Top Single-Game Freshman Performances
In this article:
Over the past few days, we have overviewed some of the top offensive, defensive, and two-way performances from seniors, juniors, and sophomores. It is time for the freshman class of 2027 guys, who showcased some of the best statistical performances…
Access all of Prep Redzone
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingOver the past few days, we have overviewed some of the top offensive, defensive, and two-way performances from seniors, juniors, and sophomores. It is time for the freshman class of 2027 guys, who showcased some of the best statistical performances of the season. We do not often see freshmen play huge roles on varsity, but this season, there were not only some big-time freshman contributors but also guys who played their second straight varsity season in only their first year of high school. The future of football in New York is bright, and a lot is due to some of these talents all around the state.
Keegan Croucher Keegan Croucher 6'3" | 170 lbs | QB Cheshire Academy | 2027 NewE vs. Granville/Whitehall
Croucher had a very impressive season for a Freshman QB and showcased his best performance against Granville/Whitehall, where he went 13/16 for 300 yards and 5 touchdowns. 1 of 4 games that Croucher eclipsed the 300-yard mark through the air.
Tommy Zeh Tommy Zeh 5'10" | 145 lbs | QB Moore Catholic | 2027 NY vs. St. Joseph-by-the-Sea
Zeh played probably the toughest competition of any freshman in the state but had several games showing he was up to competing with the best. His best performance came against St. Joseph-by-the-Sea. He was 19/24 for 303 yards and 2 touchdowns and added 16 yards on the ground. It was an efficient performance with zero turnovers and a 36-0 win over a talented team.
Trent Buttles Trent Buttles 5'11" | 175 lbs | QB Aquinas Institute Of Rochester | 2027 NY vs. Rush-Henrietta
Buttles had several impressive games as one of the season’s youngest players in Section V varsity. Against Rush-Henrietta, he went 9-12 for 103 yards and 2 touchdowns through the air and added 3 carries for 84 yards and 2 touchdowns in a dominant victory.
Tyrone Clark Tyrone Clark 5'10" | 190 lbs | RB Lackawanna | 2027 NY vs. Alden
Clark only had one game this season where he did not have over 100 yards rushing, and his best game was an incredible performance vs. Alden. 16 carries for 307 yards and 3 touchdowns was not only one of the best freshman performances of the year but, regardless of age, one of the most impressive in New York all season.
Quadare Gomez Quadare Gomez 5'9" | RB Curtis | 2027 NY vs. Lincoln
Gomez had his best game of the season, a breakout game in just week 3, in a very close win over a talented Lincoln team. The Freshman had 19 carries for 127 yards and 1 touchdown to help Curtis to a 47-40 win in a very exciting PSAL matchup.
Fenesse Morales Fenesse Morales 6'0" | 165 lbs | ATH Johnson City | 2027 NY vs. Windsor Central
Morales had an impressive performance in all three phases of the game, something that not many freshmen have the opportunity to do; against Windsor Central, Morales offensively had 5 receptions for 83 yards and 2 touchdowns, 4 KO returns for 76 yards, and 11 Tackles.
Noah Collins-Howard Noah Collins-Howard 5'8" | 150 lbs | WR The Aquinas Institute | 2027 NY vs. McQuaid
Collins-Howard had a few standout games this season, but in a very tough postseason game against McQuaid, Collins was Aquinas’ most dangerous offensive player, with 3 receptions for 103 yards and a touchdown. This was a strong performance from the Freshman who flashed all season long.
Terrence Nichols Terrence Nichols 5'8" | 150 lbs | DB Monroe | 2027 NY vs. Rochester Prep
Nichols had a strong performance on both sides of the ball against Rochester Prep, where he had 2 receptions for 55 yards offensively and a Pick 6 defensively.
James Cocozzo James Cocozzo 6'3" | 230 lbs | LB Stillwater | 2027 NY vs. Cambridge/Salem
Cocozzo had the most impressive defensive performance of the season amongst freshmen in the state. Against Cambridge/Salem, He had 7 Tackles, 1 INT returned for 20 yards, 3 Fumble Recoveries, and 3 Punt Blocks. He was not only getting it done defensively but also dominating special teams.
Best Single-Game Freshman Performance
Elijah Kimble Elijah Kimble 5'10" | 195 lbs | RB Canisius | 2027 NY vs. Benedictine
While some freshmen had performances that you surely think would make them candidates for the best freshman performance of the season, none compare to the season or single game that Elijah Kimble Elijah Kimble 5'10" | 195 lbs | RB Canisius | 2027 NY had. Against Benedictine, Kimble had 19 carries for 278 yards and 5 touchdowns in a dominant victory over some tough competition from Ohio. Kimble also had one of the most impressive feats for a freshman, reaching 100+ yards in every single game he played in the fall. Kimble’s recruitment has already started off strong, including his most recent offer, which you can see in our most recent recruiting report.