Mississippi 8th Grade Downs Austin in Round 2 of FBU Tourny
In this article:
In my opinion, hands down the best game of the weekend. It was a thrill to watch and the cherry on top of the games I watched this weekend, as it ended in a dramatic fashion. JaReylan McCoy JaReylan McCoy…
Access all of Prep Redzone Next and Prep Redzone
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingIn my opinion, hands down the best game of the weekend. It was a thrill to watch and the cherry on top of the games I watched this weekend, as it ended in a dramatic fashion.
JaReylan McCoy JaReylan McCoy 6'7" | 265 lbs | DL Tupelo | 2026 State MS had a monster day for Mississippi, showing that he was indeed the best linemen in the regional tournament, as he ran over double teams and took over the game when the boys from the ‘sip were down 19-7. He showed a nasty bull rush and a flossy spin move to keep Austin’s offensive line off balance. He drew double teams and created one-on-one situations for his fellow defensive linemen. The future P5 prospect displayed the ability to use the right pass rush move, at the right time on repeat.
Carlos Campbell was the player of the game in my opinion, as the Mississippi product had amazing versatility in both the receiving and rushing game. Whether they were direct snapping it to him or throwing it deep to him, Campbell was the answer. Mississippi used him all over the field and when they needed him most. Trailing by 12 they threw him a 70-yard bomb to close in on the lead and he followed it up with a score on the next touch.
Up by 12 points in the second half, Austin seemed to change up their style by playing the ball and not the receivers on defense. That changed the momentum of the game and allowed Mississippi to make receptions on passes they weren’t having completed in the first half.
A big pass from Bryson McIntosh to Tommie Magsby Tommie Magsby 5'10" | 130 lbs | ATH MS was a notable play for Mississippi. Magsby created separation from two Austin defenders to get the touchdown. Despite being on the smaller side, Magsby had big-play ability. With great ball tracking and high point timing, there had to be a deep safety on him all game.
As he did in the first game Mississippi 8th grade played, Kaden Catchings Kaden Catchings 6'1" | 210 lbs | WR Hartfield Academy | 2026 State MS had a great game. He showed off his speed and the ability to run crisp routes. He was smooth with and without the ball, making clean cuts in and out of breaks.
McIntosh, the quarterback, was a smaller prospect but had a big arm. At this point his motion is a bit slower than next level coaches will want to see, but his passes have some strong zip when he releases the ball. He was able to stretch the field without any trouble and gave his receivers opportunities to run deep.
Mikel Stephen Mikel Stephen 5'10" | 180 lbs | RB Gainesville | 2027 State GA has all the makings of a special player for Mississippi. Just a 7th grader (class of 2027) he was playing up with the 8th graders (class of 2026) and played whatever position the team needed. He is a competitor.
Austin’s Jevalen Wade Jevalen Wade 5'8" | 160 lbs | RB Bryan | 2026 State TX was arguably the most dangerous offensive player of the weekend. His speed and ability to make anyone miss equals a quick-hitting touchdown machine. During Austin’s final drive in the game, trailing late, they had roughly one minute left on the clock and knew who to give the ball to. Wade nearly broke loose for a 75-yard TD on one play. He was juking and spinning until he was brought down on the 40-yard line.
Later in the drive, Austin tried to throw the ball but it was ultimately picked off.
It was a fiercely physical battle between two tough football teams but when the final whistle blew, it ended 21-19 in favor of Mississippi.
Contributed special to PRZ Next by Dimitri Waller