35 Games, 35 Lasting Impressions, PRZ Fall Travel Notebook
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Roman @ Imhotep Charter Mikal Davis Jr. PA #91 QB #6 HEIGHT 6'0" WEIGHT 200 POS QB CLASS 2024 View Profile Mikal Davis Jr. State: Pennsylvania School: Imhotep Charter Hard-pressed to find a more gutsy performance. Leading a program full…
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Continue ReadingRoman @ Imhotep Charter
Hard-pressed to find a more gutsy performance. Leading a program full of national recruits, leading an offense full of talented prospects who demand the ball, senior quarterback Mikal Davis Jr. Mikal Davis Jr. 6’0″ | 200 lbs | QB Imhotep Charter | 2024 State PA continuously faced an uphill battle in a playoff battle in which Roman Catholic would simply not go away. Watching Jah Jah Boyd continuously deflate the Tep sideline, this young man stayed strong, was spectacular in the fourth quarter, and eventually led Tep on what would be a game-winning TD drive. Battled through tough hits in the pocket, fumbles, some bad throws deflated the huddle. Didn’t matter, Davis answered I don’t question this kid’s toughness moving forward. Straight animal headed to West Point.
St. Joseph’s Prep @ Lincoln
Lincoln didn’t have much of a shot in this one, yet Railsplitter junior Nayshawn Corley Nayshawn Corley 6’0″ | 170 lbs | ATH Frankford | 2024 State PA made the Prep defense tighten up time and time again in the first half. Again, Lincoln faced an uphill battle from the opening whistle, but Corley, who was tasked with playing emergency QB, did all he could to gain yards against this vaunted defense. You don’t see Public League kids move the ball against this program, it just doesn’t happen. That being said, Corley was tucking and running and evading national prospects. This is something I’d bring up to coaches who are potentially recruiting the young man. Worth a mention.
Bethlehem Catholic @ Allentown Central Catholic
Shocked that this kid is just a freshman. Doesn’t operate like a freshman, Vassa is going to be an absolute star out of District 11 in time, if he already isn’t considered so by his peers. Vassa, stationed at wideout and corner, reeled in two awesome grabs in this one, both catches wowing the crowd and sideline. I hardly ever use the word elite, Carter Vassa Carter Vassa 5’11” | 175 lbs | ATH Bethlehem Catholic | 2027 State PA draws out that adjective when describing his acceleration skills, as well as is hand-eye coordination. Looks like the kid has a jetpack starpped to his back. Can’t wait to hear what his 40-time ends up being after verified camp performances. His awareness is that of a seasoned upperclassman too. Aware of his surroundings, aware of leverage while running routes. Special player. His reps at corner are what wowed me during the game itself, I then keyed on him for the rest of the game after watching him strap one of ACC’s best prospects on a few reps. Kid is going to place high among his 2027 classmates.
La Salle @ SJP
Getting open and drawing targets while on the same field as David Washington JR. and Brandon Rehmann Brandon Rehmann 6’0″ | 180 lbs | WR St. Joseph’s Prep | 2024 State PA is a feat in itself. I got to this game late, yet Hardy was a consistent weapon Samaj Jones Samaj Jones 6’0″ | 215 lbs | QB St. Joseph’s Prep | 2024 State PA could target over the middle of the field. Again, more than anything, Hardy getting real reps and real targets in this offense should open eyes for recruiters looking to dip into the SJP well next Fall.
Highlights
Malvern Prep @ Springside Chestnut-Hill
Owen Mears
Owen Mears
There were a couple of SCH kids I thought should earn a spot here. That was before Owen Mears’ changed the landscape of this entire game with an awesome pick-six from his LB/DB spot. With SCH driving to take the lead with under 2-minutes left, SCH senior QB threw an untimely pick that was read to a tee by junior backer Mears. Mears delivered some phenomenal sticks on defense throughout this one too. The game-sealing pick-six was icing on the cake. Stud prospect who needs to be ranked.
