Players to Watch in DIAA Playoffs: Class 2A

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Delaware state playoffs get under way this weekend. I take a look at some players in the 2A classification that will be key in their teams playoff runs. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1313454"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-691663492bbbd"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The choice is clear as Darnell is a big time playmaker for Indian River game in and game out. A Syracuse commit, one of the top players in the state, and recently named Off player of the Year in Class 2A. With just shy of 1,000 APY on the year and a total of 18 TDs on the year, Darnell is a player that defenses need to have an eye on every play. With legit track speed and dynamic with the ball in his hands, Darnell is a big play threat every time he touches the ball. Used in multiple ways: he carries the ball, handled PR/KR's and is high level WR. He goes up and attacks the ball in the air and can in 50/50 balls. Stokes also contributes on the defensive side at DB. With his size, speed, athleticism, he is a rangy ball hawking DB that QBs always need to be wary of. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A player that impacts the game across all 3 phases, Darnell makes plays for his team week in and week out. He is a big reason why Indian River is undefeated on the year and the #1 seed in the 2A bracket. Look for Darnell to lead them deep into the playoffs over these next few weeks. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Blessed to be 2A <br>Offensive player of the year<br>First team all district WR<br>First team all district DB<a href="https://twitter.com/Phillip65773?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Phillip65773</a> <a href="https://t.co/pcFAyQvQbC">pic.twitter.com/pcFAyQvQbC</a></p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='1313454' first='Darnell' last='Stokes'] Jr. (@DarnellStokes1k) <a href="https://twitter.com/DarnellStokes1k/status/1988662026072387820?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 12, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1239127"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-691663492bc3a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Jameson has had an excellent sophomore season for Howard Tech and has led them to the #2 seed in the bracket. On the year he has racked up over 1,500 passing yards and 25 TDs and only 4 INTs, while also adding over 500 yd and 8 TDs on the ground. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A clean thrower of the ball, Jameson has the arm strength to unleash the ball down the field. He can put nice zip or touch on the ball as needed allowing him to layer it across all 3 levels and zip the ball all over the field. Strong in the QB power run game, Jameson has the size and build to get yards when needed with his legs. Howard has a wonderful collection of skill athletes for Jameson to get the ball to. In these playoffs he just needs to continue making big time throws and taking care of the ball. If Jameson can do that I see no reason why this team shouldn't make a deep playoff run this year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://t.co/kVA7Mb817M">https://t.co/kVA7Mb817M</a><br>4 passing touchdowns, 271 passing yards, 10/14 completions, 40+ rushing yards. <a href="https://twitter.com/HHSTHFC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HHSTHFC</a></p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='1239127' first='Jameson' last='Bryant'] (@jamesonb2028) <a href="https://twitter.com/jamesonb2028/status/1964146620288712769?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 6, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1698078"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-691663492bca6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A true do it all player for his team, Michael is the kind of athlete every time needs to be a winning program. He has played QB,RB,WR and DB for Archmere this season and has made big plays at each of those spots. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One the year Michael has over 1,200 total yards with a 8 scores and has contributed for 8 INTs on defense. He brings it every play no matter where that is on the field. With good burst, if he sees a lane with the ball in his hands he is a threat to house it. On defense, he can play both man or zone. Shows good eyes, able to break on the ball and come up and make the play as well as being a sure tackler. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Such a versatile player like Michael is always going to be a factor in a teams ability to win tough ball games. You can line him up anywhere, have him fill in if others get injured and no miss a beat. Michael is a player with a ton of value for Archmere as they head into their playoff matchup. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2048627"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-691663492bd05"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Zakie came to Odessa by way of West Catholic (PA) and I have a feeling the Ducks have been happy to have him this season. He has been an impact 2-way player for them making plays at both WR and DB. With over 900 receiving yards, over 1,000 total yards to go with 9 scores on the year, Zakie has been the Ducks biggest offensive weapon. On defense he has also added 6 interceptions on the season. An explosive playmaker with a lot twitch and game impact ability. Zakie plays bigger than his size as well, a strong leaper he able to go up and get the ball, making difficult catches on both sides of the ball. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If Odessa is to pull off the upset this weekend as the #8 seed, you need a player like Zakie to be able to make a difference on both sides the ball. If he can get the Ducks extra possessions by forcing turnovers and then make big TD receptions to capitalize on those TOs then you give your team a strong chance. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="et" dir="ltr">Mid szn tape - <a href="https://t.co/ATWHn1GfOu">https://t.co/ATWHn1GfOu</a></p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='2048627' first='Zakie' last='Williams'] (@Zakiewilliams5) <a href="https://twitter.com/Zakiewilliams5/status/1974949259972903134?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1696501"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-691663492bd5c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Don't be shocked seeing a specialist here, Matteo is a game changer with his leg. A 1st team all district K and P he is an in-valuable player to the St. Mark's squad. Matteo has set multiple school records this season with a school longest 47yd FG as well as most TBs in a career. He is automatic on XPs and consistently makes it from 40+ , including game winners. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Matteo adds a ton of value with his leg and how it can impact games. From always making teams start deep in their territory from KOs, ending drives with points even if they don't get into the redzone with made FGs, and being able to flip the field with storng punts. St. Mark's is going into this weekend looking to pull off an upset over Howard and a clutch K that can make game winning FGs when called on is definitely a way make that upset happen in a close game. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I am honored and grateful to receive 1 ST TEAM All DISTRICT KICKER and PUNTER. This recognition could not be possible without GOD, my coaches, my teammates and my family. <a href="https://twitter.com/OneOnOneNJNYPA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@OneOnOneNJNYPA</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/EddieMish22?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EddieMish22</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/4thDownPerform?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@4thDownPerform</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ThePuntFactory?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ThePuntFactory</a> <a href="https://t.co/I1dVG3lIe2">pic.twitter.com/I1dVG3lIe2</a></p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='1696501' first='Matteo' last='Bracalenti'] (@MatteoBrac26) <a href="https://twitter.com/MatteoBrac26/status/1988938348497629480?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 13, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1314861"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":2048927,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-691663492bdd0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Nevon is a big time playmaker on the offensive end and a force on the defensive side of the ball for Lake Forest. As a WR he offers versatility and is a mis-match nightmare. Able to line up in multiple spots wether in the backfield, slot, or out wide. He plays with a lot of juice. Has the explosiveness and speed to win over the top and the agility and wiggle to make defenders miss turning a short gain into a big play. On defense he plays much bigger than his size. Able to fight through WRs to get his hands on the ball for lots of PBUs. Nevon is also a more than willing tackler. He will throw his body into the tackle and lay a strike. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For a team to have success in the playoffs a 2 way weapon that can impact the game in lots of ways is a big addition. Nevon is a player opposing teams need eyes on at all times on the field. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="qme" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/BenR4033?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BenR4033</a> <a href="https://t.co/buaXYAMUHF">pic.twitter.com/buaXYAMUHF</a></p>&mdash; 𝙉è𝙑𝙤𝙣 𝙋𝙞𝙚𝙧𝙘𝙚 3⭐️ (@nevon_pierce) <a href="https://twitter.com/nevon_pierce/status/1988743041243381817?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 12, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1953745"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":2048934,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-691663492be34"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Not sure there is a player in the state of DE who has been a bigger work horse and carried his team like Judah has this season. Racking up over 1,200 rushing yards for 18 TDs he has been a monster of a RB all year long. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A well slapped together muscle hamster of a RB, Judah runs with a low center of gravity and excellent balance. He runs hard, burst through the LOS getting downhill. While also having rapid feet and quick twitch ability to change direction &amp; angles to find the open space and elude defenders. Able to run between the tackles or bounce it outside, Judah is a complete every down RB. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Look for RLC to continue to feed him the ball plenty these playoffs. History has told us as the weather gets colder and the games rise in intensity, a consistent running game and on fire RB can take teams far. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="tl" dir="ltr">AGTG!!!<a href="https://t.co/ojxhqvNSyc">https://t.co/ojxhqvNSyc</a> <a href="https://t.co/3U5y8E6Cbf">pic.twitter.com/3U5y8E6Cbf</a></p>&mdash; Judah Barber (@Judah_barber_) <a href="https://twitter.com/Judah_barber_/status/1988677737612210247?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 12, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->