Round One Playoff Standouts: Players Who Shined in AAAA

<p><strong><em>Get 30% Off Your Subscription with Code PRZWV30 at Checkout!</em></strong></p>   <p>32 teams have advanced to the playoff quarterfinals after the opening round of the postseason in West Virginia, with many players standing out in round one. Here are some Top Performers from the first round of the AAAA playoffs.</p>    <p class="text-gray-700">In his first playoff start, 2027 Martinsburg quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='895900' first='Brian' last='Dick'] put on an electrifying performance, completing 6/8 passes for 168 yards and three passing touchdowns. He wasn't just effective through the air and added 77 rushing yards and three more touchdowns on just five carries, helping lead Martinsburg to a dominating 58-0 win over Parkersburg South. Dick's dual-threat playmaking set the tone from the opening snap and made it clear he can carry the offense in big games.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/BD10_2027/status/1989529211648778478 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='895900' first='Brian' last='Dick']'s favorite target in Martinsburg's big win over Parkersburg South in the opening round of the playoffs was classmate WR [player_tooltip player_id='1154974' first='Boston' last='Todd']. He continued his electrifying play into the postseason with big plays on both sides of the ball for the Bulldogs. Todd's dynamic playmaking ability showed up in both phases with explosive touchdowns on offense and creating turnovers on defense. He's been one of the best players in the state this season and is proving why we consider him a Top 10 prospect in the 2027 class.</p>      <p class="text-gray-700">2027 University QB [player_tooltip player_id='1271395' first='Harrison' last='Helbig'] continues to make his case for the top spot in the quarterback rankings this season for the Hawks. He made quick work of the Parkersburg defense, throwing for 292 yards and 3 touchdowns while adding two more scores with his legs. The junior gunslinger has elevated his game this season and has his team in the quarterfinals with a big matchup with Huntington next. Helbig continues to flash the high-level potential we've seen in him since beginning to emerge last season and should have college suitors coming after him soon.</p>      <p class="text-gray-700">2027 University WR [player_tooltip player_id='1326514' first='Hayden' last='George'] made us look good by naming him as our X-Factor in their matchup with Parkersburg in round one. He caught 9 passes for 157 yards and two touchdowns in the 62-14 blowout in round one, as he continues to put up big numbers in his junior season. If the Hawks want to advance past Huntington in the quarterfinals, they'll need George and Co. to have their best performance yet this week. </p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/HaydenjGeorge/status/1990070058601619681 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">In his first expanded role at running back, 2027 University DB/ATH [player_tooltip player_id='1577829' first='Jaedyn' last='Katchur'] made an immediate impact, rushing 10 times for 148 yards and scoring three touchdowns in the first-round playoff win over Parkersburg. Katchur's explosive runs and ability to find the end zone added a dynamic new dimension to the University offense, showing that his athleticism isn't limited to defense and highlighting him as a versatile threat in big games.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/JaedynKatchur/status/1989722681852236013 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">2026 Wheeling Park running back [player_tooltip player_id='1137687' first='Brennan' last='Wack'] had a historic first-round playoff performance against Woodrow Wilson, rushing for 264 yards on just 23 carries, an incredible 11.5 yards per attempt, and scoring four touchdowns. In the process, Wack broke the school's career rushing record, finishing with 4,132 yards, cementing his place in Wheeling Park history while leading his team to a playoff victory.</p>      <p class="text-gray-700">2028 Morgantown quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='923337' first='Maddox' last='Twigg'] was unstoppable in the first round of the AAAA playoffs against Buckhannon-Upshur, completing 12 of 15 passes for 174 yards and two touchdowns while adding 42 rushing yards and two more scores on just two carries in the first half. Twigg's efficiency and dual-threat play helped Morgantown jump out to a commanding lead, powering the Mohigans to a 56-0 blowout victory and setting the tone for the rest of the postseason.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/MaddoxTwigg/status/1989887880236327037 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">Freshman running back [player_tooltip player_id='1826125' first='Jaden' last='Black'] of George Washington put on a sensational performance in the first round of the AAAA playoffs against Oak Hill, rushing 15 times for 221 yards and an astonishing six touchdowns. Black's explosiveness this season has been eye-opening in his first year of high school. He's made an immediate impact in his first season and playoff debut, helping George Washington secure a dominant victory and a successful 2025 campaign.