6A’s Unheralded Game Changers of Round 2
In this article:
We all know about the stars of 6A in the 2022 playoffs, but what about the guys who are deserving of some credit and can turn games around? Today, we highlight a player from each team that you may not…
Access all of Prep Redzone
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingWe all know about the stars of 6A in the 2022 playoffs, but what about the guys who are deserving of some credit and can turn games around? Today, we highlight a player from each team that you may not know about that can make an impact in their import round 2 playoff game tonight.
Tony Lucious Jr
Tony Lucious Jr
An explosive and agile nose tackle, Starkville’s Tony Lucious has totaled over 7 sacks and 32 tackles for loss on the season. Lucious has a smaller body type than most nose’s have, but this guy can flat out GO. With his quick twitch and powerful bull rush move, the defensive tackle makes a center and guard’s life a lot more difficult than most players in 6A. This is the kind of guy that can obliterate an entire run play on his own if the opposing team isn’t careful. As a pass rusher, Lucious has a variety of hand moves and knows how to win inside on guards.
Jordyn Battee
Jordyn Battee
Lost in the shuffle of all the great 6A quarterbacks in the playoffs is Clinton’s Jordyn Battee. Standing at 5’11”, Battee isn’t the biggest of the bunch, but this guy plays the position at a high level. As athletic as Battee is, Clinton leans on him heavily in the run game. The senior does a great job at making people miss in the open field and has enough speed to flat out run by guys. As a passer, Battee does a great job operating off of play action and has a rocket for an arm. Really talented and well rounded quarterback that elevates this Clinton team.
The slot receiver for Tupelo’s dynamic passing attack, JQ Witherspoon JQ Witherspoon 5'7" | 160 lbs | WR Tupelo | 2024 State MS has totaled over 500 yards and 5 touchdowns on the season. While Witherspoon may be on the smaller side, he brings blazing fast game wrecking speed to an offense that already is loaded with play makers. The junior wide out runs crisp routes and has smooth hands when the ball comes his way. One of the more unique facets of Witherspoon’s game is his ability to find open space against various kinds of defenses. Complete and dynamic slot receiver that will continue to make big plays in the pass game.
Chris Berry
Chris Berry
A key member of the Madison Central secondary, Chris Berry plays the strong safety role and makes a huge difference against the run and pass. The 6’1″ 175 pound safety is a hard hitter and plays well both in the box for run support and in deep zone on passing downs. When Berry sees the ball carrier, he can quickly gain ground and deliver a huge hit. In pass coverage, Berry mirrors receivers in man to man coverage and has great range to step out in front of passes to create easy interceptions for his defense. Big time play maker in all aspects on the defensive side of the football.
Jaeden Calendar
Jaeden Calendar
Totaling over 19 tackles for loss and 7 sacks on the season so far, Jaeden Calendar has been one of the premier players on the Brandon defense. Calendar plays a bit of a hybrid defensive end / linebacker position for the Bulldogs. As a pass rusher, Calendar fires off the ball and uses his length and power to bully opposing offensive linemen in pursuit of the quarterback. This guy plays with a motor that runs hot every single down of a game. As a run player, Calendar does a great job at setting the edge and forcing the running back to bounce the run inside. If not, he has the speed to hawk down the ball carrier and force a big tackle for loss in the backfield.
Athletic tight ends are hard to find, but Warren Central has a great one in Maddox Lynch Maddox Lynch 6'5" | 230 lbs | TE Warren Central | 2025 State MS . Lynch stands at 6’4″ and has been an an unfair advantage in the redzone this season. As a receiver, Lynch does a great job at selling fakes and has natural hands to grab the football out of the air. The sophomore is utilized as a jumbo slot receiver in the open field, running crisp routes and being explosive after the catch. When used as an extra blocker in the run game, Lynch is a physical and powerful player that can pancake opposing defenders.
JP Coulter
JP Coulter
A dynamic special teams player and quarterback Bray Hubbard Bray Hubbard 6'2" | 175 lbs | QB Ocean Springs | 2023 State MS ‘s go to target in the pass game, senior wide receiver JP Coulter has put together a great season this year, totaling over 600 yards and 6 touchdowns. Moved all over the formation, Coulter is a playmaker across field that can dominate from wherever he lines up. The senior wide out has a smooth release at the line of scrimmage and blazing fast speed to easily create separation. Topping his game off with an impressive set of hands, Coulter is one of the most gifted receivers left in the playoffs.
Highlights
Having a huge game in the first round of the playoffs, sophomore running back Kylin Champagne Kylin Champagne 5'11" | 205 lbs | RB Oak Grove Highschool | 2025 State MS has started to come into his own this season for Oak Grove. Champagne has impressive vision and can easily find the hole to hit when it opens up. Utilizing his special speed, Champagne can score from anywhere on the field when he has the ball in his hands. He runs hard and through contact, making arm tackles against him a failed attempt. To make his game that much better, Champagne can catch out of the backfield and make explosive plays in the pass game.