Power Score X-Factors: Underrated Players on Top 4A Teams

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If you haven't heard, our Power Scores algorithm is out. I've already broken down what the <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/09/analysts-take-what-power-scores-has-right-and-wrong-in-week-5/">metric has gotten right and wrong</a>, so it's time to dive into the players driving the rankings. You know the stars, but which underrated players are helping their teams rise in the rankings? Here, I'm looking at one player for each of the top five 4A 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 4A Team's X-Factor</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Brevard: [player_tooltip player_id='1894365' first='Toby' last='McCracken'], Edge</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Brevard has one of the more potent and balanced offenses in the state, and that's where the focus seems to be. However, the defense is doing excellent work, having allowed just 35 points in three games. They don't create a ton of disruption up front, but when the Blue Devils do cause havoc, it's usually McCracken. The edge rusher has four tackles for loss and two sacks this season. <strong>Honorable Mention: [player_tooltip player_id='1665296' first='Brayden' last='Crain']</strong>, TE</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>West Iredell: [player_tooltip player_id='1894441' first='Thian' last='Stevenson']</strong>, <strong>LB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>West Iredell doesn't have a ton of film up, especially for a defense that has allowed just six points through four games, but we've seen some of Stevenson's highlights this year. He flies to the ball and maintains excellent gap integrity, helping the Warriors stay disciplined defensively. It may be a surprise to see West Iredell this high in the rankings, but if the defense continues to play this well, Power Scores will continue to rate them highly. <strong>Honorable Mention: [player_tooltip player_id='1332232' first='Ex-Avier' last='Peet']</strong>, LB</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Hibriten: [player_tooltip player_id='1607912' first='Elan' last='Lipford'], QB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While he's not underrated on his own team, Lipford is in the context of the state and the class. It'd be hard to find a quarterback playing as well across the entire class as Lipford is right now, as he's averaging just under 175 passing yards and nearly 90 rushing yards per game, with 10 total touchdowns. He's led his team on clutch fourth-quarter drives, faced tough defenses, and looked calm while doing it, taking care of the ball in the process. When opponents turn on the tape, they know to look for No. 1, but he's not as well-known as he should be outside of Hibriten. <strong>Honorable Mention: [player_tooltip player_id='1623147' first='Grady' last='Beam'], </strong>DB/WR</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Wilkes Central: [player_tooltip player_id='1396354' first='Bralyn' last='Pyles'], LB/RB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A team that has been balanced on both sides of the ball, Wilkes Central has flown under the radar. So has the two-way linebacker/running back, Pyles. The slender backer is a thumper defensively, but he's also contributed some on offense this year as a rusher and a pass catcher. I don't have exact stats for the Eagles, but I've seen a few clips and it looks like Pyles has played well. I'm looking forward to seeing more of Wilkes Central, but our algorithm really likes the Eagles early on.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Stuart Cramer: [player_tooltip player_id='1666255' first='Landon' last='Lee'], WR</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Anybody who has seen Stuart Cramer in person knows about Lee, but he can occasionally fall through the cracks in the mind of the casual fan, given the type of player he is. Lee has just six offensive touches this season, but he's turned those into 149 yards and three touchdowns. The big-play threat has contributed on special teams and on defense, where he's had four pass deflections and an interception. He's not the first name people think of when they look at Stuart Cramer, but he can remind you in a hurry. <strong>Honorable Mention: [player_tooltip player_id='1078495' first='Amari' last='Broome'],</strong> IDL</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 -->