30 for 30. One Standout from All 30 Games I Attended this Fall.
In this article:
I had the pleasure of attending several games in and around Pennsylvania this Fall. I still have games to watch, yet I found it to be an appropriate time to highlight some of the kids who made a lasting impression throughout my travels. Some of these kids played so well, I immediately called coaches to plug their names. Some of these prospects played so well, I immediately wanted them ranked after their performance. You do not have to be of high recruitment stature to be picked, no offers, no measurables. If you stood out to me, you’re on this massive list.
Bishop Canevin – Steelton Highspire
My first game of the year, Jason Cross Jr Jason Cross Jr 6’2″ | 170 lbs | ATH Bishop Canevin | 2024 State PA . Had his hands in everything, playing quality snaps at QB, DB, LB, and WR. His game subsequently led to an Akron offer less than 24 hours after it ended.
Scored at running back, also took a wheel to the house out of the backfield. He also nabbed a pick-six in this one. All scores were timely too. His stock has raised ever since.
Windber – Fairfield
The competition wasn’t great but John Shuster John Shuster 5’10” | 180 lbs | ATH Windber | 2023 State PA ran all over Fairfield for over 200+ yards and 3 touchdowns. Since then, I’ve prioritized getting this kid ranked before he’s done at Windber.
Imhotep – Bishop McDevitt
Many consider this game to be the start of Tyshawn Russell Tyshawn Russell 6’2″ | 185 lbs | ATH Bishop McDevitt | 2023 State PA ‘s incredible rise. 8 receptions, 150+ yards against elite competition. One score, multiple stops on defense. The SEC schools marked this moment as a turning point, so will I.
Highlights
Presumably, the top-ranked prospect in the 2025 class when we update our ranks. I still remember the consistent pressure put on by this kid, making things difficult for Stone Saunders Stone Saunders 6’2″ | 200 lbs | QB Bishop McDevitt | 2025 State PA from start to finish. An elite, national prospect whose performance in this one will be remembered.
Central Bucks East – Chambersburg
My first up-close look at Liam Powers Liam Powers 6’3″ | 280 lbs | OL Central Bucks East | 2023 State PA was a good one. Great power off the ball in this one. This night, along with his overall tapes from this Fall will lead to a huge boost in rankings.
Woodland Hills – William Penn York
I said it then, I’ll say it again, honestly convinced there isn’t anything Jahiem White Jahiem White 5’9″ | 190 lbs | RB William Penn (York) | 2023 State PA can’t do on the field. A much deeper dive into this kid’s game is coming in a different article. Everyone says Jahiem White Jahiem White 5’9″ | 190 lbs | RB William Penn (York) | 2023 State PA is different, I couldn’t agree more.
Highlights
Northeast – Cheltenham
On a field littered with talent, Kahmir Prescott Kahmir Prescott 6’1″ | 190 lbs | ATH Neumann-Goretti | 2024 State PA ‘s athleticism stood out. FBS talent on both sides of the ball, yet Kahmir Prescott Kahmir Prescott 6’1″ | 190 lbs | ATH Neumann-Goretti | 2024 State PA broke this game open with absurd open-field playmaking ability. He had three touchdowns in this one, each one breaking any momentum built by Cheltenham. I make sure to see what he’s up to each week since seeing him tear apart Cheltenham’s defense.
The Haverford School – Bonner-Prendie
Noah Andrewson
Noah Andrewson
I came into the game well aware of Sean Dugery Sean Dugery 6’4″ | 295 lbs | OL The Haverford | 2023 State PA and Matt Pante Matt Pante 6’5″ | 300 lbs | OL The Haverford School | 2023 State PA ‘s games. A new name stood out, that’s Noah Andrewson, his ridiculous 6’6, 300-pound frame stood out before anything. His play up front was arguably better than his counterparts, many of who I think highly of. He’s going to debut high on our ranks.