Perkiomen Valley @ Downingtown East
250+ yards on the ground, was the majority of the offense, I can’t pick anyone other than Downingtown East’s Ayden Harris Ayden Harris 5’9″ | 205 lbs | RB Downingtown East | 2024 State PA . The offensive line unit drew potential for this spot, yet 33’s three touchdown night in his first playoff appearance up north solidified his spot on this list. This was my first time seeing the kid live, I wanted to see what the fuss surrounding Harris was all about for myself. Bruising, a battering ram with grown man lower-body strength. Harris stood on business and proved his name should be thrown in the conversation concerning who is the best back in state.
Council Rock South @ Downingtown West
Tough to pick anyone other than Old Dominion commit and senior quarterback Quinn Henicle Quinn Henicle 6’2″ | 190 lbs | QB Downingtown West | 2024 State PA . Not my first time seeing the kid, my ranking shows how much of a fan I am of the kid’s game, yet the kid still impressed me while looking like the best player on the field against Council Rock South. Complete command of the offense, hardly looked deterred by the stakes, Quinn Henicle Quinn Henicle 6’2″ | 190 lbs | QB Downingtown West | 2024 State PA was the man behind center with the keys to the playoff victory. Targetting his men downfield, moving and creating rushing yards and passing lanes with his feet, Henicle was as advertised. Delivering strikes to Kucera and Hangey, moving the sticks with his legs, this game was a breeze for the soon-to-be FBS quarterback.
Highlights
Penn Charter @ The Haverford School
Semaj Lee
Semaj Lee
The first new name on this list. Got to this game a bit late, but I immediately learned of Lee’s name after he took an off-tackle handoff the distance for a score. I’m familiar with many out of Haverford, as well as over at Penn Charter. Coming to the game and seeing a new name rack up yards and score on multiple occasions, the kid is a no-brainer to be picked. After I take a look at his tape, Lee’s sure to place on our 2025 ranks. I most likely wouldn’t have heard about the young man without actually attending a game. Lee was gassed in this one, coming in and out of the game due to cramps. Told me a lot about his physical and mental toughness.
Washington @ Northeast
A pick, multiple PBUs, Dymere Durham Dymere Durham 5’11” | ATH Northeast | 2025 State PA was a dominant force stopping balls through the air as well serving as a force defending the run. At the right place at the right time, Durham looked as confident at DB as I’ve ever seen him live or on tape. Be it as it may be, Washington doesn’t necessarily have several weapons at wideout worth losing sleep over, that being outside of Jaheim Bennett Jaheim Bennett 6’0″ | ATH Washington | 2025 State PA , yet Durham took each matchup seriously, I appreciated his efforts all over the field. For a kid who was once touted to be a top two-way prospect in his class, it’s always good to be reminded of the kid’s potential. Whether or not he climbs back up our ranks, Durham proved to be one of the better prospects in this game, leaving an impact on both sides of the field.
Coatesville @ Central Bucks South
Anthony Leonardi
Anthony Leonardi
A bit ashamed that I hadn’t had this young man on the site or on the rankings after watching this one. A senior this good who evaded my nearly 900+ list of names, didn’t make too much sense. Anthony Leonardi put forth an incredible and relentless two-way effort that aligned Central Bucks South for what would be a narrow victory. Recorded numerous QB pressures and gap-stuffs from his linebacker spot, while also scoring on two occasions from two different alignments on offense. A complete football player who can catch the football out of the backfield, as well as split-out wide. Leonardi can sit pretty in the backfield too, at his most natural position. Leonardi took a handoff 60+ yards in this one, his performance opened my eyes as to how wrong I was about the kid. Will be ranked moving forward, happy I got to see just how special a senior this young man is. He’s continuing dominant play in the PIAA playoffs as CB South continues to move toward a potential state title.
South Philly @ Lincoln
First time seeing Smalley, a kid I’ve been fond of for some time, now at Lincoln HS with several weapons at his disposal. Roling Davis Roling Davis ATH State PA scored on three different occasions in this one, yet I just couldn’t ignore the performance put on by the young man behind center. A delegator and distributor, command of the huddle and complete understanding of the offense. Pre-snap communication showed me this kid attempts to position his offensive weapons in beneficial situations. Vocal, aware, I know plenty of gifted QBs who can’t run a huddle, Smalley gives you both. I knew of his abilities as a runner, had the chance to see it up close and personal and came away impressed. Had the chance to see Smalley throw some balls deep, I know he can handle the LOS-15yard areas of the field, he looked confident attacking deeper parts of the field while I was in attendance. His production on the day will stand out, yet I’m more pleased with the way he carried himself.