</p>      <p class="text-gray-700">University's [player_tooltip player_id='1112752' first='Marcos' last='Kniska'] is known for his defensive prowess, but he's done a great job this season at running back as well for the injured [player_tooltip player_id='1292038' first='Brody' last='Kehler']. Kniska had several good runs in the first round of the playoffs against Parkersburg, but his blitz pickup ability and play as a blocker in the Hawks' explosive passing attack were just as impressive. He had his usual defensive performance as our current #1 LB in the 2026 class, but his unselfish play in the first round and season as a whole was notable. </p>      <p class="text-gray-700">2027 University OL [player_tooltip player_id='1674336' first='Luke' last='Braham'] has made significant progress this season along the offensive line after growing out of his receiver build from the past. He looked dominant on film against Parkersburg in the first round of the playoffs and is quickly developing into a serious OL prospect. As he continues to fill out his 6'6 frame, D1 colleges would be wise to keep an eye on Braham over the next year. He has a high ceiling for the position if he continues to develop and has the family DNA to eventually become a future high-level college starter. </p>      <p class="text-gray-700">2027 Jefferson QB/ATH [player_tooltip player_id='862698' first='Braylon' last='Holmes'] made a remarkable return from injury this season and made a big impact in the first round of the AAAA playoffs against Washington. He totaled over 200 yards and accounted for three total touchdowns—all in the first half. Holmes' explosive first-half performance set the tone early, proving he's fully back in form and capable of carrying Jefferson's offense at quarterback when called upon. </p>      <p class="text-gray-700">#1-ranked 2026 ATH [player_tooltip player_id='894642' first='Tayveon' last='Wilson'] showcased his versatility as an athlete in Huntington's round one win over Hedgesville. He's settled in nicely at quarterback this season for the Highlanders and is executing the offense well as he's gotten more comfortable behind center throughout the season. Wilson hurt the Eagles' defense with both his arm and his legs in a half of play and will have his team in contention for a state championship this season.</p>      <p class="text-gray-700">2026 Spring Mills DB [player_tooltip player_id='906674' first='Hope' last='Bokwe'] delivered a standout defensive performance in the first round of the AAAA playoffs against Musselman. He recorded 8 tackles, including two for loss, added two pass breakups, and forced a fumble. Bokwe's relentless presence and physciality in the secondary was a key factor in Spring Mills' playoff success in round one as one of the more underrated defensive backs in the state of West Virginia this season. </p>      <p class="text-gray-700">2027 Martinsburg OLB/DB [player_tooltip player_id='1154709' first='Ty' last='Ricketts'] made a big impact on both sides of the ball in the first round of the AAAA playoffs against Parkersburg South. Ricketts recorded 5.5 tackles, added a sack, and picked off a pass, showcasing his ability to disrupt the offense and make game-changing plays in coverage, pass rush, and run defense. His versatile performance was a key factor in Martinsburg's dominant playoff victory.</p>      <p class="text-gray-700">2026 University ATH [player_tooltip player_id='1137708' first='Glenn' last='Brown'] had a mixed but active outing in the first-round playoff matchup against Parkersburg. He contributed a touchdown, but also picked off a Big Reds' pass, and made his presence felt defensively with two pass breakups as well. Brown's all-around involvement highlighted his known versatility as an athlete and can impact the game in multiple ways for the Hawks. </p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/glennbrown225/status/1990072158387642857 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">2027 Spring Mills WR [player_tooltip player_id='1157627' first='Zane' last='Wipf'] has emerged as a go-to receiver for the Cardinals in his junior season after showing flashes of ability the previous two years. He's aided quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='894975' first='Rylan' last='Swartz'] in breaking the school record for passing as one of his favorite targets and is a reliable option in the passing game. Wipf had a nice performance against Musselman in round one, with a receiving touchdown and adding another on a punt return. He's an explosive athlete with developed route-running ability and natural ball skills that have made him one of the best receiver prospects in the 2027 class. </p>      <p class="text-gray-700">#1 2027 LB [player_tooltip player_id='863631' first='Ilias' last='King'] overcame an early-season injury and has played well in his junior season for Huntington. That's carried over into the playoffs for the Highlanders with a strong round one performance against Hedgesville. King was tailor-made for their new run-heavy offense as a stout middle linebacker who's physical between the tackles. He did a great job of not allowing runners to fall forward and showcased his strength and power, driving ball carriers backward. </p>      <p class="text-gray-700">2026 George Washington WR/DB [player_tooltip player_id='1138931' first='Jermare' last='Smith'] came up big on both sides of the ball in the first round of the AAAA playoffs against Oak Hill. Offensively, he hauled in 85 receiving yards and a touchdown, giving GW a reliable playmaker in the passing game. Defensively, Smith added a key fumble recovery, helping swing momentum and set up scoring opportunities. His all-around effort played an important role in George Washington's dominant postseason opener.</p>

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