Fame Game Preview: EE Smith vs Terry Sanford Watchlist: Offense

<h3 class="wp-block-heading">The Fame Game – First Round Playoff Edition</h3>   This week's Fame Game takes us right into the heart of the postseason — a rematch that's been brewing since early fall. Less than eight miles separate these two Fayetteville powerhouses as EE Smith travels to take on Terry Sanford in what's shaping up to be one of the most anticipated first-round matchups in the state.   When these teams met earlier in the season, the score might have looked lopsided on paper, but anyone who watched knows it was a hard-fought, competitive battle throughout. This time, with everything on the line, expect an even tougher contest.   Terry Sanford enters the playoffs led by Carolina Recruits Player of the Year candidate, senior quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1851677' first='Jacob' last='Moore'], whose leadership and playmaking have powered the Bulldogs all season. On the other sideline, EE Smith boasts one of the top underclassmen prospects in North Carolina — [player_tooltip player_id='1709614' first='Cassell' last='Cruickshank'], a versatile edge defender and offensive weapon who's capable of changing a game in a single series.    The heartbeat of the Terry Sanford offense and Carolina Recruits Player of the Year, [player_tooltip player_id='1851677' first='Jacob' last='Moore'] has been nothing short of spectacular this season. The senior quarterback has emerged as one of the most electric and dynamic offensive players to come through the Fayetteville area in recent years.   With 36 total touchdowns to his name, Moore has done it all — extending plays with his legs, throwing darts downfield, and showing complete command of the Bulldogs' up-tempo attack. His dual-threat ability makes him nearly impossible to game-plan against, and his leadership presence has set the tone for Terry Sanford's entire program.   As the Bulldogs enter the postseason, everything runs through Moore. If he's locked in and rhythmically controlling the pace of the game, Terry Sanford becomes one of the most dangerous teams in the East bracket.     While just a sophomore, Nick Smith has already shown flashes of elite potential for EE Smith. He's every bit as athletic as his counterpart, if not more, with a blend of size, mobility, and natural playmaking instincts that make him one of the most intriguing young quarterbacks in the region.   Smith can hurt defenses in multiple ways — extending plays with his legs, escaping pressure, and delivering strong throws downfield when the pocket collapses. His combination of size and athleticism gives the Golden Bulls a true dual-threat weapon at the most important position on the field.   If Smith stays poised and operates within the system Friday night, he has the ability to change the game's momentum and make life difficult for the Terry Sanford defense. His development and confidence have grown each week, and this playoff rematch offers the perfect stage for him to take another big step forward.     The physical tone-setter for the Bulldogs' offense, Isaiah Washington has been the workhorse in Terry Sanford's backfield all season long. The senior running back leads the team with 16 rushing touchdowns, consistently providing balance to the Bulldogs' high-powered attack.   Washington runs with power and purpose, thriving between the tackles where his strength and determination take over. He's not afraid of contact — in fact, he often welcomes it — wearing down defenses over the course of a game. His ability to churn out tough yards on early downs opens up the field for [player_tooltip player_id='1851677' first='Jacob' last='Moore'] and the passing game to flourish.   Expect Washington to be heavily involved Friday night. In playoff football, physicality matters, and few players embody that more than Isaiah Washington. If he gets rolling early, it could spell trouble for EE Smith's defensive front.     The future of the Golden Bulls' ground game runs through [player_tooltip player_id='1815493' first='Aiden' last='Washington'], a sophomore who just happens to share more than a last name with Terry Sanford's star back — he's the younger brother of Isaiah Washington. The similarities don't stop there. Aiden is almost a carbon copy of his big brother in both playing style and competitive spirit.   He's a tough, between-the-tackles runner who embraces contact and rarely goes down on first hit. Despite being a power back by nature, Aiden has enough burst and open-field speed to turn short gains into big plays. His ability to find creases and accelerate through them gives EE Smith a balanced and reliable rushing threat to pair with quarterback Nick Smith.   As a sophomore, Aiden continues to grow in confidence and maturity. Friday night's playoff matchup offers a chance for the younger Washington to step into the spotlight — and possibly steal a moment from his big brother across the field.     One of the most explosive young playmakers in North Carolina, [player_tooltip player_id='1749317' first='Sebastian' last='O'Keefe'] has quickly made a name for himself as a true all-purpose weapon for the Bulldogs. The sophomore is a threat to score from anywhere on the field, whether it's out of the slot, from the backfield, or in the return game.   O'Keefe's combination of speed, strength, and vision makes him a nightmare for opposing defenses and special teams. He's the kind of athlete who only needs a sliver of space to make something big happen, and his ability to shift momentum in an instant has been crucial to Terry Sanford's offensive success this season.   Already regarded as one of the top sophomores in the state, O'Keefe plays with the confidence and polish of a veteran. In Friday night's playoff rematch, his versatility could once again prove to be the X-factor that pushes the Bulldogs over the top.     A true do-it-all playmaker, David Hickmond gives EE Smith a veteran spark every time he touches the ball. The senior athlete has proven he can change a game in an instant — most memorably when he scored twice on kickoff returns earlier this season against South View, showcasing his elite speed and field awareness.   Hickmond is primarily a wide receiver, but his versatility allows the Golden Bulls to line him up in the backfield to start games, creating mismatches and forcing defenses to adjust on the fly. He's a threat to score from anywhere on the field, whether it's through the air, on the ground, or in the return game.   When the lights are brightest, Hickmond has a knack for rising to the occasion. In a playoff setting where one big play can swing the outcome, expect the senior to have the ball in his hands early and often as EE Smith looks to pull off the upset.     A reliable target and deep-play specialist, [player_tooltip player_id='1671906' first='Gaven' last='Kraut'] has been the steady hand in Terry Sanford's high-powered passing attack. The senior wideout leads the Bulldogs in receiving and serves as [player_tooltip player_id='1851677' first='Jacob' last='Moore']'s go-to option when the game is on the line.   Kraut has the ability to stretch the field vertically, keeping safeties honest and opening up the offense for the Bulldogs' other weapons. But what makes him special is his versatility — he's not just a home-run threat; he's also a dependable first-down receiver, consistently moving the chains and keeping drives alive.   With his experience, route-running precision, and strong hands, Kraut brings a veteran presence to the Bulldogs' aerial attack. In playoff football, consistency and timing are everything — and Kraut gives Terry Sanford both.     When it comes to pure talent at the wide receiver position, Jalen Mitchell stands alone. The EE Smith senior possesses a rare combination of athleticism, body control, and natural playmaking ability that allows him to make the spectacular look routine.   Mitchell has a remarkable vertical leap, giving him the ability to high-point the football over defenders and turn 50/50 balls into easy completions. His knack for tracking the ball in the air and adjusting mid-route makes him nearly impossible to defend one-on-one.