Top West Georgia RB Performances From Week One

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Some of the top running backs in the peach state this season are playing in West Georgia, and we saw some big games from some top backs in the area during week one of the season over the weekend.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Which West Georgia running backs had massive games?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Let's take a look...</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='335441' first='Bryce' last='Hicks'] – Carrollton</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The mighty Trojans got their 2022 season off to a great start thanks to an offense that was clicking from the very beginning. All eyes were on freshman QB [player_tooltip player_id='206164' first='Julian' last='Lewis'], but junior running back [player_tooltip player_id='335441' first='Bryce' last='Hicks'] also had a big week one performance. The versatile back did everything asked of him during Carrollton's big win, rushing for 135 yards on the ground, averaging 8.4 yards per attempt. He also shined out the backfield in the passing game, catching 4 passes for another 42 yards. He's a good runner who showed patience, burst, and versatility in his first game as a junior. Look for him to continue to thrive in Carrollton's offense all season. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='321265' first='Jamarion' last='Wilcox'] – South Paulding</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the top overall backs in Georgia, the powerful, tackle-breaking back out of South Paulding started his senior season the same way he ended his junior season. By running through defenses. The 5-foot-10 200-pounder is an excellent runner with good burst and the ability to break tackles. He shows great vision, balance, and the ability to score any time he has the ball. After dominating last season, Wilcox led South Paulding to an impressive 28-20 win over Harrison to start the 2022 season, and he did it in impressive fashion. Wilcox rushed for 267 yards and three touchdowns in the victory, and he has a chance to lead the state in rushing this year if he keeps it up.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='330740' first='Malachi' last='Hosley'] – Northside</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The impressive back from Columbus had one of the biggest opening games of any back in the state over the weekend, rushing just 11 times for 150 yards and 4 touchdowns in a big 42-7 win over Columbus. The 5-foot-10 190-pounder couldn't be stopped, averaging 13.6 yards per carry and finding the end-zone time and time again. Hosley showed outstanding vision, balance, and the ability to keep the run alive. He ran through arm tackles, showed burst down the sideline, and displayed easy D1 talent to start his senior season. If the season opener was just the start, look for Hosley to have a giant senior season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='422543' first='Jonaz' last='Walton'] – Central</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2026 class is loaded in the state of Georgia, and we saw an outstanding debut from freshman running back [player_tooltip player_id='422543' first='Jonaz' last='Walton'] in West Georgia over the weekend. The Carrollton native is a tough, physical back who had no problem holding his own against older competition. Walton ran hard, kept the chains moving, and showed quick footwork as well. He runs with authority and knows how to carry defenders for a couple of extra yards at the end of runs. He finished his first varsity game with 186 yards and one touchdown, proving to be one of the best young backs across the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->