SCRIMMAGE Notes: Top Prospects Stand Out In Pre-Season Scrimmage

Photo: Prep Redzone

Matt DeBary August 11, 2023 @ 10:08 AM

The regular season is less than one week away, but football is still in the air all across Georgia. There were plenty of scrimmages across the peach state on Thursday and Prep Redzone gives the details on which players stood out the most.   Milton   During a big win over an incredibly talented Gainesville team, it was quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='338659' first='Luke' last='Nickel'] who shined throughout Thursday night. One of the top 2025 QBs in Georgia, Nickel showed poise, a big arm, and consistent accuracy during Milton's 35-12 win over the Red Elephants. Nickel played the first half, going 13/18 for 191 yards, 3TDs, and 1 INT. Wide receiver and Texas A&M commit [player_tooltip player_id='137437' first='Debron' last='Gatling'] also had a big night, catching 4 passes for 97 yards and 1 TD. Junior receiver [player_tooltip player_id='339644' first='CJ' last='Wiley'] caught four passes for 59 yards and another touchdowns. Defensively, freshman defensive lineman Chris Hunter flashed consistently and made multiple plays in the backfield. He's a 2027 prospect to keep a close eye on this season.   Gainesville   They have have lost a tough one to Milton, but it's clear to see the talent Gainesville has coming back this fall. Quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='661384' first='Baxter' last='Wright'] played well, but it was running back [player_tooltip player_id='262995' first='Gavin' last='Hall'] who turned some heads on Thursday night. The playmaking senior showed his big-play ability, rushing for two touchdowns against a very good Milton defense. A physical back who breaks a lot of tackles, look for Hall to have a big 2023 season this fall for a Gainesville team with 6A state championship aspirations.   Rome   The Wolves look great, and so does quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='137476' first='Reece' last='Fountain']. A talented signal caller who continues to play better and better, Fountain was on point Thursday night, going 17-21 for 236 yards and 3 passing touchdowns to go along with two rushing touchdowns. A true dual-threat quarterback who will only continue to improve, look for Fountain, one of the top quarterbacks in Georgia, to have a monster senior season for the Wolves this fall. On Thursday night, he helped lead Rome to a big 48-6 victory.   Cedartown   A small-town school with big expectations this season, the Cedartown Bulldogs are coming off a big scrimmage victory over a strong Cass team that's loaded with talent. At quarterback, QB Drew Ledbetter was an efficient 6/7 for 72 yards and one touchdown.   Another player who stood out was defensive back [player_tooltip player_id='869036' first='Tae' last='Harris']. A current Georgia Bulldog commitment, Harris had a big pick-6 on defense, ran the ball successfully on offense, and was without a doubt one of the best overall players on the field as a junior. He's a physical defender who knows how to hit, but he'll make plays in multiple ways this fall.   Cass   Cass may have lost the scrimmage, but it was still a big day for receiver [player_tooltip player_id='325510' first='Sacovie' last='White']. One of the top overall playmakers and best receivers all across Georgia, White proved to be a major down-field threat with the ability to make an impressive catch in coverage. An excellent route-runner, White shows good body control, excellent hands, and natural athleticism. He's dangerous after the catch and should see his ranking improve more and more this fall.

The regular season is less than one week away, but football is still in the air all across Georgia. There were plenty of scrimmages across the peach state on Thursday and Prep Redzone gives the details on which players stood out the most.