Players to Watch Week One

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The long wait for the high school football regular is over. Week one is here, and it is time to highlight several players to watch this week. Here are several players to watch out for in week one of the regular season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1317669' first='Mason' last='Ball']-Running Back-Jacksonville-5'9” 160-Pounds-2027</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1317669' first='Mason' last='Ball'] is a running back to become familiar with quickly. He has been tremendous on the camp circuit this summer. Ball does a great job of picking his rushing lanes. He has the patience to allow his blockers to open up the rushing lanes. Last season, Ball racked up 1,000 all-purpose yards for the Titans. In a Reggie Swinton offense, Ball has the potential to put up some big numbers this season. Look out for a big performance from the Jacksonville offense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1262586' first='Seth' last='Wilson']-Linebacker-Booneville-5'10” 165-Pounds-2026</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1262586' first='Seth' last='Wilson'] has been a mainstay on the defensive side of the ball for the Bearcats. He does a great job of being able to shed blocks. Wilson reads the play well and gets to the opposing ball carrier. Wilson has the speed to pressure the opposing quarterback as well as have an impact on the run defense. He is a player to watch out for on the defensive side of the ball when Booneville takes on Poteau this Friday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1195565' first='Isaiah' last='Stephens']-Running Back-Sheridan-6'0” 185-Pounds-2027</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Sheridan running back is a player who can hurt opposing defenses in a variety of ways. Stephens is a player who has no problem making opposing defenders miss tackles. Last season, Stephens rushed for 1,568 yards. He is a player who gets into the open field with ease. Stephens terrorizes opposing defenses running the ball but he has proven to be a dynamic wide receiver as well. Stephens has the potential to put up some big numbers this week against White Hall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1538364' first='Layton' last='Neal']-Linebacker-Southside-5'8” 170-Pounds-2026</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Any time a returning player racks up over 100 tackles in a season it is wise to take notice. Last season, [player_tooltip player_id='1538364' first='Layton' last='Neal'] racked up 177 tackles for the Southerners. Neal does a great job of reading the play. He sheds blocks quickly and gets to the opposing ball carrier. Neal is able to use his speed to defend against the run as well as the pass. He is a player to watch out for against Forrest City this Friday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='980889' first='Dequane' last='Prevo']-Wide Receiver-Bentonville-5'11” 165-Pounds-2026</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='980889' first='Dequane' last='Prevo'] is a wide receiver who can take over a football game. He has the speed to stretch the field vertically. Meanwhile, he uses his route running in combination with his speed to create separation from opposing defensive backs. Prevo is a prospect who has the potential to cause plenty of problems for Tulsa Union this Friday. He is a wide receiver to watch out for throughout the 2025 season for the Tigers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->