7A Power Scores X-Factors: Underrated Players Leading Top Teams

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If you haven't heard, our Power Scores algorithm is out. The 7A class rivals 8A in top-to-bottom talent, but only four teams remain undefeated. Here, I'm looking at the players on the current top five teams in that class. Let's look at some underrated talents on the current top 5 7A teams, per our <a href="https://prepredzone.com/north-carolina/team-database/?team_name=&amp;class%5B%5D=4A">Power Scores algorithm</a>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Each Top 7A Team's X-Factor</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Cleveland Rams: [player_tooltip player_id='1600424' first='Jaylen' last='King'], LB</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's a near-impossible task to pick a single underrated player on the top team in the class, per Power Scores, a team that is built on underrated recruits. King leads the team in tackles, tackles for loss, and sacks. The recruiting industry has whiffed here, as the late-bloomer only earned his first offer over the summer, and he's a clear FBS prospect on my board. If he does end up at the Ivy League school, he's going to make headlines early and often.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cleveland boasts the state's longest regular-season winning streak. On the back of a talented defense, is this the team to get the Rams over the postseason hump? <strong>Honorable Mention: [player_tooltip player_id='1076281' first='Cameron' last='Melvin'], DL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Grimsley Whirlies: [player_tooltip player_id='909357' first='Kaden' last='Catoe'], WR</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I had a hard time choosing one player on a team of talented individuals, so I leaned a bit on last year as well. Grimsley is a run-first team with a top-5 quarterback nationally, but it was Catoe who was arguably the most important player down the stretch. He's the guy who can stretch the field and break the game open against teams with stronger front sevens. If the running game isn't working, it's Catoe who can relieve the pressure and back up the safeties. If that doesn't happen, he'll simply get behind the secondary and score on a deep ball or two, like he did last year to spur on a comeback against Weddington. <strong>Honorable Mentions: Nick Kashabara, [player_tooltip player_id='903425' first='Jackson' last='Sammons'], [player_tooltip player_id='1669832' first='Michael' last='Miller'], OL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Cary Imps: [player_tooltip player_id='1922325' first='Erich' last='Grena'], WR</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cary is the surprise undefeated team in 7A, as the Imps are smashing school records and approaching win totals they've never seen. It's been a bit of a rushing by committee approach offensively, something that can work long-term, but the emergence of a consistent receiving threat would go a long way toward sustainability. Just a sophomore, Grena has only six catches on the season, yet he's scored in over half of his team's games. He's becoming a favorite red zone target of his brother's, and if he can catch a few more passes down the stretch, he'll help the Imps stay balanced on offense. <strong>Honorable Mention: Nick Grena, QB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">R.J. Reynolds: [player_tooltip player_id='1870972' first='Jayden' last='Wilson'], WR</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I had a sneaky suspicion Reynolds would be good this season, but the 5-0 start is still a bit surprising. That being said, we'll know more when the Demons get into the teeth of their conference schedule. The guys on the outside (the receivers and secondary) have been excellent on a run-first team, and I went with the top pass-catcher here. Wilson's big play ability on the outside is opening holes in the running game and keeping the offense balanced. Running back <strong>Antonio Samuels</strong> has been the star, but Wilson has been a key part of the offense. <strong>Honorable Mention: [player_tooltip player_id='1101229' first='Brandon' last='Bell II'], WR/DB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Garner Trojans: [player_tooltip player_id='1702833' first='Tyquan' last='Richardson'], LB</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I was vocal in thinking Garner would be a great football team, but the Trojans have exceeded my lofty preseason expectations. There are weapons everywhere on offense, and guys like quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1625015' first='Christian' last='Ormandy']</strong> and athlete <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1656365' first='Tayden' last='McPhatter']</strong> are having career years. But the heart and soul of the team is undersized linebacker <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1702833' first='Tyquan' last='Richardson']</strong>. An old-school thumper who can get to the quarterback, Richardson was everywhere when I watched the Trojans beat Middle Creek. He's the definition of underrated, but his high level of play has fueled the Trojans' strong season. <strong>Honorable Mentions: [player_tooltip player_id='1225217' first='Amir' last='Wallace'], RB; [player_tooltip player_id='369167' first='Eric' last='Chisley'], WR</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Check out our <a href="https://prepredzone.com/north-carolina/team-database/?team_name=&amp;class%5B%5D=4A">Power Scores</a>, our independent algorithm that ranks teams across the state. See an issue? Let me know on Twitter (@<a href="https://x.com/whelms21">whelms21</a>)</em>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->