Top QB Performances From Week 7

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We're getting close to the halfway mark of the season and more players are merging each week as up and coming prospects. We saw some massive QB performances over the weekend and Prep Redzone has all the details</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='137483' first='Jeremy' last='Hecklinski'] - Walton</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Once again, the Walton Raiders gunslinger went off for a massive game through the air. The dynamic 2024 signal caller has been terrific all season and gave one of his best performances of the season this past weekend in a big 51-49 win over North Paulding. The Raiders were in a shootout, but those are games they are capable of winning with Hecklinski slinging the ball around. The breakout QB this year went 22/29 in the big victory for 409 yards and SIX touchdown passes, leading Walton to the late win. He distributed the ball well, showed consistent accuracy all night, and made multiple D1-caliber throws on the night. His arm talent was on display and North Paulding had no answer for Hecklinsi and their high-powered passing attack. He showed poise, leadership, and made every throw asked of him. Look for schools to extend offers as he continues to dominate this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='321460' first='Aaron' last='Philo']</strong> - <strong>Prince Avenue Christian</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another impressive QB in the 2024 class, Philo has picked up right where he left off last season as a sophomore and has been slinging the ball effectively all season long. In a big 47-14 win over Mary Persons, Philo was an accurate 17/22 for 227 yards and four touchdown passes. He didn't throw for as many yards as we're used to seeing from him, but his accuracy and poise made it easy for the Wolverines offense to do what they do best. A strong, reliable passer, Philo knows exactly what he's doing and continues to play better and better. He's safe with the football, understands his role, and puts the ball where it needs to be. He's excellent in the red-zone and came up big during their comfortable win over the weekend.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1571795' first='Julian' last='Shanks']</strong> - <strong>Arabia Mountain</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A new 2025 QB to keep an eye on, Shanks is coming off a breakout game last weekend that might open up some eyes across the state. At 6-foot-0 185-pounds, Shanks started as a freshman last year and has played better and better as he gets more experience. In last week's 42-16 win over Lithonia, Shanks was outstanding both as a passer and a runner, totaling 304 yards and six touchdowns in the game. As a passer, Shanks was 9/14 for 276 yards and five touchdown passes. He also ran the ball four times for 28 yards and another touchdown. Everything he did last weekend worked, and he looked great doing it. He's still developing of course, but he's playing great football for a sophomore quarterback. He's showing the ability to make plays, and he'll only get better and better as his career moves along.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>KJ Smith - Roswell</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another dual-threat junior quarterback to know, KJ Smith continues to play better and better for the Roswell Hornets week by week. An athletic signal-caller with the ability to torch defenses with his legs, Smith had one of his better games throwing the football last weekend in a big 41-10 win over nearby Blessed Trinity. Smith didn't throw it often, just going 8/11, but half of those completions went for touchdowns. He threw for 179 yards in the win, but his four touchdown passes led the way for the Hornets in the victory. His best football is still way ahead of him, and while he's an excellent runner, his arm continues to get better and better. As he develops more as a passer, look for Smith to start earning some D1 interest down the line.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->