Top Dawgs of Week One: Houston Area

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We're finally back!! Friday Night Lights kicked off with a bang with some great matchups and that brought us some exciting performances from some great players. These are just a few guys who I saw who showed the ability to change the momentum of the game. I am hoping this was just a little preview of what the season may bring for these players and I hope they continue to be the game changers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">ATH [player_tooltip player_id='413113' first='Zechariah' last='Sample'] (2024) - Katy Jordan </span></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>You want to talk about a debut? Sample was in a different world vs Aldine Davis. He managed to score THREE touchdowns in the first quarter, including a 90-yard run and a pick six. Sample set the tone early along with the Warriors and they never looked backed. He finished the game totaling over 100 yards, 3 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions helping the team to a 64-14 victory. Sample proved to be a lethal player in space and a player looking to score every time the ball is in his possession. Sample will be an issue for opponents throughout the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">RB Zaccheas Baynes (2023) - Cy-Fair</span></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p> Baynes undoubtedly caught the attention of many in week 1 vs Bridgeland. He showed great elusiveness and was electrifying when he hit open space. Baynes kicked off the game with a 71-yard receiving touchdown on a swing route on the second play of the game. His quickness and ability to reach top speed stood out the most. On his second touchdown, Baynes was met in the hole where he made the defender miss in the phone booth with a nice spin move, then turned on the jets for a 70-yard touchdown run. Believe me when I say we will be keeping tags on Baynes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/15153879/630b884a19a50f09c0210588">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/15153879/630b884a19a50f09c0210588</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">ATH Jonathan Nelson (2023) - Bridgeland</span></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The gadget man was at it again, picking up where he left off last season. Nelson was a menace for the Bobcat defense, lining up as a running back, receiver, and quarterback. Wherever he was lined up, he made plays. Nelson showed his playmaking abilities with a 75-yard pass to teammate Mason Simmons for a touchdown, and a 39-yard catch and run for a touchdown to help the Bears get their first win of the season. Nelson is a game changer, and a player who can change the outcome of games. One of the top athletes in the state. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em>WR [player_tooltip player_id='231286' first='Andrew' last='Marsh'] (2025) - Katy Jordan</em></strong></span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Marsh continues to show out, going back to last season. He is a playmaker who just needs to have the ball in his hands. His long frame and reach helps him with contested balls and he has shown to be dangerous on the deep ball. Marsh is exceptional after the catch as well, making defenders whiff and getting the most out of the play. Marsh finished week 1 with 5 catches for 91 yards and 3 touchdowns. He and these team are comng full force so keep an eye out for them.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>RB Trey Morris III (2024) - Cypress Falls</strong></em></span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Morris III was a man on a mission vs Cy-Creek. The strong, powerful running was running through arm tackles and defenders for majority of the night. Morris was reading his blocks well and finding the running lanes to break off some big runs on the night. Morris finished week 1 with 215 rushing yards and a touchdown, and helped lead his team to a 21-20 victory.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/14877544/6308ba77ab9d140fc4c7b718">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/14877544/6308ba77ab9d140fc4c7b718</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">WR [player_tooltip player_id='60893' first='Kaleb' last='Black'] (2023) - Klein Oak</span></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Just give him an opportunity to catch it, he will come down with it. Black is something special in single coverage and shows the incredible ability to adjust to the ball in the air however he wants. Black is physical, and dangerous in space. Defensive backs have trouble covering him and Black can make them look foolish. Black vs Dekaney finished the game with 5 receptions, 125 yards, and 2 touchdowns including the game winner to seal the deal. The Memphis commit I assume has much more to show for the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>WR Noah Abboud (2023) - Cinco Ranch</em></span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Abboud showed a great connection with Rutherford in the summer with 7v7s and first game we see it carry over into the season. 10 receptions, 209 receiving yards, and 3 touchdowns. He was on fire and could not be stopped. Abboud was running routes at all levels and making tough catches throughout the night. He showed great run after catch ability and finished his runs strong. Whether it was a screen, out, or 9 route, Abboud made plays to help his team get the dub.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2HxFiY">http://www.hudl.com/v/2HxFiY</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->