AHSAA Class 5A State Championship – Top Playmakers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>My time in Tuscaloosa this week just keeps getting better and better, with day two surpassing all expectations at the AHSAA 5A State Championship Game. The atmosphere was electric, brimming with the raw energy and excitement that only high school football can bring. As I stood on the sidelines I had the privilege of evaluating some of the best talent on the field all day long, players who truly stepped up to the plate during their championhip game debut. In this report, I'm excited to share some gems with the fans! So let's dive in!<br><br>As always, let's dive into some Alabama football!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["132040"],"_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":"u003cpu003eRonnie Royal's performance in the state championship was nothing short of remarkable. Exhibiting exceptional agility and speed, Royal rushed for 188 yards, consistently breaking through defensive lines. His ability to read the field and make sharp, decisive cuts contributed to his two crucial touchdowns, pivotal in securing Gulf Shores' victory. Royal's vision and acceleration were evident throughout the game, making him a constant threat to Ramsay's defense. His ball-handling skills and resilience under pressure were commendable, often gaining extra yards after contact. Royal's performance not only showcased his individual talent but also his ability to elevate the team's overall dynamics, playing a key role in the 21-14 win.u003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_1_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='1115964' first='Landon' last='Everett']","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_1_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_1_player_details_height":"5'11u0022","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_1_player_details_position":"2496","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_1_player_details_school":"Gulf Shores High School","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_1_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_1_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_1_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"u003cpu003e[player_tooltip player_id='1115964' first='Landon' last='Everett'] emerged as a defensive powerhouse in the championship game. His tactical understanding of the game was evident in his ability to anticipate plays, leading to seven tackles and two tackles for loss. Everett's physicality and determination were critical in halting Ramsay's offensive drives. His ability to read the quarterback and disrupt passing lanes contributed significantly to Gulf Shores' defensive success. Everett's leadership on the field was palpable, often directing teammates and making crucial adjustments. His performance was a testament to his skills as a linebacker, making him a deserving recipient of the Defensive Player of the Game title.u003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["401111"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"u003cpu003eJamichael Garrett delivered a solid performance in the championship, showcasing his defensive prowess. Garrett's athleticism and speed were key in covering ground quickly, allowing him to be involved in multiple critical plays. His tackling technique was sound, ensuring effective stops and minimal gain for Ramsay's offense. Garrett displayed a high level of stamina and resilience, maintaining his intensity throughout the game. His ability to work in tandem with his teammates, particularly in the linebacker unit, was crucial in maintaining a strong defensive front. Garrett's contribution was vital in keeping Ramsay's score limited, proving him to be an invaluable asset to Gulf Shores' defense.u003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["562108"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"u003cpu003eQuinton Reese of Ramsay High School stood out for his defensive capabilities in the championship game. Despite the loss, Reese's individual performance was notable for his tenacity and skill. His tackling was efficient and impactful, often stopping Gulf Shores' advances decisively. Reese displayed a keen sense of positioning, allowing him to be at the right place at the right time to disrupt plays. His ability to communicate and coordinate with his defensive line was instrumental in executing their game plan. Reese's determination and effort were evident throughout the game, making him a standout player in Ramsay's defensive lineup.u003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_4_player_details_player_name":"Ashton Ashford","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_4_player_details_graduating_class":"2024","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_4_player_details_height":"6'0u0022","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_4_player_details_position":"2408","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_4_player_details_school":"Ramsay High School","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_4_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_4_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_4_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"u003cpu003eAshton Ashford of Ramsay High School was a key figure in the championship game, demonstrating exceptional skill as a running back. His explosive bursts of speed and ability to weave through defenders were crucial in advancing the ball. Ashford's knack for identifying weak spots in the defense allowed him to make significant yardage gains, contributing greatly to Ramsay's offensive strategy. His physicality, combined with a strategic approach to the game, made him a formidable opponent against Gulf Shores' defense. Despite the tough opposition, Ashford's efforts were relentless, exemplifying his role as a vital component of Ramsay's offense in this closely contested championship.u003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":5,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6572b0b3a2844"} /-->