Highlights
USO @ Westinghouse
Michael Richardson Michael Richardson 6'3" | 200 lbs | DL Westinghouse | 2024 State PA
Michael Richardson Michael Richardson 6'3" | 200 lbs | DL Westinghouse | 2024 State PA
Westinghouse is to the brim with talented names. Yet I left with an unranked senior leaving a lasting impression on me. That being Michael Richardson Michael Richardson 6’3″ | 200 lbs | DL Westinghouse | 2024 State PA . Will be ranked moving forward. Richardson made his presence felt on special teams alone, taking a direct snap on a fake punt 60+ yards for a score, while also blocking a USO block when the game was still relatively close. Couple this with consistent pressure of the edge, some edge-setting reps, some tackles inside the box, you’ve got a performance worth mentioning. Other Westinghouse prospects balled out of course, yet I had no idea who this young man was coming into the game.
McKeesport @ Thomas Jefferson
Anthony Boyd
Anthony Boyd
Anthony Boyd made my trip out west worth my time. I went into this one expecting Kemon Spell Kemon Spell 5’10” | 175 lbs | RB McKeesport | 2027 State PA to terrorize the Thomas Jefferson defense. Spell certainly had his moments, but Boyd was the one wreaking havoc with each carry. Again, I was a bit ashamed to realize I didn’t have this kid on our ranks prior to my trip, but this is exactly why I go on these trips, to find out who is who. Boyd ran for what had had to be over 250 rushing yards, while scoring on at least two occasions if my memory serves me right. Boyd was the best player on the field that night, running through the trenches and between the tackles with purpose, cutting laterally and making kids miss once at the second level. Fantastic player who even recorded several tackles from his safety spot, as well as manned the wild-cat QB position for McKeesport. Quickly became one of my favorite prospects.
Imhotep @ SJP JV
I knew about many star underclassmen before heading out to this one. I’ve seen the Joey McLeishs, the Simaj Hills and the Kareem Haqqs of the world beforehand. One kid I had yet to see work in person was Masiia Acrey Masiia Acrey 5’10” | 165 lbs | ATH St. Joseph’s Prep | 2027 State PA , a highly-ranked freshman who is already going to see a jump this coming update. Phenomenal game all-around, had special moments aligned at corner as well as on special teams. We’ve yet to see the best out of this young man. SJP is getting him right, Acrey left an impression on me, one that will likely remain positive moving forward. Currently ranked one spot outside of the top ten among his 2027 classmates. That will likely change.
Chester @ Chichester
I’m hardly shocked at anything Jalen Harris Jalen Harris 6’1″ | 170 lbs | QB Chester | 2026 State PA does on the football field anymore. This being the fourth time I’ve seen him work in person, I still leave the game wondering how he doesn’t have multiple FBS offers to his name yet. I can’t stress this enough, this young man is not an athlete playing quarterback. There is nuance in his game, there’s attention to detail being paid. On what was a terribly windy outing, Harris continued to drop jaw-dropping dimes 30+ yards downfield. I won’t sugarcoat things, Harris wasn’t perfect against Chichester, yet I came away shaking my head at just how special a quarterback this young man has developed into. Holding safeties with his eyes, hitting timing routes accurately through the wind, his athleticism outside of the pocket, the arm angles he can throw with. More than anything, I got another look at Jalen Harris Jalen Harris 6’1″ | 170 lbs | QB Chester | 2026 State PA the talker, the leader. Calm yet energizing, a director for those not in the know inside the huddle. This kid is a bonafide stud.
Archbishop Ryan @ Cardinal O’Hara
Tough to not go with Keon Powell Keon Powell 6’1″ | 180 lbs | DB Cardinal O’Hara | 2024 State PA here, who scored three times on the ground. I couldn’t take my eyes off of Nathan Kutufaris Nathan Kutufaris 6’6″ | 260 lbs | OL Cardinal O’Hara | 2025 State PA , the behemoth left tackle deployed by Cardinal O’Hara. Power unleashed off the snap, tough to really dissect offensive line play when evaluating live, yet I can recount several occasions where Kutufaris flat out bull-dozed some kids in his way when pulling from his tackle spot. His presence on the defensive side of the ball is what left a true impression. I like Kutufaris the tackle, but if he can add real pass-rushing capabilities to his repertoire, his stock could jump dramatically. I don’t think I ranked him too high based on what I saw in person.
