Friday Night Warriors: Fantastic Five

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The opening week of Ohio high school football always brings out the headliners, but it's often the unsung or rising names who make the biggest statements. From dominant defensive efforts to explosive offensive performances, these five players weren't just good...they were difference makers who demanded attention in Week 1.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='731524' first='Austin' last='Buescher'] – QB – West Jefferson – Class of 2026</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the most prolific passers in Ohio history kicked off his senior season in style. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='731524' first='Austin' last='Buescher']</strong> completed 32 of 41 passes for 342 yards and four touchdowns in West Jefferson's 27-20 win over Amanda-Clearcreek. He spread the ball to seven different receivers, showing his command of the offense and ability to dissect defenses. With over 8,000 career passing yards already, Buescher is chasing records and wins in what promises to be a special final season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='949861' first='Jahmeir' last='Gordon'] – RB – Lancaster – Class of 2026</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In a game that went down to the wire, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='949861' first='Jahmeir' last='Gordon']</strong> provided the finishing blow for the Golden Gales. The junior running back rushed for 85 yards on 26 carries, caught four passes for 66 yards, and scored twice — including the game-winning touchdown from 16 yards out with just 2:34 remaining. Gordon's versatility and clutch play helped Lancaster secure a 21-20 victory in the debut of new coach Brad Burchfield.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='949640' first='Jett' last='Jerwers'] – RB – New Albany – Class of 2026</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Despite his team falling short, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='949640' first='Jett' last='Jerwers']</strong> delivered one of the toughest performances of the week. The junior carried the ball 28 times for 205 yards and a touchdown in a narrow 14-11 loss to London. His bruising style and ability to sustain drives kept the Eagles in striking distance until the final whistle. Jerwers looks poised to be the focal point of New Albany's offense all season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1584258' first='Bodie' last='Smith'] – QB – Newark – Class of 2025</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Efficiency and explosiveness defined <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1584258' first='Bodie' last='Smith']'s</strong> night. The senior quarterback completed 17 of 20 passes for 241 yards and five touchdowns — all in the first half — in Newark's 56-21 rout of Licking Heights. His five scores tied a program record set just a year earlier, showcasing his ability to push the ball downfield and capitalize on mismatches. If Smith maintains this rhythm, the Wildcats will be a dangerous team in 2025.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1730532' first='Daymon' last='Watts'] – RB – Valley Forge – Class of 202</strong>6</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Watts exploded for four<strong> </strong>touchdowns in Valley Forge's 33-29 win over North Royalton, showcasing his versatility by scoring twice on the ground and twice as a receiver. His ability to take over a game in multiple ways makes him a dangerous weapon for the Patriots and one of the most complete backs in Northeast Ohio.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->