="117098" first="Connor" last="Clark"] is a player I will watch closely each week.  He has the size and skill set to be a high-end D1 talent.  Last year as a sophomore, Clark showed excellent poise and composure as he led a high-flying offense to an undefeated regular-season record.  He can make every throw on the field, from short intermediate throws to long-range deep passes.  Not only is he a very accurate QB, but he also has the athleticism to tuck the ball and run when the pocket is collapsing.  All eyes will be on [player_tooltip player_id="117098" first="Connor" last="Clark"] this season. -[player_tooltip player_id="44973" first="Daylan" last="Smothers"], <strong>6’0", 185, Chambers HS (No. 1 RB, No. 3 Overall).</strong> Smothers is the number 1 ranked running back in the 2023 class and rightfully so.  Expectations were high for Smothers’ performance entering his sophomore season and he exceeded them with ease.  He is an explosive back who can break off on a 70-yard TD run at any point during the game.  My favorite trait of Smothers is his ability to find the hole; his vision is tremendous. At 6’0", 185 pounds, he is not afraid to lower his shoulder and bully his way for short yardage as well. -[player_tooltip player_id="44975" first="Kevin" last="Concepcion"], <strong>5’11″, 165, Chambers HS (No. 3 WR, No. 12 Overall). </strong> What separates Kevin from other wide receivers is his ability to get separation from opposing defensive backs.  Though Kevin may not be the tallest receiver out there, he uses his ability to shake off defenders at the line of scrimmage to get open quickly.  With great hands and a strong route-running prowess, he is one of the best wide receivers in the 2023 class. -[player_tooltip player_id="44982" first="Anshon" last="Camp"], 5’10", 165, <strong>Chambers HS (No. 8 QB, No. 50 Overall).</strong> -Anshon a rising junior, is a very athletic dual-style quarterback.  He has a big arm and can sling it down the field, but his mastery comes from his legs.  If he sees a hole, good luck catching him.  Chambers uses [player_tooltip player_id="44982" first="Anshon" last="Camp"] and [player_tooltip player_id="44973" first="Daylan" last="Smothers"] as a paired package when running their offense, putting the defense in an awful spot having to decide which one to follow. -[player_tooltip player_id="156088" first="James" last="Pearce"], 6’5", 210, <strong>Chambers HS (No. 11 DL, No. 41 Overall).</strong> -This is a very big year for the senior defensive lineman to impress college scouts.  Pearce has a big physical stature that has speed coming off the edge.  He does a great job not giving up on the play, and he has a strong ability to change directions when needed.  I look for [player_tooltip player_id="156088" first="James" last="Pearce"] to have a breakout senior season. &nbsp;