Power Scores X-Factors: Players Leading Top 5A Squads

Will Helms September 23, 2025 @ 10:59 AM

<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. The 5A class is wide open, so I'm looking at the players on the current top five teams in that class. Let's look at the best players on the current top 5 5A teams, per our <a href="https://prepredzone.com/north-carolina/team-database/?team_name=&class%5B%5D=4A">Power Scores algorithm</a>.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Each Top 5A Team's X-Factor</h2>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Croatan: [player_tooltip player_id='1705645' first='Andrew' last='Boucher'], RB</h3>   <p>Boucher is leading an impressive, multi-pronged rushing attack. Croatan has destroyed all its competition this year, allowing just 21 points in five games. But it's the offensive identity that is allowing the Cougars to play such a style. Boucher hasn't just hit big plays; he's been excellent on a down-to-down basis, putting the Cougars in favorable downs and distances and allowing the Cougars to dominate time of possession. <strong>Honorable Mention: JP Baccoli, WR/DB</strong></p>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">East Lincoln: [player_tooltip player_id='1671861' first='Grant' last='Lawless'], QB</h3>   <p>Lawless has been fantastic for East Lincoln this year, throwing for almost 1,500 yards and putting up 22 total touchdowns to just one interception. He's always played well, but the huge step forward this season has the Mustangs humming early in the season. If that keeps up, the Mustangs will be true state title contenders, thanks to an offense that is averaging over 50 points a game. <strong>Honorable Mention: [player_tooltip player_id='1607779' first='Jaxon' last='Dollar'], TE</strong></p>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">St. Paul's: [player_tooltip player_id='1709591' first='Yoshua' last='McBryde'], RB</h3>   <p>McBryde has put himself on plenty of Player of the Week lists this season for St. Paul's, as the senior has run for 14 touchdowns and has nearly 1,000 rushing yards through five games. He's been streaky as well, taking over two close games to put them out of reach. The defense has been impressive this year as well, with three shutouts. <strong>Honorable Mention: [player_tooltip player_id='1543777' first='De'Zhian' last='Roberts'], Edge/DL</strong></p>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Forest Hills: [player_tooltip player_id='1678618' first='Kylan' last='Polk'], Ath.</h3>   <p>While the defense has gotten the headlines with three shutouts, Forest Hills' improving offense is the biggest reason for the Yellow Jackets' hot start. The emergence of Polk as a true star hasn't hurt, as the do-it-all skill guy has over 150 yards a game and 11 touchdowns to start the year, scoring over half of the Yellow Jackets' points. <strong>Honorable Mention: [player_tooltip player_id='1146633' first='Christopher' last='Baker'], LB</strong></p>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Hickory: [player_tooltip player_id='1732008' first='Dorrian' last='Medley'], DB</h3>   <p>Medley is doing something incredibly rare for an FBS defensive back recruit on a mid-classification team: leading the team in tackles. Typically, high-level defensive backs can become forgotten as other teams simply avoid them. But Medley is too big and too fast to be schemed around, and it's making a difference on the field. The Red Tornadoes have allowed just 28 points since losing an opening week heartbreaker to South Point. <strong>Honorable Mention: Jaheem Jenkins, RB</strong></p>   <p><em>Check out our <a href="https://prepredzone.com/north-carolina/team-database/?team_name=&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>

If you haven't heard, our Power Scores algorithm is out. I've already broken down what the metric has gotten right and wrong, so it's time to dive into the players driving the rankings. The 5A class is wide open, so I'm looking at the players on the current top five teams in that class. Let's look at the best players on the current top 5 5A teams, per our Power Scores algorithm.