Notable Semifinal Game-Changer Spotlight

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='928354' first='Jyron' last='Hughley'] | QB | 2026 | Cardinal Newman | @JyronHughley</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hughley delivered a true MVP-level performance, accounting for over 350 total yards and five touchdowns. He threw for 205 yards and 3 scores while adding 155 rushing yards and 2 more touchdowns on the ground. His impact was loudest in Newman's 48–33 win over Carrollwood Day, showing complete control of the offense in the biggest moment.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1153040' first='Xander' last='Edwards'] | RB | 2028 | Bolles | @Edwards17Xander</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Edwards continues to build a Player of the Year-type résumé. He powered Bolles with five touchdowns in their semifinal win over Cardinal Gibbons, once again proving he can carry an offense when the stakes are highest. His blend of vision, balance, and finishing ability makes him a true game-breaking back.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Leon Strawder | QB | 2026 | American Heritage | @lstrawder12</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Known as a physical leader with a nice arm, Strawder completed 16-of-19 passes for 285 yards and 3 touchdowns against a physical Choctaw defense. Heritage trusted one of their best athlete with the ball — and he delivered.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Connail Jackson | RB | 2027 | Cardinal Mooney | @ConnailJ</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jackson has become the engine of Mooney's playoff run. He added another 100+ yard performance and pushed his postseason total to 14 rushing touchdowns. He runs with power, urgency, and finishes every carry with intent — he's been the difference maker.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>DJ Hicks | WR | 2026 | Jones | @DJ_Hicks2</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hicks came alive in the semifinal stage with 6 catches for 125 yards and 2 touchdowns. His burst off the line and ability to separate in space make him a tough cover. When Jones needed a big play, Hicks answered.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Kelin Hendrix | QB | 2027 | Lakeland | @HendrixKelin</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hendrix played with composure and control, leading Lakeland with steady decision-making and explosive playmaking. He broke loose for a 77-yard touchdown run and delivered multiple scoring throws in Lakeland's blowout win over Ponte Vedra to secure another trip to the 5A state title.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>A'Mir Sears | ATH | 2028 | West Broward | @AmirSears21</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sears continues to trend upward as one of the more exciting young athletes in the state. At 6-2, 175 pounds, he made multiple big-time catches in traffic, including deep-ball grabs that helped push West Broward into a state championship appearance.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1581751' first='Barrett' last='Schulz'] | WR | 2026 | Lake Mary | @BarrettSchulz</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Schulz's size and reliability stood out once again. The 6-5 FIU commit consistently won matchups in critical moments, using his frame to shield defenders and finish contested catches in Lake Mary's semifinal victory.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Trey Moran | QB | 2027 | West Boca | @Treymoran13__</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Moran played with toughness and toughness, helping West Boca grind out a physical 14–13 battle. His ability to manage the game and keep drives alive made the difference in a low-scoring chess match.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1206211' first='Efrem' last='White'] | ATH/QB | 2026 | Vero Beach | @Efrem_White11</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>White continues to look like the heartbeat of an undefeated team. Taking over at quarterback, he accounted for four total touchdowns, delivering two scoring passes to Latravious Woods while extending plays with his legs. His leadership and playmaking have carried Vero Beach to the state title game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->