Lincoln – Mastery North
Koyei Simmons-Greene Koyei Simmons-Greene 5’9″ | 190 lbs | RB Abraham Lincoln | 2023 State PA was hardly a new name going into this one. Still, this was the first time I got to see him work live. I came away impressed with his toughness, his balance through the trenches. KGS hit the holes he was supposed to hit, kept Mastery honest and put together an eye-opening game.
Legitimately one of the better two-way players in the Public League. His social media presence is nonexistent, take my word for it, or check out his tapes. Hard-hitting DB that can stay with top-tier athleticism in coverage. Game-breaking ability with the ball in his hands too. One of the hidden gems in Philly that is sure to make a splash each game.
Highlights
Imhotep – Malvern Prep
Bobby Mears Bobby Mears 6’4″ | 225 lbs | LB Malvern Prep | 2023 State PA stepped up in this one. He was tasked with MLB duties against not only some of the best offensive linemen in the state, but one of the top HS running backs in the entire nation. He answered every call and stifled the Imhotep running game. His stock has risen ever since. He was crucial in special teams in this one as well.
Archbishop Ryan – Conwell-Egan
I was floored when I saw him as a freshman. I was equally floored when I saw Sincer Fairey Sincer Fairey 6’1″ | 220 lbs | ATH Conwell-Egan | 2025 State PA against AB Ryan in October. He looked bigger, in a good way. He looked natural on defense too, which was what has me thinking he’s a D1 talent after seeing him live. I’ve been plugging his name to coaches ever since this game.
Lansdale Catholic – Neumann Goretti
I spent time around many of the top prospects in Pennsylvania, yet this was the first time watching Shawn Battle Shawn Battle 5’11” | 175 lbs | DB Neumann-Goretti | 2023 State PA play live. There has been a ton of shuffling in and around the Neumann-Goretti roster. One constant is that Shawn Battle Shawn Battle 5’11” | 175 lbs | DB Neumann-Goretti | 2023 State PA is going to provide much of the play-making for the Saints. An elite back who is capable of catching the ball out of the backfield. He’s going to BC for his DB capabilities, yet his abilities with the ball in his hands leaves me shaking my head time and time again.
North Penn – Central Bucks East
Every time I see this kid he’s impressing me. On tape, at camps, now in person. Ethan Shine Ethan Shine 5’10” | 215 lbs | RB Central Bucks East | 2023 State PA ripped off an incredible four-touchdown night that was capped off by a game-ending interception. A later piece will highlight everything I saw from this kid on this night.
Roman Catholic – Archbishop Wood
Jameial Lyons Jameial Lyons 6’4″ | 245 lbs | DL Roman Catholic | 2023 State PA is truly one of the more dominant defenders in the state. There are a ton of elite EDGE/pass rushers in the state, I don’t think any are more physically imposing than Roman’s Penn-State commit. He was pretty much unblockable in this one, a game being watched by his future coaches at that.
Chester – Bartram
Jalen Harris
Jalen Harris
Jalen Harris was fresh off a seven-score game against my alma mater. I had to see if this kid was the real deal. I learned he was. I didn’t expect him to flash advanced-level quarterback play though, that he did. A freshman going through his reads, scanning the field, flashing a blend of athleticism on the go and stoicism in the pocket. More coming later.
Chester – Downingtown West
Watching Dominic Toy Dominic Toy 6’5″ | 225 lbs | TE Chester | 2024 State PA on the field, as opposed to the stands, gives you a great feel for just how physically imposing he is. His frame stands out even further when you watch him run routes, or rush the passer off the snap of the ball. This is a real FBS athlete.
This was the first time seeing Quinn Henicle Quinn Henicle 6’2″ | 190 lbs | QB Downingtown West | 2024 State PA live. He lived up to his high ranking. Henicle started the game by taking a QB-keeper 75+ yards to the house against a well-equipped Chester defense. He proceeded to hold off a Chester comeback, delivering multiple touchdowns through the air. He’s going to be a name to watch moving forward.
