Top Performances of the 1st Round: Carolina Recruits Region

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These guys were standouts in the 1st round of the playoffs-putting up video game-like numbers when their teams needed them most. Full breakdown of their big performances </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1600181"],"_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-691301175e147"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Jamarae “Bubba” Lamb continued his outstanding senior season with another dominant performance that reminded everyone why he's one of the premier running backs in the state of North Carolina. The Division I prospect carried the load for Wallace-Rose Hill, finishing the night with 29 carries for 239 yards and 5 touchdowns. Lamb's power, vision, and endurance were on full display as he consistently broke tackles and found ways to move the chains, no matter how many defenders were in front of him. He's been the emotional and physical leader of the Bulldogs all year long, setting the tone with his hard-nosed running style and competitive edge. Each week, Lamb continues to build his résumé as one of the state's most productive backs, and his combination of strength, quickness, and football IQ make him a legitimate next-level talent. As Wallace-Rose Hill pushes deeper into the postseason, Lamb's ability to control the tempo and take over games will be the key to how far the Bulldogs go.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Bj Gardner","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2409","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Farmville Central","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-691301175e224"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">BJ Gardner, the senior dual-threat quarterback for Farmville Central, delivered another sensational performance, showcasing why he's one of the most dangerous playmakers in the East. Gardner accounted for <strong>six total touchdowns</strong>, throwing for <strong>157 yards</strong> and adding <strong>101 yards on the ground</strong>, putting the offense squarely on his shoulders. His ability to extend plays and make defenses pay with both his arm and legs makes him nearly impossible to contain once he finds his rhythm. Gardner's field vision and confidence have continued to grow throughout his senior campaign, and he's become the heartbeat of a Farmville Central offense that thrives on his energy and leadership. Whether it's threading a pass into tight coverage or lowering his shoulder to finish a run, Gardner's competitiveness sets the tone for the entire team. As the postseason unfolds, he's proving he has all the tools to lead the Jaguars on a deep playoff run and solidify his reputation as one of the top senior quarterbacks in Eastern North Carolina.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1337049"],"_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-691301175e27a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1337049' first='Tyler' last='Jones'], the senior quarterback for Kinston, turned in a masterful performance that further cements his status as one of the elite passers in Eastern North Carolina. Jones was nearly flawless, throwing for <strong>295 yards and 7 touchdowns</strong> with <strong>zero interceptions</strong>, commanding the offense with precision and poise from start to finish. His ability to read coverages, make quick decisions, and deliver the ball accurately to all levels of the field kept the defense guessing all night long. What makes Jones so impressive is not just his arm talent, but his leadership and consistency — he's the type of quarterback who elevates everyone around him. Each week, he continues to put up video-game-like numbers while keeping his team in prime position for a deep playoff push. This performance was a statement outing that showcased his growth, confidence, and ability to dominate on the biggest stages of his senior season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Juhron Clemmons","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2411","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"North Pitt","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-691301175e307"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">North Pitt senior running back <strong>Juhron Clemmons</strong> delivered another powerhouse performance, reminding everyone why he's one of the toughest, most physical runners in the region. The bruising back punished defenders all night long, finishing with <strong>182 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns</strong>, setting the tone early and never letting up. Clemmons ran with authority between the tackles, consistently breaking arm tackles and wearing down the defense with his downhill style. His balance through contact and ability to finish runs make him the kind of back that thrives late in games when others start to fade. This outing was another testament to his workhorse mentality and leadership for the Panthers — a senior who embodies toughness, effort, and reliability. As North Pitt continues its playoff push, Clemmons' physicality and relentless motor will be the driving force behind their offensive success.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Devion Mayo","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2409","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"South West Edgecombe","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-691301175e3a3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">SouthWest Edgecombe junior quarterback <strong>Devion Mayo</strong> stepped up in a big way under the playoff lights, leading his team to an impressive first-round victory. The poised signal-caller showcased his growing confidence and command of the offense, throwing for <strong>127 yards and 4 touchdowns</strong> while efficiently guiding the Cougars' attack from start to finish. Mayo demonstrated excellent decision-making, delivering accurate throws in key moments and spreading the ball around to keep the defense on its heels. His leadership and composure were evident throughout the game, especially in the red zone where he capitalized on scoring opportunities. As a junior, Mayo continues to mature each week, proving he can perform at a high level when the stakes are at their highest. With this breakout playoff performance, he's positioned himself as one of the top up-and-coming quarterbacks to watch in Eastern North Carolina heading into the later rounds and into the 2025 season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Kaleb Montanye","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2029","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2409","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Havelock","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-691301175e474"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Havelock freshman quarterback <strong>Kaleb Montanye</strong> rose to the occasion in a huge way, showing maturity and poise well beyond his years in the Rams' big playoff win. The young signal-caller completed <strong>11 of 16 passes for 153 yards and 2 touchdowns</strong>, efficiently leading the offense and delivering in clutch moments. Montanye showed impressive pocket presence, confidence in his reads, and a smooth, accurate throwing motion that kept the chains moving all night. What stood out most was his composure — he never looked rattled, even against postseason pressure, commanding the offense like a seasoned veteran. For a freshman to step in and execute at that level speaks volumes about his potential and the bright future ahead of him. Havelock's tradition of developing elite quarterbacks looks to be in good hands, and Montanye's breakout performance could be the spark that fuels a deep playoff run for the Rams.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1604514"],"_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-691301175e4fa"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Dixon senior running back <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1604514' first='JJ' last='Gulat']</strong> has been a force all season long, and it came as no surprise that his dominance continued into the postseason. The explosive senior put together one of the most jaw-dropping performances of the entire playoff opening round, rushing for an incredible <strong>429 yards and 7 touchdowns</strong>. Gulat ran with power, balance, and determination, breaking through tackles and ripping off big plays seemingly at will. His vision and burst through the line made it nearly impossible for defenders to slow him down, as he carried the offense on his back from start to finish. What's most impressive is his consistency — week after week, Gulat has delivered elite-level production and refuses to be contained no matter the opponent. His combination of strength, endurance, and playmaking ability has made him one of the most feared backs in the state. If this performance is any indication, [player_tooltip player_id='1604514' first='JJ' last='Gulat'] and the Bulldogs aren't just in the playoffs to participate — they're here to make a statement, with their senior workhorse leading the charge.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1702456"],"_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-691301175e544"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">West Carteret senior running back <strong>Joshuah Bauman</strong> put on an absolute show in the Patriots' first-round playoff win, nearly running for the length of three football fields. The explosive back finished the night with <strong>269 rushing yards and a touchdown</strong>, setting the tone for West Carteret's offense and keeping the defense on its heels all game long. Bauman's blend of speed, patience, and toughness allowed him to rip off chunk gains from start to finish, as he consistently found seams and turned them into big plays. His ability to control the tempo and wear down defenders was key to the Patriots' success, especially in crucial second-half drives. This performance was the perfect example of the senior's workhorse mentality — he carried the load, made plays when it mattered most, and helped lift his team to the next round. Bauman has been one of the most reliable backs in the region all season, and this playoff outing only added to his reputation as the heartbeat of the West Carteret offense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->