Power Scores X-Factors: Players Leading Top 6A Squads

<!-- 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? On Wednesday, I looked at five underrated players driving team success at the 4A level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here, I'm doing something similar: looking at one top player for each of the top five 6A teams, per our <a href="https://prepredzone.com/north-carolina/team-database/?team_name=&amp;class%5B%5D=4A">Power Scores algorithm</a>. Some of the 6A teams rising in Power Scores haven't gotten a lot of press from us. That'll change here</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Each Top 6A Team's X-Factor</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Watauga: [player_tooltip player_id='1895140' first='Cade' last='Keller'], QB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Keller has been unblemished this season, leading a strong Watauga team that sits atop our 6A Power Scores rankings. That ranking feels fair as the traditional mountain power has once again started the season smoothly. Keller has 10 total touchdowns, throwing for over 600 yards and running for over 150 on just 12 carries. He's getting some help from the rest of the offense, sure, but his elevated play has Watuaga in the position to make a deep playoff run. <strong>Honorable Mention: [player_tooltip player_id='1868481' first='Evan' last='Burroughs'], WR</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jacksonville: [player_tooltip player_id='1895409' first='Amari' last='Pearson'], RB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There's always a bit of uncertainty when a productive, low-volume running back takes over for a top starter, as was the case when Pearson became the starter this season after the graduation of a Power Five back. But Pearson has more than proven he has the talent to handle the spotlight and the increased workload. He's staying fresh, too, averaging 100 yards and two touchdowns a game on just nine rushes per game. They'll need him to have more volume come conference play, but for now, Pearson's efficiency and home run ability have Jacksonville once again looking like the favorites in the east. <strong>Honorable Mention: [player_tooltip player_id='1844273' first='SaRonn' last='Thompson'], WR</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Terry Sanford: [player_tooltip player_id='1851677' first='Jacob' last='Moore'], QB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Bulldogs will likely drop a bit in the next update after a close 42-38 loss to 7A Jack Britt, but that doesn't mean they haven't been fun this season. Moore is the biggest reason for that. An old-school competitor, he's been responsible for an absurd 17 touchdowns this season. A gunslinger as a passer, he's not afraid to run for tough yards, and he's not sliding near the sticks; if there's a first down to be had or a touchdown to score, you can bet Moore is going to do everything in his power to get there. That mentality has the Bulldogs flying high in 6A. <strong>Honorable Mention: [player_tooltip player_id='1671906' first='Gaven' last='Kraut'], WR/DB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Ashbrook: [player_tooltip player_id='378966' first='Savion' last='Lindsay'], RB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Because of his powerful running style and lateral quickness, Lindsey has always been highly ranked in our 2027 class, but he's putting together a fantastic season on the field. He's off to four-straight 100-yard games, eclipsing his season rushing total from last season, and he's doing it without yet hitting the big one, an ability he flashed in limited carries last season. Instead, he's picking up the tough yards between the tackles this season, something that bodes well for his future college prospects. Ashbrook looks excellent defensively as well, so he'll be key to limiting possessions and playing a ball-control type of game. <strong>Honorable Mention: [player_tooltip player_id='1246060' first='Caleb' last='Gordon'], LB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Freedom: [player_tooltip player_id='1895128' first='Kaden' last='Davis'], QB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Davis has quietly put together one of the best starts to the season in the entire state. His volume and usage hold him back from sitting atop every state leaderboard, but through the three games for which we have available stats, Davis is averaging 15.7 yards per pass and over 20 yards per rush, with 10 total touchdowns. Freedom hasn't really needed him to attempt a ton of passes, but when the ball is in the air, good things happen. He's on pace for a 1,500-yard passing and 900-yard rushing season, and he's yet to turn the ball over. <strong>Honorable Mention: [player_tooltip player_id='1895125' first='Isaiah' last='Greene'], DL</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 -->