Highlights
Germantown Academy – Episcopal Academy
TJ Cadden TJ Cadden 6’0″ | 185 lbs | ATH Episcopal Academy | 2023 State PA had the pleasure of being the first prospect to score a touchdown before I got the game. The kid took the opening kickoff back before I could even get settled. Cadden proceeded to dominate Germantown on both sides of the ball. Blocking up front paved a path for Cadden to rack up yards at ease all afternoon. Big congrats to Cadden who recently committed to Bucknell University.
Highlights
Upper Dublin – Souderton
I always wanted to know if Staring Reaves Staring Reaves 5’10” | 175 lbs | DB Chichester | 2023 State PA can play with the big boys. Can he produce the same special play-making ability displayed at Chichester here at Upper Dublin. He can and he proved it in his debut in the program. Hands in everything, Reaves played fabulous two-way ball that helped set the tone on both offense and defense. He’s a spark on the field.
The Hun School – Cheshire Academy
I had no idea I was watching a future Big Ten quarterback when I attended my first game out in New Jersey. I could have picked several prospects out of the Hun School, yet this kid’s poise in the pocket, his command of the huddle, and the anticipation he displayed left a lasting impression, one I won’t forget. Good on the NJ guys ranking this young man as the top QB prospect.
Belmont Charter – Academy of the New Church
Hunter Aquino
Hunter Aquino
Conner Aquino
Conner Aquino
I’ve harped about the one game I’ve seen these kids participate in. Almost to the point I’m ready to move on to bigger and better things concerning the Aquino brothers. Yet, these two have to make an appearance when the topic is lasting impressions. It got to the point where I lost track of how many scores the tandem put together. Excited to see these two at our camp in January.
Belmont Charter – Steelton Highspire
When you’re a prospect of Alex Erby Alex Erby 6’4″ | 210 lbs | QB Steelton-Highspire | 2024 State PA ‘s stature, it’s tough to impress. We are all expecting greatness when seeing the young man take the field. That being said, I came away pleased with his performance against Belmont Charter. Although he hardly broke a sweat, I love the command Erby showed on the sidelines, the command shown in the huddle, the decisiveness with the football. Smart choices throughout the night, Erby showed why he is coveted by colleges across the country. I’ll be seeing him again I’m sure.
Highlights
Roman Catholic – St. Joseph’s Prep
Tough to pick one true standout in this one. Sacca looked great, so did Agard, as did the entire offensive line and Phillips and Dyches. Yet I can’t help but pick Josiah Trotter Josiah Trotter 6’2″ | 220 lbs | LB St. Joseph’s Prep | 2023 State PA . Josiah Trotter Josiah Trotter 6’2″ | 220 lbs | LB St. Joseph’s Prep | 2023 State PA had a demoralizing pick-six in this one, along with several stuffs inside and out. I got the chance to see what a West Virginia commit looks like, something I don’t take for granted.
Roman Catholic – Imhotep
I didn’t think Jahsear Whittington Jahsear Whittington 6’1″ | 280 lbs | DL Imhotep Charter | 2024 State PA could elevate his game. He’s already one of the best interior defenders in the state. Thing is, from watching him produce in three different ball games, I truly believe he might be the best interior defender in Pennsylvania. Not one of, the. The power and explosion this kid plays with has me thinking he’s going to be a pivotal piece to the Pitt puzzle early on.
Mastery North – West Philadelphia
Jahleim Patton
Jahleim Patton
Despite the loss, Jahleim Patton’s size in the trenches had me scratching my head. I feel like this is a prospect that the Imhoteps and Northeasts of the world poach when they’re young. 6’5, with a powerful punch, I like Patton to be one of the more underrated linemen prospects that deserves a shot somewhere. I loved his ability to key assignments on the fly. If you stand out to me in person, while playing in the trenches, you know you had a good game.
Father Judge – La Salle College
Tough to not pick a La Salle prospect in their win against Judge, I already think so highly of many Explorers, I decided to go with a Father Judge prospect that is making a name for himself. His performance, along with his tapes from throughout the year, has me ready to label Nymeir Appling Nymeir Appling 6’2″ | 185 lbs | WR Father Judge | 2024 State PA a real D1-level talent. 150+ yards and a score against a talented secondary.
