Week 2 Game Balls

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Week 3 is almost upon us, but before we flip the page, we need to recognize some top performers from the last week. I'm starting to post these later in the week to give teams time to upload stats and film. As a reminder, these aren't traditional "Players of the Week" in the sense that there may be players out there with better weekly statistics or film. Rather, this is a chance to highlight players that have made huge impacts for their teams and raised their recruiting stock.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Game Ball: [player_tooltip player_id='264956' first='Jackson' last='Byrd'], Clayton</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Byrd has been on my radar for a while and started off raw. He sat behind some talented upperclassmen and had a good season last year in his first full year as starter. He didn't put up eye-popping numbers this week, but had a solid night, throwing for 326 yards and two touchdowns. I'm impressed with how he's going through reads and strategically using his legs—he had two rushing touchdowns as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Game Ball: Alex Sanford, Ledford</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sanford is a big, bruising back that made the most of his limited carries this week. He's taken his game to another level this year in two games, running for five touchdowns so far. Sanford's patience and pad level are two of his best traits and he's tough to bring down on top of it. Friday, Sanford did an excellent job of staying patient but still staying explosive through the hole.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Game Ball: Christyan Washington, Forest Hills</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Washington is quickly becoming everything Forest Hills needs to take the next step. After an interception and long touchdown catch in Week 1, Washington had an electric 78-yard punt return touchdown in Week 2. The Yellow Jackets have improved this year but there was a question about who would provide a spark when needed. That's not a question anymore.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Game Ball: [player_tooltip player_id='861728' first='Curtis' last='Simpson'], Kings Mountain</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Simpson has emerged as a top defender for Kings Mountain, who are surprising teams in 3A so far in 2023. Simpson is long and can get around the edge in a hurry. In two games against talented offenses, Simpson has put up 2.5 sacks in each, adding a pass deflection and a forced fumble Friday against Cox Mill.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Game Ball: CJ Neely, Dudley</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dudley has walked through its competition easily in the first two games, but Neely has stepped up as the big play receiver nonetheless. He has multiple touchdowns of over 40 yards and has four 2-point conversion receptions through the first tow games as well. Neely is picking up some momentum on the recruiting trail and looks like a solid FCS or Group of 5 receiver.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->