Highlights
MLK @ West Philly
Sameer Keith Sameer Keith 5’11” | 140 lbs | ATH Martin Luther King | 2025 State PA went into this game already ranked as a top 100 junior in all of Pennsylvania. Thanks to the MLK coaching staff, I’ve had a read on Keith’s game for some time. On this afternoon, I got the chance to see just how special a defensive back Keith is. For the majority of the matchup, I was pleased with Keith’s performance in run support. DBs don’t rank this high solely because of their prowess against the run, yet in this one, Keith’s ability to come down from his safety spot and tackle ball carriers head-on stood out to me. Then, in the second half, the ball hawk in Keith showed up and showed out. Two interceptions, one that went 100+ yards for a score, another pick that almost sealed an MLK victory. Keith’s ability to understand route concepts, and play them in real-time has me aligning him next to some of the better DBs the state has to offer. A star in the making who should have a busy off-season.
Highlights
Spring-Ford @ Methacton
One of the better QB performances I’ve seen all year top to bottom. Zollers against the Methacton defense drew a couple of local collegiate programs, I’d say any matchup Zollers is involved in should draw some interest. Zollers was as advertised, if not better. I was enamored with his play inside the red zone, 15 yards before the goal-line. Zollers’ feet, his ability to scan while keeping his feet married to his eyes, his knowledge of where his reads should be with each passing breath in the pocket. Exemplaray work. Accuracy with power behind his throws. Saw him flick a 40-yard bomb where only his man could come down with the football. Got a glimpse of his duality, took a QB keeper off a zone-read that went 50+ yards. Zollers is already highly touted on our site, he’s going to see a bump again after seeing him work in person.
Freedom @ Bethlehem Catholic
Legitimate Division One prospect who, at the time of this game, was unknown to me. Again, this is why I value attending games so much, can’t always figure out who is who from behind a computer screen. Colwell is going to see a massive jump in rank after watching him torch BecaHi DBs. Incredible stride, 6’2 but carries a very slight frame, a frame that glides down the field. Talk about separation skills, talk about straight-line speed. Many DBs played 6-8 yards off of Colwell, with the junior wideout eating up cushion in a flash. Awesome mits to reel in passes, a real hands-catcher on routes non-vertical routes. Colwell even threw a 40-yard pass in the game I attended, completed it too.
Penncrest @ Lower Merion
Another quarterback makes the cut, this time it’s Lehigh commit Mekhai Smith Mekhai Smith 6’2″ | 200 lbs | QB Lower Merion | 2024 State PA who led both Lower Merion’s offense and defense to a victory over Penncrest. That two-way ability is influenced my decision to pick Mekhai Smith Mekhai Smith 6’2″ | 200 lbs | QB Lower Merion | 2024 State PA . I’ve seen Smith double as a QB/Safety on tape, this was hardly news to me. What was eye-opening was his ability to completely command two separate huddles. I don’t come across two-way prospects who can completely lead all-22 players on the field. Hearing Smith call out pre-snap alignments, hearing and watching Smith navigate what the opposing side what throwing his way, watching and listening to Smith delegate assignments to his teammates. All of this went a long way in terms of finding out more about Mekhai Smith Mekhai Smith 6’2″ | 200 lbs | QB Lower Merion | 2024 State PA the leader. The player is a top ten ATH in the state, the leader might be even more special. Incredible smart, was overheard offering up plays/sets to his coaches before plays were called. Was a joy to see. Lehigh got a good one.