Highlights
Bethlehem Catholic – Blue Mountain
I flat-out missed the mark on Jaden Ellis-Lahey, not afraid to admit it. Seeing him live opened my eyes to it. This final senior rankings update will label his skills correctly. Ellis-Lahey separated at will in this one, showing why FCS schools clamored for position to secure this wideout. A one-handed touchdown floored me, he proceeded to catch another touchdown and play some quality reps on defense.
William Penn York – Central York
This kid went toe to toe against Jahiem White Jahiem White 5’9″ | 190 lbs | RB William Penn (York) | 2023 State PA and William Penn York. That’s tough to do. The top 50 prospect scored four times, doing so from various areas of the field. It was my first impression of Goff, it’ll be a lasting one. I learned that Goff isn’t as tiny as I thought he was.
Highlights
Harrisburg – Wilson West Lawn
Was a pleasure to watch this kid move at his size. I got to see firsthand just how tough of a runner this kid is. His balance shows when running between the tackles, as he is often undeterred by kids draped all over him. Countless reps proved it takes more than two kids to bring down Mahkai Hopkins Mahkai Hopkins 6’2″ | 240 lbs | RB Harrisburg | 2023 State PA consistently. He’s an awesome change of pace to Kyle Williams Kyle Williams 6’0″ | 185 lbs | ATH Harrisburg | 2023 State PA ‘s electric playstyle.
Tommy Hunsicker
Tommy Hunsicker
Tommy Hunsicker was a new name to me before the game, I was a fan by the end of it. The junior quarterback was unleashed in this game, almost single-handedly keeping Wilson in this one. His efforts led a huge second/third quarter comeback, mixing in incredible improvisational skills, while also delivering strikes from the pocket. Fun player to watch.
Bonner – Prendie _ Interboro
I cannot say enough about Abubakarr Kamara Abubakarr Kamara 6’1″ | 200 lbs | ATH Interboro | 2023 State PA , a piece dropping soon will get into just how impressive this outing was. Just know that this young man was close to beating an elite Bonner program by himself. He’ll go down as one of my favorite athletes to watch in person.
Isaiah Session
Isaiah Session
The PCL Blue MVP deserves some love. A slow start by BP was eventually turned around, big thanks to Isaiah Session’s abilities on the ground. Session played an all-around beauty of a game, doing what he can at LB to slow Kamara, while also scoring three touchdowns on the ground. Impressed every time I see the young man ball.
Danville – Wyomissing
Wanted to shine some light on Pacen Ziegler Pacen Ziegler 6’4″ | 275 lbs | OL Wyomissing | 2023 State PA , the often-forgotten man next to Jven Williams Jven Williams 6’4″ | 290 lbs | OL Wyomissing Junior-Senior | 2023 State PA . He is a star talent in his own right, his prowess was on full display despite Danville giving Wyomissing its best shot. The first impression was laid after seeing him stand next to some of his teammates. A lean and athletic 6’4, almost 6’5, 275-pound monster whose motor seemed to run loud all night.
Zach Gordon
Zach Gordon
Zach Gordon had a hell of a night. He led the Danville attack that attempted and succeeded to claw back into this game. He keyed his targets downfield nicely. Despite a ton of pressure early on, Zach Gordon continued to trust his line and keep his eyes downfield. Had he not, he may not have been able to hit so many crucial throws. He led an incredible 99-yard drive that put Wyomissing on their heels. I won’t be forgetting his performance anytime soon.
Neumann-Goretti – Northwestern Lehigh
Once again, Shawn Battle Shawn Battle 5’11” | 175 lbs | DB Neumann-Goretti | 2023 State PA proved how pivotal he is to the flow of the Neumann-Goretti attack. He was seemingly battling injury, while simultaneously racking up yards against the Northwestern Lehigh defense. As I left the field, I caught wind that Shawn Battle Shawn Battle 5’11” | 175 lbs | DB Neumann-Goretti | 2023 State PA might have returned an interception or fumble for a touchdown. I might be wrong on this, wouldn’t be surprised. Elite prospect.