3 Sleeper Teams in 5A That Will Be a Handful Down the Stretch

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This Week we take a look at 3 teams in Class 5A that are off to a strong start early in the season and some names to keep an eye on from each one. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Lovejoy Wildcats</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Wildcats are off to a 2-0 start with wins over Spalding and Mundy's Mill by a combined score of 75-17. Lovejoy moved from 6A to 5A this season and compete in Region 3-5A. They advanced to the 2nd Rd of the playoffs last season, finishing 7-5 overall, and look to be on track to better that mark this year, already avenging a 2023 loss to Mundy's Mill. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Players to Watch</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["401558"],"_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-66d7f4c3763d3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Sims has been a personal favorite of mine since meeting him this Spring at the Prep Redzone Combine where he took MVP honors. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The #5 overall ranked DB in the 2026 Class, this kid is a true athlete that can do it all. Through the 1st 3 games, including the preseason scrimmage, Sims has 12 TT 7 TFL 3 FR 1 FF 1 INT and 2 blocked punts while adding 6 catches for 200 yards and 2 TDs on offense. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Tall and lean with long arms, the 6'2 DB plays with a ton of energy and gets downhill fast and loves to hit. He won the metrics portion of the Camp this Spring after recording top 5% numbers across the board. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He holds 7 current offers with the latest coming from the University of Memphis. Sims will be a big name in the recruiting next off season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Michael Gilliam","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'1u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"170","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2410","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Lovejoy Wildcats","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66d7f4c37648b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The 6'1 170 WR/DB has flown under the Prep Redzone radar thus far, but not the college recruiters. He recently committed to the University of Memphis from a list of 16 schools that had extended an offer. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Elite speed, 4.48 clocked, that can get behind the defense quick. Good hands and ball tracking ability with the athleticism to make plays over taller defenders. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gilliam does the small things off the field, 3.7 GPA, and doesn't mind doing them on the field, good downfield blocker. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Ryan Henson","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'0u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"185","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2409","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Lovejoy Wildcats","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66d7f4c376553"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The 2026 dual threat QB has all the qualities to be outstanding QB prospect. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Henson has the arm strength and pocket presence to make throws to all parts of the field from the traditional drop back. What he adds is speed and his ability to turn a potential sack into a big play. Reads defenses well and keeps his eyes up when rolling out, looking to connect for the homerun. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Henson is a name to watch going forward as he learns the position. He has all the natural athletic ability to be a good high school QB at the 5A level. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Sprayberry Yellow Jackets</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Yellow Jackets are off to a 3-0 start and are playing outstanding on both sides of the ball early in 2024. They have outscored their opponents 97-20 and have an array of weapons on the offensive side of the ball. They play in the highly competitive 6-5A and have the potential to play for a home playoff spot, if not a Region Title. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Players to Watch</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='1853812' first='Jaden' last='Duckett']","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'1u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"190","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2409","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Sprayberry Yellow Jackets","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66d7f4c3765d8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The 6'1 dual threat QB has lite up the stat sheet to start the season. He is 26 of 43 for 691 yards with 8 TDs to 1 INT and has added 87 yards and 2 TDs on the ground for the Jackets. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Duckett was more of a threat to run last season when he dropped back, 800 rushing yards to 500 passing yards, but has developed into a dangerous downfield passer early in '24. He rolls out well to both sides of the field and keeps his eyes downfield scanning for an open receiver. Has good accuracy and get good velocity on the ball thrown while rolling out. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Eastern Kentucky liked the athleticism he showed last Fall and stepped up at seasons end with an offer. Duckett is a good athlete at the QB spot and will find a spot at the next level. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["338651"],"_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-66d7f4c37661d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The #7 DB in the 2025 Class has shown early in 2024 that he has the potential to be a big time WR when he gets to Mizzou next Fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Manfred is long and athletic at 6'3 180 and is a smooth route runner that glides through his cuts. A natural on the defensive side of the ball that uses his length and athleticism to keep opposing WR on lock. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sprayberry's passing game has taking a step forward early in the '24 season and Manfred has benefited. He has already surpassed his total yards receiving (180) from last season and is averaging over 30 yards a catch with 2 TDs. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Big success at the next level. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Jamarion Cooper","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'9u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"185","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2496","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Sprayberry Yellow Jackets","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66d933f1458fc"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The 5'9 185 LB/RB may not be the tallest LB you've seen but the guy can flat out play. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cooper was one of the leading sack leaders last season in Class 6A with 7.5 and has started the season out strong. He leads the Yellow Jacket defense in TT with 15 and has already recorded 4 sacks to thru 3 games. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What he lacks in size he makes up for with his quickness and toughness. Avoids blockers and is good at tracking the QB from sideline to sideline. Cooper is a good fundamental tackler and always plays in wide open gear.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p> This hard nose LB/RB is worth the eval at the next level. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Seckinger Jaguars </em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Jaguars are the surprise team of Early 2024. They have started the season at 3-0 after only winning 3 total games in 2023. They had a signature 34-27 over powerhouse Archer in Week 2 that made writers around the State take notice. It's no secret they have one of the toughest remaining schedules with Milton-Gainesville-Roswell on deck but the Jaguars have made it known they will compete and are not an easy out. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Players to Watch</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Matthew Grow","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'7u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"300","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2405","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Seckinger Jaguars ","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66d933f1459ea"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The 6'7 C/OT with a 7' wing span and a 4.0 GPA in the classroom is a diamond in the rough recruit. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Long armed guy that carries 300 pounds well. Gets off the LOS quick and has very good mobility and is able to pull. A search and destroyer that is always looking for someone to get a hat on. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A team leader that is willing to do whatever it takes off the field. Statewide writers and recruiters are just now taking notice of this young man and he should see his stock climb this Fall. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Jaimen Williams","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'8u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"145","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2411","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Seckinger Jaguars","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66d933f145aba"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I like this guy's film, he is like a Swiss army knife for the Jaguars. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He is not the biggest RB you will see but that doesn't stop him, fearless runner. Williams can line up in the backfield, slot, or out wide and is always a threat to score. Breakaway speed and when he hits the corner you better get a hat on him or he is gone. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Williams has good vision at the LOS and explodes through his openings. A deep ball threat that uses his speed to get behind the defense. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Explosive athlete that will have an opportunity to get his name out there this Fall. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->