MO 2025s to Watch in Week 1: ATH

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The time is finally here, the 2024 high school football season kicks off in the state of Missouri this week! With that in mind, I wanted to focus on the upcoming senior class with some players to watch in the opening week of their final season of high school football. After already covering the offensive and defensive sides of the ball, here are some 2025 ATH who make an impact at multiple positions to watch in Week 1 in Missouri.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1218353"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66d0cc5779b5f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1218353' first='Isaiah' last='Franklin'] is a player who jumped onto my radar with some impressive junior year film. On defense, Franklin lines up at safety where he is very reliable in coverage, showing the ability to read the quarterback then break on the ball with perfect timing to make a play. He finished last season with nine pass breakups and one interception. Franklin has also shown the ability to fill the lane and make tackles against the run, finishing his junior year with 60 tackles. Isaiah also plays a key role on offense as he finished last season with over 200 receiving yards and over 350 all-purpose yards. Franklin doesn't currently hold any offers but he should be a player to watch during his senior year and he looks to get off to a hot start in a Week 1 matchup against Carl Junction on Friday. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1124958"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66d0cc5779be3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1124958' first='Jorden' last='Matlock'] is a player who is coming off a very impressive junior year. He does most of his damage on offense at receiver, finishing last season with 37 receptions for 607 yards and nine touchdowns. Matlock has impressive speed which he is able to use to blow by opposing defensive backs in the deep passing game. He is also very reliable in contested jump ball situations, showing the ability to adjust to the ball with ease and then use his athleticism to catch the ball at its highest point. Jorden also serves as his team's kicker/punter and plays a key role on defense as a defensive back. Matlock doesn't currently hold any offers but I expect some to come his way soon as he has received some college interest and has the talent to play at the next level. Jorden will be looking to help lead Orchard Farm to a Week 1 victory over Fort Zumwalt East on Friday. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1318977"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66d0cc5779c31"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1318977' first='Aneas' last='Smith'] is a talented prospect who makes an impact on both sides of the ball. On defense, he lines up at outside linebacker where he has proven to be very impressive off the edge as a pass rusher. He has the speed to blow by opposing offensive tackles with ease on his way to the quarterback. Smith has also shown the ability to drop into coverage and make plays against the pass. On offense, Aneas lines up at receiver where he does a great job of using smooth breaks in his routes to create separation. Smith currently holds an offer from Missouri Western and I expect more to come his way as he has the talent to play on either side of the ball at the next level. Aneas will be looking to help guide Fort Zumwalt North to a 1-0 start against Pattonville on Friday. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1233972"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66d0cc5779c7a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">My final 2025 ATH to watch in Week 1 in Missouri is [player_tooltip player_id='1233972' first='Tristan' last='Jackson']. On offense, Tristan lines up at receiver where he is a skilled route runner, using smooth breaks in his routes to create separation with ease. He is also dangerous after the catch, using his speed and elusiveness in the open field to turn short passes/screens into big gains at any given moment. Jackson also plays a key role on defense at corner where he is very reliable in coverage. Tristan doesn't currently hold any offers but he has received some college interest and should be a player to keep an eye on during his senior year. Jackson will be looking to help Pattonville start the season off strong in their Week 1 matchup against Fort Zumwalt North on Friday. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->