First Thoughts: Friday Night Playmakers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Shanard Clower– Lakeland's secret weapon? More like their entire arsenal! The potential Polk County Player of the Year was electric in a win over Lake Mary. Two 80-yard TD receptions and a 99-yard kick return? Oh, and by the way, he also plays DB. This kid is a game-changer on every side of the ball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1206696' first='Noah' last='Grubbs']– Grubbs might have just locked down the No. 1 spot for the 2026 QB class. His performance against one of the top defenses in the state was surgical. Notre Dame's recruiting department is smiling right now – they know they've got a good one coming their way.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1670969' first='Kaneilius' last='Purdy']– Polk County might have one of the top 2027 athletes in the country on its hands. Purdy is a true do-it-all guy – from special teams to defense to offense, he's making plays everywhere. Trucking defenders, ball hawking, and breaking loose in the open field? The sky's the limit for this kid.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='205703' first='Bjorn' last='Jurgensen']– Bad weather? No problem. Jurgensen stays steady week after week, recording two TDs against Bartow. When you need consistency under center, this is your guy.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='829406' first='Jordan' last='Magwood']– Magwooood! Talk about perseverance. After a slow start to the season, Magwood bounced back in a big way with a TD pass and a rushing score in a huge win over Berkeley Prep.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Isaiah Thomas– Lake Mary's bell cow deserved more attention after a gritty performance last night. Thomas carried the ball close to 20 times, broke tackles like a beast, and even punched in a crucial touchdown in overtime. This kid's toughness can't be questioned.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='827385' first='Zander' last='Smith']– Two 80-yard bombs and the game-winning scramble in OT? [player_tooltip player_id='827385' first='Zander' last='Smith'] stuck it out and unlocked the offense with his deep throws and ability to make plays with his legs. Resilience paid off.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1247490' first='Malik' last='Morris'] – Playing through injuries but still making a massive impact. Morris is the QB of the defense for a reason, reading plays, making tackles, and showing why he's one of the top 2026 linebackers in the nation. Built Ford tough.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1599889' first='Salomon' last='Georges'] – The First Academy's QB has been straight fire this season, and last night he delivered again with four TD passes. Georges' offseason work is paying dividends under the Friday night lights.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1628895' first='Brian' last='Williams'] – At 6'5" with good speed and solid hands, it's a mystery why more colleges aren't all over this kid. He had a big-time TD against Lakeland, and his ability to get open against tough DBs makes him a threat every week.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1583956' first='Chance' last='Routson'] – Palm Beach Central's 2026 QB exploded for five touchdowns in a blowout win, absolutely torching the Sharks defense all night long.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>**Best of the Rest:**&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lake Mary had some trench monsters with **[player_tooltip player_id='1134215' first='Luke' last='Prieto']** and **Aireese Martin** dominating the edge, while **Brad Billups** put in work all game. **TJ Clayton** was solid in coverage, and **[player_tooltip player_id='1258717' first='Parker' last='Perales']** delivered Lake Mary's first TD.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>**Kavonn McKinney** snagged the only interception of the game, pouncing on a dropped pass. Every play counts on nights like these!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->