Midseason 1A Offensive Player of the Year Watchlist

<p>We're just over halfway through the regular season and after checking in with players by year, it's time to start preparing for our end of year awards. We're not sure exactly how, but we want to have a fan-voted element to this year's Player of the Year lists. That will come next month. For now, we wanted to give people an idea of where we stand with these awards. </p>   <p>While this list won't be exhaustive, there's a good chance our 1A Offensive Player of the Year comes from this list. Here are some guys we think could take home the award. </p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Top 1A Offensive Player of the Year Candidates</h2>   <p>As a note here, while Prep Redzone typically focuses more on college potential than high school stats, this is a notable exception. We're not simply giving the award to the highest-ranked player in the class and will instead seek to give it to the player who has the biggest impact on the game in each class.</p>   <p>Accordingly, there will be high-profile players who don't even make our check-ins and watch lists and there might be some players on the lists that don't end up gaining much traction on the recruiting trail. That being said, these players are some of the best in their class and deserve to be recognized.</p>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1408761' first='Braylon' last='Knapp'], QB, Perquimans</h3>   <p>It's only fitting that we include the No. 1 passer in the class on this list, but Knapp does more than just rack up yardage. He's thrown 19 touchdowns to just seven interceptions, and he's added over 300 yards on the ground as well. Even more impressive is his efficiency, as he's completed 66.7% of his passes and has eclipsed the 225-yard passing mark in all but one game.</p>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Kaleb Ricardson, QB, South Stanly</h3>   <p>Ricardson has been a revelation for South Stanly, as the team has already tied its win total from last season. He's been efficient and has protected the ball well, throwing just five interceptions while leading the class in touchdown passes. The conference schedule will really determine how much of a step forward the Rowdy Rebel Bulls can take.</p>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Carrell Phillips, RB, North Duplin</h3>   <p>Phillips broke onto the scene last year, but has made the most of his increased opportunities in 2024. He's run for over 100 yards in all six games this season, scoring multiple touchdowns in five. He added a kickoff return touchdown earlier this year and his first touchdown reception last week to go with 16 scores on the ground.</p>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1531332' first='Taeshon' last='Martin'], RB, Mount Airy</h3>   <p>The two-time defending champion running back is at it again as a junior and is on pace to shatter his career-highs this season. He leads all 1A rushers with over 1,300 yards, passing the 175-yard mark in five of seven games. While they don't contribute to his offensive player of the year campaign, he's also added an interception return for a touchdown and a punt return touchdown.</p>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1531843' first='Jeremiah' last='Johnson'], RB, Pender</h3>   <p>Johnson has been operating at a high-level for a couple of years now as the bowling ball of a running back ran for over 1,700 yards as a junior. That included a 44-rush, 377-yard outing in the highest-scoring game in state history. This season, Johnson has stepped up his game and is getting stronger as the year progresses.</p>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1200753' first='Andrew' last='Finnerty'], WR, Lejeune</h3>   <p>Finnerty leads all 1A players as the only receiver to average over 100 yards a game. As he fell just short last year, we're on 1,000-yard watch this season for the speedy receiver. He's a guy we've had on the radar for a while and he's continuing his strong play in 2024.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Other 1A Offensive Player of the Year Candidates</h2>   <p><strong>Talan Collins, WR, Rosewood</strong></p>   <p><strong>Kameron Rice, WR, Bessemer City</strong></p>   <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='631305' first='Grayson' last='Harvey'], QB, Mountain Island Charter</strong></p>   <p><strong>Parker Frashier, QB, Union Academy</strong></p>   <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1290996' first='Cameron' last='Clem'], RB, Murphy</strong></p>   <p><strong>Ethan Nelson, QB, Wilson Prep</strong></p>   <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1533960' first='Gregory' last='Cuthbertson'], Ath., Winston Salem Prep</strong></p>   <p><strong>Brandon Powell, RB, North Moore</strong></p>   <p>Think we missed someone? Let me know on Twitter (@whelms21). Want to make sure we see you compete in person? Register for our <a href="https://events.prepredzone.com/e/1324/register/carolinas-stock-up-showcase">Stock Up Showcase</a> on Dec. 15. Use discount code HelmsPRZ2024 at checkout for $10 off your registration.</p>

We're just over halfway through the regular season and after checking in with players by year, it's time to start preparing for our end of year awards. We're not sure exactly how, but we want to have a fan-voted element to this year's Player of the Year lists. That will come next month. For now, we wanted to give people an idea of where we stand with these awards.