Central Bucks East @ North Penn
Tough to pick a prospect in this one, considering I was only in attendance for the second half. I was tempted to go with CBE’s Jack Donnelly Jack Donnelly 6’2″ | 235 lbs | TE Central Bucks East | 2024 State PA or Daniel Voglesong, yet North Penn got out of this with a win. I decided to go with NP’s Dillon Hastings Dillon Hastings 5’10” | 210 lbs | DL North Penn | 2024 State PA . A kid who doesn’t get too much love, a prospect who does a ton to help his football team win games. Hastings is a bit of a tweener in terms of size. You can find the kid aligned anywhere from TE, where Hastings will impact block next to tackles, at long snapper, snapping for punts and XPs, you can find Hastings along the defensive front doing damage against OL much bigger than he is. Hastings put on a similar show in this one. Gritty, does what’s asked of him, I value that, college coaches value this as well. Hastings even came away with a PBU that led to an interception in this one if I am remembering correctly. Great pound-for-pound football player.
Highlights
Neumann-Goretti @ Bonner-Prendie
Pressure after pressure, TFL and TFL. It’s hard to not bring up Adefolarin’s name and not scratch my head at his recruitment right about now. I’ll leave my grumbles on that for another piece. In this piece, I wanted to shed light on just how good Adefolarin was against Bonner back in October. One of the best pure pass-rushers in the state, Adefolarin was back to his usual ways making life difficult for the young passer behind center. This game was tight, both defenses played phenomenally, yet my hat goes out to Adefolarin who could have easily recorded 3+ sacks. The junior defender did what he could in run support, but was often too much to handle early in reps when Bonner attempted to throw the football. I could have picked 3-4 Saints to highlight here, that’s how good the front-seven played. I could have even shown love to some Friar defenders too. Was a fun game to attend.
Highlights
Conwell-Egan @ Lansdale Catholic
Could have easily gone with Cooper Lauersen Cooper Lauersen 6’5″ | 305 lbs | OL Conwell-Egan | 2024 State PA , Sam Cooper Sam Cooper 5’11” | 185 lbs | ATH Conwell-Egan | 2024 State PA , or Sincer Fairey Sincer Fairey 6’1″ | 220 lbs | ATH Conwell-Egan | 2025 State PA here. Yet I couldn’t help but give this spot to Tim Gipli Tim Gipli 5’11” | DB Conwell-Egan | 2024 State PA , who changed this game around with an incredible pick-six. Miscommunication between Meehan and his man led to a ball thrown right into Gipli’s waiting hands, he took it back and immediately changed this football game. Gipli continued to make things difficult outside the numbers for LC pass-catchers, was hip-to-hip with wideouts taking him deep. Throw in some good reps in run support too. What was icing on the cake, Gipli reeled in a huge catch on offense, proving to guys like me that he could be a two-way producer at this level if given the opportunity. Many Eagles could have been mentioned here, including Pond and Ginsberg, too. Great all-around game out of the program.
Wyoming Seminary @ Penn Charter
Tom McGlinchey Tom McGlinchey 6’6″ | 205 lbs | QB William Penn Charter | 2026 State PA was the main draw for me. I wanted to see what Penn Charter had in this young man. Although some other Quakers cashed in on better performances against Wyoming Seminary, I still came away pleased with McGlinchey’s overall performance. The Sophomore quarterback could have certainly tightened up his accuracy, his timing was a bit off, plenty of areas to clean up and work on for sure. Yet I left excited about the version of McGlinchey we might see a year or two from now. The size and stature is an obvious plus. The arm talent is there, I think we are just waiting for the game to slow down a bit. A calmer, more confident McGlinchey will come in time, I have to remind myself that he’s just a sophomore leading this Quaker team to victories behind some studs on both sides of the ball. McGlicnhey threw a couple of passes to Ohifame Ijeboi Ohifame Ijeboi 6’0″ | 195 lbs | RB William Penn Charter | 2024 State PA who proceeded to not be tackled and score. The future is bright for this kid so long as he continues to work at his craft.
