Blue-Collar Ballers: 7 Underrated Week 4 Difference Makers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Use code “Mikerobinson30” at checkout to save on your subscription.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While big names grab headlines, Week 4 also featured grinders and unsung heroes who powered their teams to victories. These seniors (2026) and juniors (2027) are proving to be the backbone of their programs and deserve recognition for the way they impact games beyond the stat sheet.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Archer Johnston | RB/LB | Elgin | 2026</strong><br>Johnston was a workhorse, 27 carries, 205 yards, and a touchdown. Add seven tackles and a fumble recovery on defense, and he never left the field. He runs behind his pads with toughness, breaking arm tackles consistently, while on defense, he diagnoses plays quickly and fills lanes hard. College recruiters will love his durability and mentality as a two-way impact player.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Zach Church | ATH | Highland | 2026</strong><br>Church found the end zone on offense, snagged an interception on defense, and capped it off by blocking a late PAT to secure the win. He has the instincts to be around the football in every phase. Scouts will notice his versatility as a player who can be used as a slot, safety, or special teams ace. The motor and clutch genes are undeniable.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Brad Bowling | ATH | Northmor | 2027</strong><br>Bowling stuffed the box score: a touchdown reception, a touchdown pass, and an 86-yard kick return to the house. His all-around athleticism makes him a Swiss Army knife for Northmor. He's smooth in space, and his football IQ allows him to play multiple positions effectively. A junior who's only going to get more dynamic as he sharpens his route running and adds strength.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Miles Bailey | QB/RB | Findlay | 2026</strong><br>Pressed into quarterback duty, Bailey responded with 156 passing yards and a touchdown through the air, while also rushing for 107 and two more scores. At 6'0” 205, he's built like a tailback but showed poise as a passer. His toughness and adaptability stand out — a team-first guy with enough tools to project as a versatile offensive weapon at the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Cooper Clark | WR | North Baltimore | 2027</strong><br>Clark was unstoppable: eight catches, 238 yards, and four touchdowns. At 6'1” with long strides, he's a vertical nightmare for defensive backs. He stacks corners quickly and has the concentration to finish catches in traffic. With continued work on his release package, he has the ceiling to become one of the most dangerous receivers in his class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Braxton Leeth | RB | Convoy Crestview | 2026</strong><br>Leeth has been a one-man wrecking crew this season. Against Fort Loramie, he put up 317 rushing yards and tied his own school record with seven touchdowns. He combines vision with power, showing the ability to press the hole, cut back, and accelerate through contact. With over 1,000 yards already, he's proving he's not just a small-school stat stuffer — his skillset translates anywhere.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Aden Osborne | WR | Washington Court House | 2027</strong><br>Osborne exploded for 13 receptions, 276 yards, and four touchdowns in the upset of Granville. He's a smooth route runner who understands leverage and can separate against man coverage. His hands are reliable, and he consistently wins in contested situations. As just a junior, his polish is advanced, and this performance signals the arrival of a legit breakout star.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->