Players to Watch For This Week: 10/21
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With just nearly 2 weeks of the regular season left for most high school football teams in Kentucky, it is safe to say we are reaching the climax. Although we have already seen lots of exciting high school football statewide,…
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Continue ReadingWith just nearly 2 weeks of the regular season left for most high school football teams in Kentucky, it is safe to say we are reaching the climax. Although we have already seen lots of exciting high school football statewide, these last few weeks will determine who the top teams in the state are, along with the top-performing players at each position. However, the challenge is that Kentucky is home to loads of talent which makes it hard to determine who comes out on top. But for now, we will continue to look at some top-performing players to watch for in this week’s slate of Friday Night Lights.
Zah’ron put out a ridiculous performance this past week, recording 20 carries for 236 rushing yards & 4 total touchdowns. What’s impressive about the young man’s athletic stature is his extremely fast acceleration once he starts running with the football. Once Zah’ron breaks out onto the open field, nobody is going to be able to catch up to him. He also possesses excellent footwork that helps keep him light on his feet and creates nasty jabs that freeze the opposing defenders every time. Connect those attributes and we have a truly talented tailback that can easily compete at the next level.
Aveion Mcatee
Aveion Mcatee
Last Friday, Aveion put out a huge performance on the defensive end, recording 20 total tackles. Aveion is an explosive middle linebacker that is just as brutal as a defensive tackle and quick as a defensive back. The 2023 grad has terrific zone coverage and makes accurate reads that help him make defensive plays all game. The young man currently leads the entire state 2A class in total tackles at 140, having 23 tackles more than the 2nd place player. What I like most about him is that he seems to be that player that stays “locked in” whenever he steps foot onto the football field. His determination and pure competitive mindset push him to use all he has to win every defensive battle. I truly admire Aveion’s game and I am shocked he does not receive enough praise from college recruiters already.
Kolter played a near-perfect game last week, completing 11/14 passing attempts for 229 passing yards & 4 touchdowns. The Louisville Male quarterback is amazing at making quick throws while escaping the pocket and placing the ball in accurate spots for his receivers on deep routes. There is so much to like about Kolter when watching him play as he is one of the more versatile players in the state. If brought under pressure by the defense, Kolter remains patient and uses his legs to find the best alternative option to make a play. Kolter plays the game with lots of experience and has built up knowledge of the game he uses to exploit the defense and win football games. Kolder can be described as the ideal quarterback that any college coach would love to have on their squad.
Highlights
Dalton Carter
Dalton Carter
Dalton is currently ranked 2nd in wide receivers in the 5A class for most receiving yards and total receptions, just behind Chandler Godby Chandler Godby 5’9″ | 170 lbs | WR Pulaski County | 2023 State KY . The 2023 grad is having an incredible senior campaign as of right now, producing big numbers against highly-competitive football programs. What is highly notable about Dalton is his electrifying speed on the field, being able to outrun most opponents out of the backfield. He is considered the “deep ball” threat for any defense that has to play against him and his talented West Jessamine football team. If you don’t believe me, he recorded a 4.50 50 yd dash which can speak for itself. What is most unique about Dalton’s game is his ability to improvise when the designated play does not get him open to receive the ball. The kid’s pure speed & amazing footwork enable him to out-beat opposing defensive backs to find a spot to get open. I see a bright future to come for Dalton if he continues to play the way he is.
KJ is built-up of pure strength and dominates the line of scrimmage with his explosive brutality. The defensive end is currently ranked 6th out of defensive ends for most sacks in the 5A class with 6 total sacks. He also leads the entire state in total forced fumbles currently sitting at 4 on the season. What makes KJ dangerous for any opposing offense to have to face is his ability to easily explode the offensive line and cause pressure on the QB on most plays. Many teams have to double-team him due to how much stronger he is than the opposing guard. There are not many players in the state that can fully dominate another player over their pure strength & size. KJ Hardesty KJ Hardesty 6’1″ | 280 lbs | DL South Warren | 2023 State KY is indeed that guy, and he looks to continue proving his dominance defensively for the rest of the season.