Lansdale Catholic @ Neumann-Goretti
Kahmir Prescott Kahmir Prescott 6’1″ | 190 lbs | ATH Neumann-Goretti | 2024 State PA was unreal in this victory over Lansdale Catholic. I left shaking my head at how he was toying with defenders. Prescott was repped at wild-cat quarterback a good amount in this one, doing so in relief of Mekhi Wharton Mekhi Wharton 6’5″ | 215 lbs | QB Neumann-Goretti | 2024 State PA . With the front-seven knowing what was coming, Prescott still managed to hurt the Crusader defense springing runs outside and doing damage with his legs. Almost free yardage anytime Neumann decided to give this kid an opportunity running with space outside the tackles. We know, however, that anything Prescott does on offense/special teams is icing on the cake. This was one of the few times I got to see both Khari Reid Khari Reid 5’10” | 165 lbs | DB Neumann – Goretti | 2024 State PA and Khamir Prescott both deployed in the secondary. An absolute unfair duo to gameplan against. Prescott, who often deviated from his safety spot to play slot corner, was equally as dominant on this side of the football as he was on offense. A physical menace, Prescott delivered a jaw-dropping hit on an LC BC that caused a fumble. Prescott was in on PBUs all night and even added a pass-catch for a score that sealed this game in favor or Neumann-Goretti.
Father Judge @ Pope John Paul II
For months I wondered what the hold up was in terms of Boyd Skarbek Boyd Skarbek 6’0″ | 190 lbs | RB Pope John Paul II | 2024 State PA and his “lack” of recruitment. I had grown fond of his game from afar back in 2022; he was always a great producer no matter who was blocking for him. Skarbek put himself on the map this season, recruiting has picked up too. As far as the game goes, no one deserves to be mentioned in this one other than the senior back, who racked up 200+ yards from scrimmage, tacking on 3 total scores from his running back spot. This game was close for a bit, up until Skarbek was let loose both through the air as well as on the ground. A wheel caught for a TD, a couple of long home-runs hit, one went for 70+ yards. Skarbek would continue to dominate defenses like this for weeks on end. Special player. Glad I got to see him work in person.
Nazareth @ Parkland
Nazareth had their chances in this one, but there was no better player on the field this night than Army commit Trey Tremba Trey Tremba 5’11” | 190 lbs | RB Parkland | 2024 State PA . Over 250 yards from scrimmage, 200 or so came on the ground. Was unreal between the tackles, racked up four scores in this one, one of which was a pass caught for what would eventually be the game-winning score. This performance had me rethinking my previous rank/stance on the young Parkland legend. Yes, we have him as a top 100 prospect, that’s high praise, yet I still feel like I might’ve had this kid too low. When I leave your game feeling like that, you know you did something right. Because of this performance, because of his overall year, Tremba will likely see a bump heading into what will be the final 2024 ranking update. Army continues to pull awesome talent out of the state, Tremba’s their latest steal. You can re-live his game-winning catch below!
Ben Franklin @ George Washington
This wasn’t much of a contest, yet was nice to see some afternoon Public League ball before my trip out to Nazareth. Washington’s Jaheim Bennett Jaheim Bennett 6’0″ | ATH Washington | 2025 State PA put on a show. Coach Brasche had told me long before this game that this young man was someone to look out for. He was 100% right. Bennett scored on three different occasions, almost looked like he was playing a different game than everyone else on the field. Superb athleticism, Coach Brasche has him aligning at several different positions pre-snap, also gets creative in ways they can feed him the ball. Sweeps, handoffs, can be thrown the ball short or at the intermediate levels. Can also play several positions on defense at this level. A real stud whose performance will land him ranked among his 2025 peers.
Cheltenham @ Wilson WL
I only saw a quarter of action in this one so I’ll keep it brief. In said quarter, Tommy Hunsicker Tommy Hunsicker QB Wilson | 2024 State PA would proceed to throw three touchdowns against what was a talented Cheltenham defense. This is the second time Hunsicker has impressed me, previous time was against Harrisburg last year. Kid has guts and is a gamer. Doesn’t seem to falter or be deflated by stakes or who his opponent is. Wish I could have seen him play a complete game back-to-back years. My face lights up when talking to college coaches about the young man.
Roman Catholic @ Episcopal Academy
This was one of the first time seeing Jah Jah Boyd work as a real two-way prospect. I was well aware of Boyd’s capabilities as a wideout, yet I always (and still do) view him as a DB. Watching him snatch balls out of the air against great coverage, watching Boyd track the football like he’s been playing wideout for years, watching Boyd outrun other DBs. This was the game that sparked the thought that maybe, Jah Jah Boyd is a top 15 player in the state. People will laugh, people will cringe, but I have had as close a look at the JMU commit as any outside of the Roman Coaching staff. This kid is the best commit James Madison has brought through their building. Other media sites are downplaying just how special this kid is. I’d bet the house on that.
