Tailgate Takeover Series: Top Performers of the Week 1

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Performers of the Carolina Recruits Region (843, 252, 910)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Presented by The Tailgate Takeover Series at Dick's House of Sports</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These 10 standout athletes delivered the most impressive individual performances of the week across the <strong>Carolina Recruits Region</strong> (843, 252, 910). With their explosive start to the 2025 season, they've set the bar high, and we'll continue to track their progress over the next 4 weeks before finalizing our <strong>Player of the Year</strong> list at 16 players.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Congratulations to these 10 prospects for getting the season off to a blazing start!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='1396561' first='Jacob' last='Moore']","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2409","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Terry Sanford","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68abcd3b26f44"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1396561' first='Jacob' last='Moore'] – Terry Sanford (Sr.)</strong><br><strong>135 Rushing Yards, 2 TDs, 200 Passing Yards, 2 TDs</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In a massive win against powerhouse <strong>Seventy-First</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1396561' first='Jacob' last='Moore']</strong> put the team on his back, delivering a dynamic dual-threat performance. Moore rushed for <strong>135 yards</strong> and <strong>2 touchdowns</strong>, showing his power and vision in the backfield. But he wasn't done there — he also threw for <strong>200 yards</strong> and <strong>2 touchdowns</strong>, keeping Seventy-First's defense guessing all night.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">His ability to make plays with both his legs and arm helped Terry Sanford secure a pivotal victory early in the season, showcasing his versatility and leadership as a senior.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Chase Boone","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2409","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Red Springs","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68abcd3b27039"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Chase Boone – Red Springs (Sr.)</strong><br><strong>15-23, 347 Yards, 5 TDs (65% Completion)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Chase Boone</strong> was on fire against <strong>Anson County</strong>, turning in one of the most impressive passing performances of the week. With a scorching <strong>65% completion rate</strong>, Boone threw for <strong>347 yards</strong> and <strong>5 touchdowns</strong>, shredding Anson County's defense with precision and poise. His ability to read the defense and make pinpoint throws downfield was evident as he led Red Springs to a dominant win.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Boone's performance solidified his place as one of the region's top quarterbacks to watch this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1346327"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68abcd3b270b2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1346327' first='Jayson' last='Franklin'] – Seventy-First (Sr.)</strong><br><strong>15 Carries, 202 Yards, 5 TDs</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Even in a tough upset loss to <strong>Terry Sanford</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1346327' first='Jayson' last='Franklin']</strong> put on a spectacular performance that proved why he's committed to <strong>South Florida</strong>. The senior running back carried the ball <strong>15 times</strong> for <strong>202 yards</strong> and <strong>5 touchdowns</strong>, showcasing his elite speed, vision, and power. Franklin was the one bright spot for Seventy-First, as he consistently broke off big runs and found the end zone multiple times.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">His resilience and ability to deliver in the face of adversity make him one of the region's top prospects to keep an eye on this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='1855413' first='Eric' last='Payne'] Jr","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2408","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Jack Britt","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68abcd3b2717d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1855413' first='Eric' last='Payne'] Jr. – Jack Britt (Sr.)</strong><br><strong>16 Carries, 222 Yards, 2 TDs</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In a dominant <strong>41-18</strong> victory over <strong>South View</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1855413' first='Eric' last='Payne'] Jr.</strong> put the team on his back with an explosive performance. The senior running back carried the ball <strong>16 times</strong> for an impressive <strong>222 yards</strong> and <strong>2 touchdowns</strong>, showing off his vision, speed, and ability to break tackles. Payne's performance was a key factor in Jack Britt's commanding win, as he consistently moved the chains and found the end zone.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">His ability to control the game on the ground makes him one of the most dangerous running backs in the region.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1368098"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68abcd3b271e6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1368098' first='Tyreek' last='Copper'] – Kinston High School (Sr.)