Week 0 GSPD Game Balls
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Big performances on the Grand Strand and Pee Dee were everywhere in Week 0. From returning stars to players making their varsity debut, those who jumped off in their respective season openers included a pair of quarterbacks who took advantage…
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Continue ReadingBig performances on the Grand Strand and Pee Dee were everywhere in Week 0.
From returning stars to players making their varsity debut, those who jumped off in their respective season openers included a pair of quarterbacks who took advantage of their own running abilities, a turnover-making defensive back up to his old tricks, a Grand Strand receiver duo who hit triple figures and a linebacker we all know and respect.
Editor’s Note: To nominate your players a Game Ball, please send a member of the Prep Red Zone South Carolina team your players’ performance data by noon Saturday following Friday games.
Quincy Rhodes Quincy Rhodes 5'11" | 155 lbs | DB South Florence | 2024 State SC DB, South Florence
Rhodes started off his 2023 season, right where he left off as a junior, when he recorded one of his four interceptions in the Class 4A state championship victory over Northwestern. Against Goose Creek Friday, Rhodes added two more interceptions to his ledger. Added to the four each he had in a partial season at defensive back as a sophomore and four more from last fall, and he’s now got 10 career picks on his resume.
Gabe Cusack Gabe Cusack 6'1" | 190 lbs | QB Marion | 2024 State SC QB, Marion
The Swamp Foxes’ senior chased his six-touchdown performance against Lake View from a year ago with a four-score night this time around. Cusack, probably known more for his arm than his legs, took on some of the brunt from the departure of big tailback Rodrick McRae, who transferred in the offseason. He finished the season-opening with over Lake View with all four of his scores on the ground and more than 160 rushing yards.
Hayden Soles WR, Carolina Forest
Soles, a junior and first-year member of the varsity, started off his Panther career with a four-reception, 100-yard, two-touchdown night in the lopsided victory over West Brunswick (N.C.). Soles was fellow first-year starter Ethan Hamilton Ethan Hamilton 5'10" | 175 lbs | QB Carolina Forest | 2024 State SC ‘s favorite target, catching more than half of the quarterback’s seven completions.
Josh Brown Josh Brown 6'1" | 190 lbs | WR Socastee | 2025 State SC WR, Socastee
The Braves’ trip to North Myrtle Beach was one of the lowest-scoring games in the state in Week 0, but Brown made his season opener stick. The junior caught six passes for 156 yards and the games only score, a 44-yard touchdown in the third quarter in which a defensive back made a coverage mistake and Brown made the Chiefs pay for the gaffe.
Franklin Emerson Franklin Emerson 6'0" | 220 lbs | ATH West Florence | 2024 State SC LB, West Florence
In a slobber knocker of a 17-7 loss at Lexington, Emerson (pictured) was called in to help at quarterback, something that will likely happen on occasion throughout the season. Still, he was expected to perform at his primary position, too. The senior linebacker did his part, putting up 10.5 total tackles and three tackles for loss.
Wade Poston Wade Poston 5'11" | 165 lbs | QB Hannah Pamplico | 2025 State SC QB, Hannah-Pamplico
Poston’s strong sophomore season has plenty of opponents focusing on slowing him down this fall. In a 57-52 win over McBee, the quarterback showed off his legs a little more than normal. In addition to a passing touchdown, he also ran for 150 yards and four scores. That gives him 31 career total touchdowns in 12 career varsity games.