Week 2: Stock Risers

The second week of Maryland high school football was filled with breakout stars and highlight plays. The following players performed at a very elite level, and they demonstrated their preparedness for football at the next level. All of these players are more than ready for the college game, and, in fact, I believe that they'll all thrive at that level and potentially beyond.   2024 5'11 180 QB – [player_tooltip player_id='172210' first='Michael' last='Van Buren'] – St. Frances Academy   [player_tooltip player_id='172210' first='Michael' last='Van Buren'], or MVB, played an absolutely stellar game against De Soto (TX) this past weekend. With three passing touchdowns, a dynamic rushing performance, and a 47-7 victory, it's safe to say that Van Buren successfully showcased his immense talent as a dual-threat QB. The SFA Panthers arguably possess the most difficult schedule in all of high school football this year, and, with Van Buren under center, they've started the season 2-0 and they're outscoring their opponents 67-20. [player_tooltip player_id='172210' first='Michael' last='Van Buren']'s quarterback play is deserving of national recognition, and, if he continues to play at this elite level, it's not out of the question for SFA to finish the season undefeated. MVB and the Panthers square off against Venice (FL) @8PM Eastern next Thursday in what should be a movie-quality football game under the lights.   Highlights: https://t.co/Jsi92ZLU7a   2023 5'11 185 RB – [player_tooltip player_id='90681' first='Brendon' last='Wyatt'] – DeMatha   After a relatively slow week 1, [player_tooltip player_id='90681' first='Brendon' last='Wyatt'] absolutely exploded in week 2 with, arguably, the performance of the week. Wyatt busted through and juked out defenders the entirety the contest, and he was the unanimous #1 overall ball-carrier for DeMatha. [player_tooltip player_id='90681' first='Brendon' last='Wyatt'] is an exceptional complimentary running back to the Stags's dynamic dual-threat quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='250315' first='Denzel' last='Gardner']. The two in tandem are an incredible one-two punch in the backfield, and their presence definitely makes DeMatha one of the most dynamic offenses in the entire state. [player_tooltip player_id='90681' first='Brendon' last='Wyatt'] will look to expand on an exceptional week two performance this upcoming Saturday @5PM Eastern against Benedictine.   Highlights: https://t.co/Be4eSBSpSt   2023 5'10 165 WR – [player_tooltip player_id='184009' first='Mekhi' last='Workman']– St. Frances Academy   There's no question that the play and moment of the week was St. Frances' [player_tooltip player_id='184009' first='Mekhi' last='Workman']'s receiving touchdown. Workman tragically lost his father last week, and when he hauled in a touchdown pass from MVB that gave SFA the lead you could truly feel the emotions on the field. Workman's father, Captain Anthony J. Workman, was a hero and a 16 year veteran of the Baltimore Fire Department. He was admired by many and he will be missed dearly. Mekhi's elite performance took unimaginable strength, and our love, thoughts, and prayers are with him and all of his family. [player_tooltip player_id='184009' first='Mekhi' last='Workman'] is one of the top receivers in the nation, and you can watch Mekhi and the Panthers take on Venice (FL) next Thursday @8PM Eastern.   Highlights: https://twitter.com/mekhiworkman2/status/1566409487895986176?s=20&t=uvSJzIhTdZ1dQgBE4dSs3g   2023 6'1 200 RB – Durell Robinson – St. Frances Academy   Durell Robinson put up huge numbers this week, and he displayed why he has unanimously taken over the RB1 duties for St. Frances Academy. Robinson scored multiple touchdowns, and one touchdown in particular was for more than 75 yards. What really stands out when you watch Robinson run is his sheer size and ability to simply barrel over defenders like they don't even exist. His breakaway speed is also elite, and the combination of the two, size and speed, really is the best combo that you can have as a running back ie. Derrick Henry. Week 2 was absolutely Robinson's best performance of the year so far, but he'll look to somehow top his own efforts next Thursday at Venice (FL). Kickoff @8PM Eastern.   Highlights: https://t.co/Do0tmCpe9H   2023 5'11 180 WR – [player_tooltip player_id='247377' first='Ryan' last='Manning'] – St. Frances Academy   [player_tooltip player_id='247377' first='Ryan' last='Manning'] had a breakout performance this week. The Maryland commit hauled in two touchdown catches from [player_tooltip player_id='172210' first='Michael' last='Van Buren'], and he was honestly getting the ball wherever and whenever he wanted. Manning possesses elite route running ability, and he was finding huge chunks of open space to exploit on almost every play. His speed and quickness are also already where they need to be at the college level, and there's no question that his athleticism is off the charts. [player_tooltip player_id='247377' first='Ryan' last='Manning'] is an overall stud at wide receiver, and Maryland should be absolutely ecstatic about his commitment. The future Terp suits up for SFA again next Thursday versus Venice (FL) @8PM Eastern.   Highlights: https://t.co/i7lMGWTIK0

The second week of Maryland high school football was filled with breakout stars and highlight plays. The following players performed at a very elite level, and they demonstrated their preparedness for football at the next level. All of these players are more than ready for the college game, and, in fact, I believe that they'll all thrive at that level and potentially beyond.