Class 5A Standouts to Watch in the Playoffs (11/17)

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After another week of high school football playoff action in the Bluegrass State, it's time to highlight some of the most impactful playmakers in Region 5A that have established themselves as gamechangers through the first few weeks of the playoffs. Without any further ado, here's my list of the most explosive class 5A standouts in Kentucky to keep an eye on in the quarterfinals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["283958"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003c!u002du002d wp:paragraph u002du002du003ernrnAt the top of my list of notable performers is [player_tooltip player_id='283958' first='Cam' last='O'Hara'], a quarterback at Cooper High School. O'Hara and the Jaguars earned a 49-21 victory over Scott County this past week. In addition to excellent composure under pressure, what stands out about O'Hara is his quick release and ability to hit his receivers in stride from anywhere on the field. O'Hara's footwork and versatility also impresses, showcasing his ability to dodge and weave the defense and get the ball out of his hands before the defense makes contact.rnrnu003c!u002du002d /wp:paragraph u002du002du003e u003c!u002du002d wp:paragraph u002du002du003ernrnu0026nbsp;rnrnu003c!u002du002d /wp:paragraph u002du002du003e u003c!u002du002d wp:paragraph u002du002du003ernrnu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/v/2LZB6Xu0022u003eTape:u003c/au003ernrnu003c!u002du002d /wp:paragraph u002du002du003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-655590055ff35"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["212337"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003c!u002du002d wp:paragraph u002du002du003ernrnI am additionally impressed with [player_tooltip player_id='212337' first='Trevy' last='Barber'], a wide receiver at Bowling Green High School. Barber and the Purples are coming off a 51-3 blowout win over Graves County last week. Barber impresses me with his breakaway speed and versatile edge, proving he can juke out the defense in coverage to get wide open for touchdown passes. I also like Barber's durability and toughness, showing off his ability to stay on his feet under pressure and take it all the way to the house.rnrnu003c!u002du002d /wp:paragraph u002du002du003e u003c!u002du002d wp:paragraph u002du002du003ernrnu0026nbsp;rnrnu003c!u002du002d /wp:paragraph u002du002du003e u003c!u002du002d wp:paragraph u002du002du003ernrnu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/v/2MLwy2u0022u003eTape:u003c/au003ernrnu003c!u002du002d /wp:paragraph u002du002du003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-655590055ff9a"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["423658"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003c!u002du002d wp:paragraph u002du002du003ernrnClaiming the number three spot on my list is [player_tooltip player_id='423658' first='Jack' last='Chappell'], a linebacker at North Laurel High School. Chappell and the Jaguars picked up a 42-6 victory over Madison Southern this past week. Chappell stands out with his explosiveness on both sides, proving he can pick up yards on the ground as a receiver and make commanding stops on the other side. In addition to outstanding catching ability and electric speed after the catch, Chappell impresses me with his ability to read opposing offenses and protect the backfield.rnrnu003c!u002du002d /wp:paragraph u002du002du003e u003c!u002du002d wp:paragraph u002du002du003ernrnu0026nbsp;rnrnu003c!u002du002d /wp:paragraph u002du002du003e u003c!u002du002d wp:paragraph u002du002du003ernrnu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/v/2MRLUqu0022u003eTape:u003c/au003ernrnu003c!u002du002d /wp:paragraph u002du002du003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-655590055ffe3"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["373782"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003c!u002du002d wp:paragraph u002du002du003ernrnAnother skilled prospect to keep an eye on is [player_tooltip player_id='373782' first='Brady' last='Atwell'], a quarterback at Owensboro Catholic High School. Atwell and the Aces picked up a 49-7 rout of Crittenden County this past week. Atwell has made a considerable difference this season with his relentless passing performance, showing off outstanding arm strength and precision in the air. Atwell's unpredictable edge also stands out, proving he can break tackles and slip into the backfield for substantial gain.rnrnu003c!u002du002d /wp:paragraph u002du002du003e u003c!u002du002d wp:paragraph u002du002du003ernrnu0026nbsp;rnrnu003c!u002du002d /wp:paragraph u002du002du003e u003c!u002du002d wp:paragraph u002du002du003ernrnu003ca href=u0022https://youtu.be/k7TMSHmKLf8?si=UnOsRBRNs6beBVj-u0022u003eTape:u003c/au003ernrnu003c!u002du002d /wp:paragraph u002du002du003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6555900560027"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["373785"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003c!u002du002d wp:paragraph u002du002du003ernrnComing in at number five on my list is [player_tooltip player_id='373785' first='Dereon' last='Crowe'], a linebacker at Owensboro High School. Crowe and the Red Devils collected a 53-22 blowout victory over South Warren last week. What impresses me about Crowe is his multi-faceted playstyle and ability to make a difference on both sides of the ball. Crowe's ability to create seperation in coverage and haul in one-handed touchdown passes have made a difference this year. Defensively, Crowe can suffocate playmakers in the pocket and protect the backfield.rnrnu003c!u002du002d /wp:paragraph u002du002du003e u003c!u002du002d wp:paragraph u002du002du003ernrnu0026nbsp;rnrnu003c!u002du002d /wp:paragraph u002du002du003e u003c!u002du002d wp:paragraph u002du002du003ernrnu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/v/2MXF1ju0022u003eTape:u003c/au003ernrnu003c!u002du002d /wp:paragraph u002du002du003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6555900560067"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["373083"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003c!u002du002d wp:paragraph u002du002du003ernrnAlso worth mentioning is [player_tooltip player_id='373083' first='Xavier' last='Burks'], a running back at Fairdale High School. Burks and the Bulldogs came away with a 41-22 win over Grayson County last week. Burks has been explosive on the ground this season, showing off his quick execution and physical edge both in the pocket and along the edge. I also like how Burks can pick up speed in the backfield and march into the endzone. Burks also stands out under pressure, using his size to withstand the defense and break tackles on his way into the backfield.rnrnu003c!u002du002d /wp:paragraph u002du002du003e u003c!u002du002d wp:paragraph u002du002du003ernrnu0026nbsp;rnrnu003c!u002du002d /wp:paragraph u002du002du003e u003c!u002du002d wp:paragraph u002du002du003ernrnu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/v/2Ly63Uu0022u003eTape:u003c/au003ernrnu003c!u002du002d /wp:paragraph u002du002du003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65559005600c1"} /-->