TNHSFB Playoffs: Breakout Postseason Performers

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">We are down to the semi's and there have been players that has stepped up to become major playmakers in these playoffs, pushing their team's within contention of state titles. Below are those players! </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>‘26 (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='914547' first='Kaedyn' last='Marable'] - BGA</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Marable has been a stud all season long but has taken his game to another level through these playoffs and pushed his Wildcats team into the D2-Class AA title game next week in Chattanooga. This junior signal caller has played exceptional football at the right time of year while continuing to boost his college stock as one of the better dual threat quarterbacks from our #TN2026 class. Marable's playmaking has been there through these playoffs but it's his gamer mentality and leadership that have his BGA team set to compete for a championship next week. If he and his Wildcats squad can up-end a strong CPA in Chattanooga, Marable could see his stock rise even higher due to becoming a championship caliber quarterback.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/kaedynmarable/status/1860897744040124785","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/kaedynmarable/status/1860897744040124785 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>‘27 (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='1136154' first='Hunter' last='Minton'] - Sequatchie Co.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Having to step forward for <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='279486' first='Sam' last='Evitts'] </strong>and take over the starting quarterback role, Minton has performed well beyond his age as he has been consistent and clean, leading his Indians team into the Class 3A semifinals. This sophomore quarterback has done a nice job of steadying the offense and doing what's asked of him to help his team win. Minton has shown excellent poise in the pocket while delivering the ball on time for his playmakers to create after the catch. His biggest test comes Friday where the Indians take on the powerhouse that is Alcoa for a shot at the 3A title. If he can beat the Tornadoes, his resume will look very appealing.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>‘26 (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='1134310' first='Jaidon' last='Hurst'] - Springfield</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- The Yellow Jackets are on a magical run and sitting one win away from reaching the Class 5A title game with Hurst at the forefront of those efforts. This junior ball carrier has stepped up big time throughout the playoffs, putting his team on his back and putting forth big performances. Last week in the team's road upset win over Beech, Hurst ran the ball 17 times for 217 yards and two touchdowns. His individual performance was a major factor behind the win and a continuation of the play he has put forth throughout the postseason. His playoff action and junior season has definitely boosted his stock as a potential college guy coming out of our junior class.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/JaidonHurst/status/1860841957125243015","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/JaidonHurst/status/1860841957125243015 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>‘26 [player_tooltip player_id='800803' first='Chelton' last='Swafford'] - Beech</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Even though the Bucs saw their season come to an end last week, Swafford was a beast running the ball and a player that definitely pushed his stock further as potentially one of the top ball carriers from our #TN2026 class. Through three postseason games, Swafford ran like a man on a mission, bowling over opponents and finding the end zone on a consistent basis. He also displayed good speed, showing the balance between athleticism and power that works well on the college stage. This coming off-season will be big for Swafford as he works to establish himself as a top in-state running back with eyes of playing on the next level.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>‘26 [player_tooltip player_id='1562203' first='Jaydon' last='Peete'] - Milan</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Peete has done nothing but produce at a high level all season long and it's continued here in the playoffs where this junior back has his Bulldogs team one step away from reaching the Class 3A championship game. Sitting as a current Mr. Football semifinalist, Peete has taken it upon himself several times throughout these playoffs to put his team on his back and lead them to victory. It hasn't been a one-man show but it's been close to it as Peete has been a machine. His Bulldogs team has a tough matchup this week with Westview but Peete is a workhorse back that can push them past the Chargers and into the title game.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>‘26 (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='1587357' first='Omarion' last='Starnes'] - Pearl Cohn</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- The Firebirds are yet again in place to contend for a state title spot and Starnes has been a big contributor towards the cause. This junior ball carrier started to shine mid-way through the season and has continued to grow even further during these playoffs where his balanced running style has been a problem for the opposition. Starnes was a major factor in the team's big road win last week over previously undefeated Marshall County. He produced multiple touchdowns but it was his quickness and ability to hit the hole hard that kept the Tigers defense off balance. Hitting the road for Memphis this week, Starnes will be needed yet again as his speed could be a factor in their semifinal contest versus Melrose.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>‘27 (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='1567420' first='Damillyan' last='Porter'] - Oak Ridge</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Mid-way through the 2024 season, Porter became the team's lead back on offense and he has maintained that position ever since while making a name for himself as a potential college recruit. That statement is becoming true during these playoffs as Porter has been a monster on the ground and a key piece behind the Wildcats run towards the Class 5A semifinals. His balance and power has been a problem for opponents where they have had a hard time bringing Porter to the ground. That ground and pound running style will certainly be needed Friday when the Cats take on Sevier Co. for a spot in the Class 5A title game.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>‘26 (Ath) [player_tooltip player_id='964719' first='Donteze' last='Joy'] - Westview</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- The Chargers have been near dominant for most of the 2024 season and their winning ways have continued in the postseason with Joy stepping forward as a go-to offensive target. This junior two-way prospect has performed all year but has taken his game to another level over the past few weeks as a physical pass catcher that opposing defenders have had a hard time slowing down. It will be interesting to see how Joy develops over the coming off-season as I could see the Chargers junior develop at multiple positions. Being able to see him perform Friday and possibly next week in Chattanooga will provide more opportunities to examine his potential for the college game.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/HuskerVol/status/1860158345644310869","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/HuskerVol/status/1860158345644310869 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(LB) [player_tooltip player_id='1131019' first='Keilan' last='Harris'] - Stewarts Creek</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- The Red Hawks made an excellent run to the quarter finals this year while only losing two games on the season. Harris was a major reason behind the team's success where he played above his head throughout the postseason, leading his team from the defensive side of the ball and making plays on a consistent basis. What I liked seeing from Harris the most was his aggressive game play and attacking of the backfield where he harassed quarterbacks with his speed off the edge. The Red Hawks senior fits best inside but has the athleticism and versatility to work the edge if needed. It will be interesting to see where he signs because Harris has definitely boosted his stock with a strong senior year.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>‘27 (LB) [player_tooltip player_id='1577078' first='Parker' last='Newman'] - Sevier Co.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Besides the guy running quarterback for the Smoky Bears, there is another Newman that has put forth a strong sophomore campaign that has continued into postseason play. This 6 '5 edge linebacker has been an active and athletic performer through the playoffs thus far where he has produced several big plays that have helped push his team to victory. Newman is a talented young man that could develop at several positions but I like his upside as an edge linebacker that can also cover in space. Keep eyes out on this East TN talent the rest of the playoffs and moving forward as a top defensive prospect from the #TN2027 class.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Others Top Performers: (LB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='206141' first='Gabe' last='Abercrombie'] </strong>- McCallie, ‘27 (RB) <strong>Carter Pace </strong>- Ravenwood, ‘26 (RB) <strong>Klym Bradshaw </strong>- CPA, (QB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1400354' first='Brody' last='Whittaker'] </strong>- MASE, ‘26 (WR) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1549102' first='Javin' last='Drewelow'] </strong>- NCS</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1562323,"width":"312px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/11/jaypeete_703388.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1562323" style="width:312px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->