5a Recap Wilson vs Crest Top Performers: Offense

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 5A State Championship game between Hunt and Crest delivered on every level offensively, turning into a <strong>back-and-forth showcase of explosive playmakers</strong> on both sides. After an early defensive battle, the game opened up with <strong>chunk plays, momentum swings, and star players stepping up on the biggest stage</strong>. Each possession felt like a response, with both offenses trading big moments and highlighting the elite talent, speed, and execution that defined one of the most entertaining championship games in recent memory.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1953755"],"_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-69437863aea8e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1953755' first='Mez' last='Harris'] may not have had his best night throwing the football, but he once again proved why he's an <strong>ultimate competitor</strong> and one of the most dangerous athletes on the field. Harris accounted for <strong>the first score of the game</strong> and later flipped momentum with an <strong>electric 80-yard scramble for a touchdown</strong>, showcasing his elite speed and playmaking ability. His toughness, fearlessness, and ability to take over a game with his legs were on full display. Add in the fact that he also plays <strong>safety</strong>, and it's easy to see why Harris is viewed as <strong>one of the top underclassmen athletes in eastern North Carolina</strong> — a true two-way difference-maker who impacts the game in multiple ways.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1970795"],"_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-69437863aeaef"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1970795' first='Doryan' last='Jones'] put the finishing touches on a <strong>breakout sophomore season</strong> with yet another efficient performance, eclipsing the <strong>100-yard mark on just 16 carries</strong>. His vision, burst, and balance consistently turned routine runs into chain-moving plays, and he showed the ability to control the tempo even in a championship setting. With Jones leading the backfield, <strong>Hunt will be a strong and dangerous team next season</strong>, built around his ability to run through contact and create explosive gains. Jones is a <strong>phenomenal athlete</strong> whose continued development makes him one of the key building blocks for Hunt's future.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1144640"],"_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-69437863aeb39"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1144640' first='Ely' last='Hamrick'] was named the <strong>overall MVP</strong>, and the Virginia commit delivered a championship performance worthy of the honor. Hamrick accounted for <strong>over 225 yards passing and more than 85 yards rushing</strong>, adding <strong>two rushing touchdowns</strong> while leading his offense with poise and toughness. He was the clear heartbeat of the unit, consistently making plays when his team needed them most. On several designed runs, the <strong>6'5 quarterback didn't shy away from contact — he actually led up on blocks</strong>, setting the tone with his physicality. Hamrick is <strong>strong, faster than he looks</strong>, and a <strong>big-time competitor</strong>, the kind of leader who elevates everyone around him on the biggest stage.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1671903"],"_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-69437863aeb7c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1671903' first='Michael' last='Edwards'] turned in a <strong>dynamic, do-it-all performance</strong> to earn <strong>Offensive Player of the Game</strong> honors for Crest. The senior finished with <strong>95 yards rushing and two touchdowns</strong>, while also adding <strong>85 yards receiving</strong>, impacting the game in multiple ways. Lined up primarily at wide receiver, Edwards showed <strong>running back–level vision, toughness, and balance</strong> with the ball in his hands, consistently creating yards after contact and breaking explosive plays. His versatility, competitiveness, and ability to produce in big moments make him a <strong>valuable chess piece</strong> offensively, and he has all the tools to be a <strong>strong contributor at the next level</strong>.<br><br></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":"Jason Black ","_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":"Crest","_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-69437863aec1f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Jason Black, the senior running back for Crest, delivered a <strong>physical, tone-setting performance</strong> that often went unnoticed on first glance. He's <strong>much stronger than he looks</strong>, repeatedly breaking tackles and finishing runs with authority throughout the game. Black closed the night with <strong>119 rushing yards and a touchdown</strong>, consistently keeping Crest ahead of the chains. A <strong>fast, decisive one-cut runner</strong>, he hit holes with confidence and burst, making defenders pay once he got downhill. His toughness and efficiency were key factors in Crest's offensive success on the championship stage.<br><br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->