</strong><br><strong>11 Catches, 229 Yards, 1 TD</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Despite an <strong>upset loss</strong> to <strong>South Central</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1368098' first='Tyreek' last='Copper']</strong> showed exactly why he's committed to <strong>NC State</strong>. The senior wide receiver was a dominant force in the passing game, hauling in <strong>11 catches</strong> for <strong>229 yards</strong> and a touchdown. Copper's ability to stretch the field and make big plays down the sideline kept Kinston in the game, showing his elite route running and hands.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Even in defeat, Copper's performance cemented his status as one of the region's top prospects for the 2026 class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1672006"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68abcd3b2724a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Taquan Ellerbe – Red Springs (Sr.)</strong><br><strong>6 Catches, 154 Yards, 2 TDs</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In a thrilling <strong>32-30</strong> victory over <strong>Anson County</strong>, <strong>Taquan Ellerbe</strong> was a game-changer, making big plays all over the field. The senior athlete hauled in <strong>6 receptions</strong> for <strong>154 yards</strong> and <strong>2 touchdowns</strong>, showcasing his ability to stretch the field and create separation. Ellerbe's explosive performance was key in securing the win for Red Springs, as he made clutch catches when it mattered most.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">His combination of speed, hands, and playmaking ability make him a prospect to watch this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1720707"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68abcd3b272ac"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1720707' first='Clarence' last='Gilliam'] – JH Rose (Sr.)</strong><br><strong>Key Performer in the Loss to Northern Nash</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In a tough <strong>20-26</strong> loss to <strong>Northern Nash</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1720707' first='Clarence' last='Gilliam']</strong> stood out as a dominant force in the trenches. The senior offensive lineman wasn't just a presence — he was a <strong>pancake machine</strong>, laying out defenders and creating massive running lanes for his backfield. Gilliam showed his versatility as well, executing impressive pancake blocks in both the run and pass game. His work in the trenches kept the offense moving and provided solid protection for his quarterback.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Though the team came up short, Gilliam's performance proved he's one of the top offensive line prospects in the region.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1653739"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68abcd3b2730f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1653739' first='Austin' last='Hagan'] – Greene Central (Sr.)</strong><br><strong>6 Tackles, 2.5 TFLs</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In a dominant <strong>55-0 shutout</strong> victory over <strong>North Lenoir</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1653739' first='Austin' last='Hagan']</strong> was a key defensive force. The senior edge rusher recorded <strong>6 tackles</strong> and <strong>2.5 tackles for loss (TFLs)</strong>, consistently disrupting plays in the backfield and causing havoc for North Lenoir's offense. Hagan's relentless pressure helped lead the defensive charge, as he set the tone with his physicality and high motor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">His performance was a major reason Greene Central kept North Lenoir out of the end zone, proving why he's one of the top defensive prospects in the region.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1025771"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68abcd3b27371"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Keryien Brown – Dillon (Sr.)</strong><br><strong>18 Tackles</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In a hard-fought <strong>comeback loss</strong> to <strong>Scotland County</strong>, <strong>Keryien Brown</strong> was a tackling machine, racking up <strong>18 tackles</strong> to lead the defense. The senior linebacker was everywhere, showing his ability to read plays and be a constant presence in the middle of the field. Brown's relentless effort and physicality helped keep Dillon in the game, as he played a key role in stopping Scotland's offense at critical moments.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Though the outcome didn't go Dillon's way, Brown's standout performance proved his value as one of the region's premier linebackers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1760741"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68abcd3b273d6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1760741' first='Jaquay' last='Locke'] – Hoggard (Sr.)</strong><br><strong>1 INT, 7 Tackles</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In a <strong>28-21</strong> victory over <strong>Richmond County</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1760741' first='Jaquay' last='Locke']</strong> played a crucial role in securing the win for <strong>Hoggard</strong>. The senior defensive back recorded an <strong>interception</strong> and added <strong>7 tackles</strong>, showcasing his ability to impact the game both in coverage and against the run. Locke's ball-hawking skills helped take away a key possession from Richmond County, and his solid tackling was essential in keeping the defense stout throughout the game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Locke's performance solidified his place as one of the region's top defensive players.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->