Top Offensive Performers to Watch for in Playoffs: 10/20
In this article:
After looking at some talented offensive and defensive top performers from the week prior, we will do the same for the most recent slate of past games. Keep in mind that Kentucky continues to produce loads of talent across all…
Access all of Prep Redzone
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingAfter looking at some talented offensive and defensive top performers from the week prior, we will do the same for the most recent slate of past games. Keep in mind that Kentucky continues to produce loads of talent across all positions, a feat that not many states cannot accomplish as effectively. Today, we will look at the top offensive performers to watch for in the upcoming 2023 postseason.
It was no secret that Cole Hodge Cole Hodge 6’2″ | QB Christian Academy Of Louisville | 2024 State KY would be one of the key players to watch for, coming into the 2023 postseason. Being one of the top-ranked quarterbacks in the state, Cole Hodge Cole Hodge 6’2″ | QB Christian Academy Of Louisville | 2024 State KY continued to show his dominance this past weekend for his Christian Academy (Louisville) team. Playing against Elizabethtown High School, Cole completed 19 passes for 273 passing yards and 4 passing touchdowns while recording 43 rushing yards and 2 rushing touchdowns. Cole has the complete quarterback package. He can facilitate quick and precise throws out of the pocket or make big-time plays with his legs. I have no doubt Hodge will continue his dominant play through the 2023 postseason.
Solomon had a breakout game this past weekend for his Adair County High School team. Playing against McCreary Central, Stonebraker put up 5 receptions for 240 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns in a 49-20 win. Solomon specializes in speed and quick lateral agility to create separation from receivers. Stonebraker is even better at generating yards after the catch, as he can accelerate quickly to full speed and make sharp cuts across the field to break off incoming defenders. I expect Solomon to continue his stellar play this upcoming postseason.
Shammai Gates Shammai Gates 5’9″ | 175 lbs | ATH Louisville Male | 2024 State KY is an insanely strong runner who can create running gaps in the defense through his agile cuts and brute strength. Gates had an excellent performance for his Louisville Male High School offense. In his last game against Bullitt East High School, Gates took 17 carries for 164 rushing yards and 2 rushing touchdowns. Shammai put on an absolute clinic with yards after initial contact in that game. Most plays would end up having Gates gain at least 5+ yards after being hit by multiple defenders. Shammai’s strength and quick acceleration enable him to maintain his speed and keep himself away from more defenders. I believe he will continue to light it up when the postseason starts.
Highlights
Last week, Brady Bentley Brady Bentley 5’7″ | 165 lbs | WR Shelby Valley | 2024 State KY performed superbly at the receiver position for his Shelby Valley High School offense. Playing against East Ridge High School, Brady put up a ridiculous 230 receiving yards & 5 receiving touchdown performances off only 9 receptions! Brady utilizes his speed and crafty footwork to make sharp jukes around defenders to create separation after the catch. Bentley also inherits great route-running skills that enable him to get enough separation to make the catch and have room to run. Brady plays the game with a lot of quickness and IQ and this helps him succeed and put up insane stat lines like he did last week. I would not be shocked if he had another similar performance, like this one, in the upcoming postseason.
Brady Atwell Brady Atwell 6’3″ | 225 lbs | QB Owensboro Catholic | 2025 State KY put up an incredible passing performance in his latest game with Owensboro Catholic High School. Playing against Fort Campbell High School, Brady completed 21/25 of his passes for 302 passing yards and 5 passing touchdowns in a 56-7 dominating win. What strikes me right away after watching Atwell is his ability to throw 40-50-yard passes with little physical effort. Atwell’s arm strength is at a top-tier level in the state, and his ability to create extra yardage on the run is another valuable trait to have in this new era of quarterback play. Every time Brady touches the ball, it has been nearly certain that he will be making a positive gain out of it, no matter how he does it. This reliability can get someone far in their playing career, and I believe it will certainly come true for Brady. As of now, I expect him to continue his dominance at the QB position throughout the postseason.