The Robinson Report: Early Season Standouts

Mike Robinson September 9, 2025 @ 07:30 AM

Ohio high school football has entered the stretch where the pretenders and contenders start to separate themselves. Week 3 gave us not only big games but also breakout performances from players who are proving they are ready for the spotlight. These six athletes put up eye-popping numbers last week and have positioned themselves as names to watch closely heading into Week 4.   1. Dylan Fantone – QB – Twinsburg – Class of 2027 Twinsburg has been looking for a steady leader under center, and Fantone gave them exactly that in a rivalry win over Aurora. The junior quarterback delivered in the most significant moments, completing 18 of 29 passes for 213 yards and two touchdowns. His confidence showed on a fourth and two in overtime when he fired a go-ahead touchdown pass that helped end Twinsburg's seven-game losing streak to Aurora. With poise, accuracy, and a growing command of the offense, Fantone is trending upward fast.   2. [player_tooltip player_id='213915' first='Ryan' last='Taylor'] – QB – Rocky River – Class of 2026 Taylor is quickly emerging as one of Northeast Ohio's most underrated dual-threat quarterbacks. Against Uniontown Lake, the senior accounted for 391 total yards and four touchdowns, throwing for 295 yards and two scores while adding 96 rushing yards and two more touchdowns. Even in a tough 34-28 loss, Taylor showed he can carry an offense by himself. Defenses are going to have a hard time scheming against a player who can beat you with both his arm and legs.   3. [player_tooltip player_id='402347' first='Milan' last='Parris'] – WR – Walsh Jesuit – Class of 2026 (Iowa State commit) Parris does not need much time to make a huge impact. In just one half of work, the Iowa State commit put on a show with six catches for 79 yards and three touchdowns, while also throwing a 69-yard touchdown pass for good measure. His explosiveness and versatility make him one of the most dangerous weapons in the Midwest. Defenses have to game plan for him on every snap, and even then, stopping him is another challenge entirely.   4. [player_tooltip player_id='1629079' first='Jeremy' last='Hammel'] – K – Archbishop Hoban – Class of 2027 Hammel delivered one of the most clutch plays of Week 3. After missing both an extra point and a field goal earlier in the game, the junior kicker showed resilience by drilling a 35-yard game-winner with 30 seconds left to beat Detroit King 23-21. In a program built on championship expectations, having a kicker who can shake off adversity and rise to the moment is a weapon in itself.   5. Andrew Cole – QB – Chardon – Class of 2028 Cole may only be a sophomore, but he plays with the maturity of an upperclassman. Against Erie McDowell, he carried the Hilltoppers offense with 148 rushing yards and a touchdown on 18 carries, showing toughness between the tackles and the burst to hit the edge. Chardon has built its tradition on physical run-first football, and Cole fits that identity perfectly. Do not be surprised if his role continues to expand as he gains more experience under the Friday night lights.   6. [player_tooltip player_id='402329' first='Donovan' last='Moorhead'] – QB – Hawken – Class of 2026 Few quarterbacks in the state were as efficient as Moorhead in Week 3. The junior completed 31 of 34 passes for 320 yards and four touchdowns in Hawken's rivalry win over Gilmour Academy. That is a completion rate over 90 percent, a staggering stat at any level. Moorhead's quick decision-making and accuracy allow him to dissect defenses. If he continues playing at this level, Hawken's offense is going to be a nightmare for opponents all season.

Ohio high school football has entered the stretch where the pretenders and contenders start to separate themselves. Week 3 gave us not only big games but also breakout performances from players who are proving they are ready for the spotlight. These six athletes put up eye-popping numbers last week and have positioned themselves as names to watch closely heading into Week 4.