Top QB Performances From Round Two of The Playoffs
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It was a wild round two of the playoffs in Georgia as we saw one major 7A powerhouse in Buford go down and other star players emerge for their respective teams. Once again, multiple impressive quarterbacks played their “A” game…
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Continue ReadingIt was a wild round two of the playoffs in Georgia as we saw one major 7A powerhouse in Buford go down and other star players emerge for their respective teams. Once again, multiple impressive quarterbacks played their “A” game and led their teams to victory.
Who are they? Let’s take a look…
Jeremy Hecklinski Jeremy Hecklinski 6'0" | 180 lbs | QB Walton | 2024 State GA – Walton
One of thee breakout quarterbacks across Georgia this year, the gunslinging junior quarterback at Walton had the game of his life in round two, leading the Raiders to a major upset win over the mighty Buford Wolves. Hecklinski made big throw after throw all game long and helped put 42 points on thee board against one of the most talented defenses in the state. He played with poise, confidence, and once again showed that he has one of the biggest arms across Georgia in the 2024 class. Hecklinski was 22/31 in the victory for 330 yards 3 touchdowns along with one rushing touchdown. He has a major challenge ahead in round thre against Carrollton.
KJ Smith – Roswell
The Roswell Hornets continue to play great football and a big reason why has been the play of quarterback, KJ Smith. One of the more underrated quarterbacks across the state this year, Smith continues to play excellent football, and while he didn’t have to air it out too much against Alllatoona in round two, he still had a big game and led thee Hornets offense to 49 points. Running back Nykahi Davenport JR led the way with 23 carries for 233 yards and 3 TDs, but Smith was also extremely efficient in the big win, throwing for 254 yards and one touchdown.
Prentiss “Air” Noland – Langston Hughes
The Atlanta-area quarterback has put on a show all season long and has continued his impressive play so far in the postseason. Leading arguably the top overall team in the state, the impressive junior has thrown all over defenses all season long and did it once again during a big win over North Forsyth. Nolan led a Langston Hughes offense that put up 77 points over the weekend and he made it look easy at times. He didn’t have to throw it often, but when he did, good things happened. Thee outstanding junior was 10/11 passing on the night for 320 yards and 6 touchdown passes. If he continues to play at this level, Langston Hughes might have an easy path to the 6A state championship.
Aaron Philo Aaron Philo 6'2" | 190 lbs | QB Prince Avenue Christian | 2024 State GA – Prince Avenue Christian
A 2024 quarterback who should see his recruitment take off this year, Philo has been as productive as it gets this season snd has carried over his great play into the playoffs. The junior was fantastic once again in a 48-14 win over Elbert County. He threw with confidence, showed leadership, and was consistently accurate all game long. The promising junior was 26-for-33 with 306 passing yards and 3 TD in the big victory. On the ground, Philo rushed six times for 54 yards and another touchdown. He’s playing great football and has the chance to lead the Wolverines to a Single-A Private state title this year.
Baxter Wright – Gainesville
In one of the top 6A games of round two, Wright was able to lead the Gainesville Red Elephants to an impressive win over a strong South Paulding team. While he only threw it 18 times, Wright was efficient and made every throw matter. Not only did he lead the Reed Elephants to a 42-21 victory, but he made some excellent throws all game long. In the victory, Wright was 13/18 for 257 passing yards and 4 TDs. He distributed the ball, made smart decisions with the ball, and played like one of the top 2024 quarterbacks in the state. He’s had a terrific junior season and doesn’t appear to be slowing down anytime soon.