Top Pass Receiving Performances from Week 8
Across all levels of competition but particularly so in high school football, the wide receiver position might best illustrate the rich variety of sizes, physical frames and skill sets that can combine to comprise exceptional players. Moreover, the varied duties…
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Continue ReadingAcross all levels of competition but particularly so in high school football, the wide receiver position might best illustrate the rich variety of sizes, physical frames and skill sets that can combine to comprise exceptional players. Moreover, the varied duties and dynamic roles of wide receivers across offensive systems demand adaptability, as they must work to assimilate into various positions, formations, route combinations and game plans. Widely varied in their physical statures, skills sets and positional demands, all of the following pass receivers turned in Week 8 performances that clearly reflect ongoing dedication their craft and to their team’s success:
Andrew Bales
Andrew Bales
After generating 14 catches for his 2-9 Indians last fall, Bales turned in easily his best performance of this season in Holy Cross’s 48-6 district win over Trimble County. Hauling in 3 receptions on the night, he generated 113 yards (an average of 37.7 yards per catch) and scored 2 touchdowns of 45 and 53 yards, respectively. In total, his unit finished with 423 yards of total offense and propelled their program to its fourth consecutive win. A polished route-runner with reliable hands and the ability to elude defenders in open space, Bales now has collected 12 receptions for 275 yards and 3 scores on the season, and his 34.4 yards-per-game average currently ranks him 35th among Class A receivers. A fundamentally sound and physical contributor in the defensive secondary, too, he has contributed 16 total stops and 1 pass interception for the 5-3 Indians.
Trace Dalton
Trace Dalton
An elusive and durable athlete with deceptive speed in the open field, Dalton’s production in Week 8 was integral to the Bearcats’ 31-20 district win over visiting Gallatin County. Securing 4 receptions for 92 yards and 2 touchdowns, he also contributed 1 tackle and 1 interception from his cornerback position in Walton-Verona’s comeback victory. Primarily aligning as an X receiver and utilized via a variety of across-the-set motions, jet sweeps and other perimeter runs, he has now collected 7 receptions for 178 yards (25.4 yards per catch) and 2 touchdowns on the season while also adding 10 stops and 2 interceptions defensively. A sure-handed and dangerous kick returner too, he displays vision, patience and an almost innate ability to set up his blockers for maximum effectiveness. With one season remaining in his prep career development, Dalton currently projects most favorably as a next-level contributor on special teams and defense.
Noah Kilburn
Noah Kilburn
After concluding his sophomore season as the Commodores’ top pass receiver, Kilburn has more than retained that momentum this fall and already surpassed all of his 2022 production numbers–with at least three contests remaining in his junior campaign. In his team’s big 20-6 district road win at Letcher County Central, he finished with 6 receptions for 96 yards, 2 touchdown passes and 1 successful two-point conversion. A tall, wiry competitor with soft hands and the ability to isolate/high point the football on contested throws, he currently has compiled 746 yards and 7 touchdowns on 39 receptions and ranks 4th among all receivers in Class AAAA (14th statewide). Averaging just under 1 touchdown per game, he has sufficient speed to get behind shallow coverages and also displays increasing comfort with intermediate/crossing routes. With one additional prep season remaining in his development, increased physicality as a blocker on perimeter runs and screens will only further elevate his next-level potential.
Jacob Taylor
Jacob Taylor
A diminutive, speedy sophomore with a considerable developmental trajectory, Taylor broke out for a career-high 6 receptions, 144 yards and 1 touchdown in his Flyers’ recent 41-7 victory over district foe Henry County. With the physicality and open-field elusiveness to excel on reverses and jet sweeps, as well, he also charted 1 carry in the win for 8 rushing yards. Now the #2 receiver among his undefeated squad’s receiving corps, he has generated 335 yards and 2 touchdown receptions on 26 catches, and his average of 41.9 receiving yards per game ranks him 38th in Class AAAA. Usually aligning as an inside slot receiver or as the off/deep receiver in trips and bunch formations, his quickness and ability to make defenders miss in space make him an exceptional candidate for outside screen passes and RPOs. A durable and physical outside linebacker with a nonstop pursuit motor, he also has contributed 11 total tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, 2 sacks and 1 interception in situational defensive duty.
Kameron Wilson
Kameron Wilson
After already putting together two separate 10-catch games for his Yellow Jackets’ offensive unit this season, it seems only fair that we take the time to highlight Wilson’s most recent big night after he hauled in 7 catches for 149 yards, 3 touchdowns and 1 two-point conversion in his team’s 37-8 district win over Williamsburg. A long, athletic and fluid route runner, he aligns most often as the outside receiver to the formation’s passing strength and particularly excels when tasked as the trail/underneath receiver in combination routes and/or as the deep target in wheel route tandems. For the season, he has now collected 43 receptions for 729 yards and 12 touchdowns, ranking him 3rd among all Class A pass catchers and 18th statewide. His average of 9.8 points per game also places him 11th in Class A and comprises the largest share of his offensive unit’s average of 29.2 points per contest (12th in Class A). After impressing last season with 38 receptions, 687 yards and 10 touchdowns, Wilson clearly has continued to master the finer points of spacing, route-running and body positioning to enable his continued progression, and his physical attributes make him an intriguing “under-the-radar” prospect warranting further next-level interest.