FHSAA Playoff Inside Look: Notable Valuable Performers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1153040' first='Xander' last='Edwards'] | RB | Bolles</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A reliable, physical runner who's kept Bolles steady in the postseason. Edwards gives them control of the tempo and answers the bell in pressure moments.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Effrem White | QB/ATH | Vero Beach</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>White stepped in midseason and completely changed Vero Beach's trajectory. His poise, playmaking, and ability to extend drives have kept them unbeaten. He's been one of Florida's most impactful players during the playoff stretch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1206696' first='Noah' last='Grubbs'] | QB | Lake Mary</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Grubbs continues to elevate Lake Mary with sharp decision-making and calm execution. His arm talent shows up every week, and he's locked in during the postseason.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1263588' first='Darryon' last='Jones'] | QB | Venice</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Howard commit brings size, mobility, and control to the offense. Jones has been steady in the red zone and gives Venice a true dual-threat who can manage the moment.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='405300' first='Dereon' last='Coleman'] | QB | Jones</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A natural thrower with confidence and rhythm. The Miami commit has the Tigers rolling, operating the offense with precision and stepping up when the game tightens.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='859613' first='Asharri' last='Charles'] | EDGE | Venice</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A disruptive force who impacts every layer of the defense. Charles racks up production — 107 tackles and 26 TFLs — because of his motor, length, and ability to chase down plays across the field. He has a complete tool set and shows it every week.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='212284' first='Joel' last='Morris'] | QB | Booker</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Clean, efficient, and locked in. Zero interceptions this deep into the season says everything about his control of the offense. Morris keeps Booker on schedule with smart ball placement and steady leadership.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Neimann Lawrence | QB | Northwestern</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A young QB playing with veteran maturity. Lawrence has matched preseason expectations by leading Northwestern to an undefeated run with sharp ball placement and advanced understanding for his age. He's become the steady hand of the Bulls' offense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='402800' first='Amar'e' last='Johnson'] | ATH | Bishop Moore</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A spark plug in space who lifts the offense and special teams. Johnson has come up big in the moments Bishop Moore needed momentum.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jyron Hughley | QB | Cardinal Newman</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The West Virgina commit is electric and a game-changer who's dangerous with his legs scrambling out of the pocket and can deliver the pass when needed. Came up big for his team last time out with three rushing TDs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Connail Jackson | RB | Cardinal Mooney</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jackson has been on a scoring tear — 12 rushing TDs this postseason. He's powering Cardinal Mooney's deep playoff push and continues to deliver in every high-leverage moment. Quietly one of the most productive backs in the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1158090' first='Logan' last='Flaherty'] | QB | Port Charlotte</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Flaherty operates with confidence and doesn't force throws. His accuracy and timing have carried Port Charlotte's offense throughout the postseason.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Elias Pearl | WR | Port Charlotte | @EliasPearl6</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A smooth, refined young receiver with strong hands and downfield ability. Pearl already has two offers and continues to show he's a true emerging threat for 2027.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Kelin Hendrix | QB | Lakeland</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hendrix has been the steady hand Lakeland needed — calm, smart, and efficient. He protects the ball and keeps the offense moving.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jojo Howard | ATH | Lakeland</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A game-changing returner and offensive weapon. Howard consistently flips field position and injects energy into Lakeland's playoff run.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1247490' first='Malik' last='Morris'] | EDGE | Lakeland</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Florida commit is a tone-setter. Morris collapses pockets, wins matchups, and creates pressure that changes entire drives. A major reason Lakeland continues to advance.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->