Grimsley vs. New Bern State 4A Championship – Offensive Standouts
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I was on the sidelines for the State 4A Championship Game at UNC Kenan Stadium. A matchup between Grimsley’s high-powered offensive unit and New Bern’s high-powered running attack. Grimsley and New Bern both have two of the top defensive units…
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Continue ReadingI was on the sidelines for the State 4A Championship Game at UNC Kenan Stadium. A matchup between Grimsley’s high-powered offensive unit and New Bern’s high-powered running attack. Grimsley and New Bern both have two of the top defensive units in the state. Grimsley defensive unit is led by Jamaal Jarrett Jamaal Jarrett 6'6" | 355 lbs | DL Grimsley | 2023 State NC , one of the top defensive linemen in the country. New Bern defensive unit is led by KJ Sampson KJ Sampson 6'4" | 285 lbs | DL New Bern | 2023 State NC , one of the top defensive linemen in the country.
Grimsley
Ryan Stephens Ryan Stephens 6'0" | 170 lbs | QB Grimsley | 2023 State NC – QB, 5’9″ 170 (No. 34 QB, No. 341 Overall). Ryan displayed calmness and poise in the pocket while directing the offensive unit throughout the game. He was only to complete a few passes against a tough New Bern defensive secondary. Ryan displayed accuracy and good ball velocity on short range passes. He displayed good accuracy on the long-ball pass that was completed for a TD. Ryan is a threat as runner when he decides to tuck it and run for yards, running into the end zone for a TD on one offensive series.
Mitchell Summers Mitchell Summers 5'6" | 150 lbs | RB Grimsley | 2025 State NC – RB, 5’6″ 150 (No. 10 RB, Watchlist). Mitchell displayed durability as he ran inside for tough yardage against a stout New Bern defensive line. He followed blockers and accelerated past defenders to gain big yardage, running into the end zone for a TD on one offensive series.
Alex Taylor Alex Taylor 6'3" | 175 lbs | WR Grimsley | 2024 State NC – WR, 6’3″ 180 (No. 3 WR, No.5 Overall). Alex ran good pass routes and separation from defenders to make a few catches. He was contained throughout the game by a tough New Bern defensive secondary.
Terrell Anderson Terrell Anderson 6'3" | 185 lbs | WR Grimsley | 2024 State NC – WR, 6’3″ 195 (No. 7 WR, No. 15 Overall). Terrell plays on both sides of the ball for his team. He ran good pass routes and good separation from defenders to make a few big catches. Terrell returned a kickoff for a touchdown as he accelerated past defenders into the open field. He was able to separate from defenders on a long-ball pass and accelerate into the open field on his way to end zone for his second touchdown.
Henry Harden – C, 6’2″ 265. Henry is quick out of his stance after snapping the ball to make contact with defenders. He displayed good footwork and technique to control defenders while opening lanes for the running backs. Henry displayed a solid base while protecting the quarterback on passing plays.
Graham Buckrham – G, 6’0″ 255. Graham displayed good technique and footwork controlling defenders while opening lanes for the running backs. He displayed a solid base while protecting the quarterback on passing plays.
Tyler Smouse – G, 5’9″ 220. Tyler displayed good technique and footwork controlling defenders while opening lanes for the running backs. He displayed a solid base while protecting the quarterback on passing plays.
Jaden Staton Jaden Staton 6'0" | 275 lbs | OL Grimsley | 2023 State NC – T, 6’0″ 275 (No. 58 OL, No. 355 Overall). Jaden displayed good technique and footwork controlling defenders while opening lanes for the running backs. He displayed a solid base while protecting the quarterback on passing plays.
Jamarius Matier – T, 6’0″ 280 (No. 16 OL, No. 115 Overall). Jamarius displayed good technique and footwork controlling defenders while opening lanes for the running backs. He displayed a solid base while protecting the quarterback on passing plays.
New Bern
Damaree Tucker – QB, 6’1″ 185. Damaree displayed calmness and leadership in the pocket while directing the offensive unit throughout the game. He displayed quickness while handing the ball off to his running backs in the run-oriented offense. Damaree is a threat to score when he decides to tuck it and run for yardage. He finished the game with 12 carries for 105 yards and 2 TDs.
Aronne Herring Aronne Herring 5'10" | 170 lbs | RB New Bern | 2023 State NC – RB, 5’10” 175 (No. 7 RB, No. 37 Overall). Aronne displayed good balance and vision while running inside for tough yardage. He followed his blockers and accelerated into an open lane past defenders for big yardage on several plays. Aronne finished the game with 16 carries for 161 yards and 2 TDs.
Chamir Wright Chamir Wright 5'10" | 180 lbs | DB New Bern | 2023 State NC – RB, 6’2″ 180. Chamir displayed good balance and change of direction while running inside for tough yardage. He displayed speed to accelerate past defenders while running outside for yards, racing into the end zone for 2 TDs.
Dylan Wagner Dylan Wagner 6'1" | 285 lbs | OL New Bern | 2023 State NC – T, 6’2″ 280 (No. 25 OL, No. 205 Overall). Dylan displayed good footwork and technique controlling defenders while opening lanes for the running backs. He is technique-sound while run-blocking on the running plays. Dylan is the leader and anchor of the offensive line unit.
Qua’ Mari Wright – T, 6’0″ 280. Qua’ Mari displayed good footwork and technique controlling defenders while opening lanes for the running backs. He is technique-sound while run-blocking on the running plays.
Jamar Bell Jamar Bell 6'2" | 260 lbs | OL New Bern | 2023 State NC – T, 6’2″ 260 (No. 52 OL, No. 304 Overall). Jamar displayed good footwork and technique controlling defenders while opening lanes for the running backs. He is technique-sound while run-blocking on the running plays.
Mikal Masionet Mikal Masionet 6'0" | 325 lbs | OL New Bern | 2024 State NC – G, 6’0″ 325 (No. 20 OL, No. 122 Overall). Mikal displayed good footwork and technique controlling defenders while opening lanes for the running backs. He is technique-sound while run-blocking on the running plays.