Prime Time Playoff Performers: 2nd Round

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">The second week of postseason action saw some players step up in a big way to lead their teams to victory and advance into the quarterfinal rounds. Here we breakdown ten of the best performances from the second round and how much impact they made in their team's success. </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>‘27 (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='2058759' first='Thomas' last='Manu'] - Alcoa</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- The Tornadoes advanced into the quarterfinals after an impressive second round road win over Upperman with Manu being a major reason why. This junior signal caller was flawless, highly efficient and cool under pressure. Manu had a great night, throwing for 314 yards on 20-24 passing and three touchdowns versus a solid Bees defense. Even in the first half when both teams were trading scores, Manu remained poised and unphased. He continually kept putting the pressure on the Bees defense as he easily moved his Tornadoes offense down field and usually finished the drives with touchdowns. This guy is playing at a high level right now, which might lead Alcoa to another state title.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>‘28 (QB/Ath) [player_tooltip player_id='1565598' first='Kaiden' last='Brewster'] - Meigs Co.&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Over the last month and a half of the season, Brewster has been on another level and it continued in “Round Two” where this sophomore quarterback went off against Sequatchie County. The Tigers signal caller produced one of his better games of the year by running for 274 yards on 18 carries while scoring twice against the Indians. Brewster also had good action on defense as well with 7 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 2 passes broken up and 1 forced fumble. Even though Brewster wasn't named a semi-finalist for Mr. Football, he has played like one this year and is showing up big at the right time as he has his Tigers team playing well and headed to quarterfinals.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2058795,"width":"252px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/11/kbrewster.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-2058795" style="width:252px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(RB) [player_tooltip player_id='1562203' first='Jaydon' last='Peete'] - Milan</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- All this guy does is produce high level games and Peete did so again in the Bulldogs second round victory over Mt. Pleasant. This Mr. Football semi-finalist ran all over the Tigers defense with 242 yards rushing on 15 carries while producing three touchdowns. Peete also contributed on defense with 8 tackles and one of them for loss. For multiple seasons now, this West Tennessee running back has been stellar, showing up big at the right times and keeping his team in the mix for championships. Milan is right there again with a shot at earning the Class 2A title with Peete being at the forefront of those efforts.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>‘27 (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='1103496' first='Asa' last='Barnes'] - Westview</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- The Chargers dominated another opponent in “Round Two” with this junior ball carrier going off with a monster performance. On only seven carries, Barnes rushed for 245 yards and produced three touchdowns in Westview's 55-7 win over Westmoreland. The opposition had no answers for Barnes as he ran through the Eagles defense like butter. As the Chargers continue their playoff path, teams will be looking to shut down their passing attack, so Barnes is key towards Westview winning ball games and potentially earning a state title. This was a stellar game from this junior running back but I expect a few more big time performances before the season is over.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1950675,"width":"305px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/10/Asa-crop-1326x871-1760244616.jpeg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1950675" style="width:305px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>‘28 (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='1885826' first='Tot' last='Gardner'] - Marshall Co.&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- One of the more impressive wins coming out of the second round was Marshall Co. defeating Dyer Co., 41-14 with Gardner being a difference maker that the Choctaws defense couldn't stop. This sophomore ball carrier has emerged this year as a player to watch due to his big play abilities and speed. Those traits were on full display last Friday as Gardner went for 261 yards rushing on 27 carries while scoring four touchdowns against the Choctaws. There is much to develop moving forward for Gardner but the Tigers running back has some legit talent that might land him on the D1 level one day. His work in the quarterfinals versus a good Pearl Cohn team might help that cause as well.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(WR) [player_tooltip player_id='2058772' first='Dylan' last='Hawks'] - Green Hill&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- </strong>One of the more underrated receiver prospects we have from the #TN2026 class, Hawks put together one of his best games of the year in the Hawks second round victory over Science Hill. While he only produced one touchdown on the night, Hawks was clutch and a go-to target the Hilltoppers secondary had no answers for. This senior wideout had 7 receptions for 146 yards in the team's second round victory. Hawks is an athletic pass catcher that runs very well, showing separation after the catch and the ability to break off would-be tacklers. College coaches are missing the mark on this guy as I see D1 capabilities with Hawks and plenty of room to develop further on the next level.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(Ath) [player_tooltip player_id='1326260' first='Brody' last='Rogers'] - Knox. Halls</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- The Red Devils moved on to the quarterfinal round for the first time since 1996 after their 42-14 win over Lawrence Co. and Knox. Halls wouldn't have gotten there without the play of Rogers. This senior two-way talent has upped his game over the last month with last week's work being some of the best stuff he has done this season. Rogers produced 12 receptions for 144 yards and three touchdowns against Lawrence Co. while having four tackles and 1 fumble recovery on defense. The Wildcats had nothing to stop Rogers out wide as he used his athleticism and strong hands to dominate their secondary and help advance his Red Devils into foreign territory.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1687304,"width":"197px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/06/49-Brody-Rogers-rotated.jpg?w=684" alt="" class="wp-image-1687304" style="width:197px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(Ath) [player_tooltip player_id='1648079' first='Tyreke' last='Hutch'] - Huntingdon</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- A talented two-way prospect that sits under the recruiting radar, Hutch helped his cause in the Mustangs commanding second round road win over Lewis Co. as he went for over two bills versus a solid Panthers defense. Sharing the backfield inside a run heavy Huntingdon offense, Hutch made every carry worth it as he ran for 206 yards on 8 carries while producing three rushing touchdowns. His athleticism, big play abilities and speed proved to be too much to handle for the Lewis Co. defense. Hutch is a dynamic guy that provides versatility and upside to excel in college on either side of the ball. I do like him best in the secondary but I can see where college coaches may like him on offense.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>‘27 (DT) [player_tooltip player_id='1703375' first='Braylon' last='Warren'] - Collierville</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Warren was an absolute force in the Dragons second round victory over Antioch where the Bears offensive line could not block nor do anything to stop him. This junior defensive tackle had one of his best games of the season as Warren produced 6 total tackles, 1 forced fumble and four sacks against Antioch. Having those four sacks from the middle of the defensive line is impressive as it shows that Warren can not only be a run plugger but also provide a pass rush as well. His play up front will be critical moving forward and into the quarterfinal round as the Dragons look to make a move on Chattanooga and compete for the 6A title.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(DB) [player_tooltip player_id='1194077' first='Demontez' last='Anderson'] - East Nashville</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Sporting great overall size and length along with secondary versatility, Anderson had a stellar game in round two that helped propel his Eagles team into the quarterfinals. This 6 '3 senior defender was a ball hawk in the team's commanding win over Fairley where Anderson produced five tackles on the night along with one tackle for loss and two interceptions, one of those went for a pick six. This was one of Anderson's best games of the season that showed off his natural athleticism in the defensive backfield and his ability to play in open space. There is a lot of potential residing with Anderson and more strong postseason performances might boost his stock significantly.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2058780,"width":"274px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/11/demanderson.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-2058780" style="width:274px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->