Highlights
Malvern Prep @ La Salle
Pellicciotta’s performance against La Salle opened my eyes to how wrong his current ranking is. I’d be hard-pressed to find 167 better juniors in the state of Pennsylvania. Pellicciotta is on the short list of prospects that come to my mind when truly thinking about mistakes made in the past in terms of ranking. The kid is just outside of the top 150. Pellicciotta has turned in phenomenal tape in the past, yet is still underrated. That should show you just how high of a ceiling I think this kid could have. Pellicciotta recorded two touchdowns, one on the ground, one through the air, as well as coming up big filling gaps and lanes against the run from his safety spot. A game in which Pellicciotta was active in all three phases of the game, I finally understood just how versatile a skillset he possesses. A true three-way player who must be on the field at all times. Will see a jump in rank soon.
Simon Gratz @ Germantown Academy
This served as the first time seeing Xavier Stearn Xavier Stearn 6’5″ | 200 lbs | QB Germantown Academy | 2026 State PA in pads. With so much hype around his name, largely in part of my doing, I wanted to see what Stearn looked like away from his comfort zone. Maybe the beach is his comfort zone, because the young man looked as comfortable, confident, and poised as ever. The young signal-caller threw four touchdowns in a win over Gratz, waking up anyone denying the kid’s potential. I spoke in a previous piece about his approach/demeanor, about how seasoned he look despite this being his first year as a starter. I have a feeling Stearn and family are going to like his future ranking. He proved a lot this Fall.
Highlights
William Penn York @ Harrisburg
Nehemiah Ewell Nehemiah Ewell 6’0″ | 190 lbs | ATH Harrisburg | 2025 State PA , like many on this list, is going to see a huge climb up our boards. The stock rise began to climb shortly after the Week Zero performance against William Penn (York). Sharing the bulk of carries with Hill and other Cougars, Nehemaih Ewell grabbed all of our attentions after taking handoffs out of gun from Shawn Lee and absolutely barrelling over would-be tacklers. The size immediately stands out and watching him open up his stride is what left me seriously impressed. I watched the 6’1, 190-pound back open up his gait and blow past defenders I would have deemed much faster than he was before the snap. Speed like this, combined with his frame, you could have a serious prospect on your hands. Ewell went on to score on two carries, both of which went for 60+ yards. Hell of an opening performance. I hear the kid is still tearing up turf even now. Not surprised anymore.
Imani Christian Academy @ Steelton Highspire
I expressed in a previous post just how excited I was to watch Kam Chisholm Kam Chisholm 6’2″ | 195 lbs | DL Middletown Area | 2024 State PA work for the first time, this dating back to the Week Zero contest against Imani Christian. I didn’t know much about the kid beforehand, I became an instant fan once the game had ended. A couple of Imani kids also left an impression on me, one that lasts to this day, yet I have to show love to the team who won on that night. Former Middletown Area two-sport athlete, Chisholm debuted for Steelton securing a couple catches from his wideout spot, as well as making an impact on the defensive side of the ball. Served as a front-side edge rusher who was seemingly in the backfield every play. Recorded a safety, recorded a sack, recorded numerous QB pressures. Was a hell of a debut. Now, Chisholm is getting calls from the likes of LIU and SFU. Stud.
Highlights
Life Christian Academy @ Imhotep Charter
Tough to really point out a single Panther from this ridiculous game. I fully expect names like Zafir Stewart Zafir Stewart 6’5″ | 330 lbs | OL Imhotep Charter | 2024 State PA , Kenny Woseley, and Zahir Mathis Zahir Mathis 6’6″ | 230 lbs | DL Imhotep Charter | 2025 State PA to dominate football games. Seeing them do so wasn’t much of a surprise. Yet, at the time, seeing Sy’eer Coleman Sy’eer Coleman 6’0″ | 200 lbs | RB Imhotep Charter | 2026 State PA tote the rock the way he did was worth sitting in the 90-degree sun. Many backs got opportunities in this one, yet the sophomore soon-to-be national recruit made sure his presence was felt. Coleman broke free on one inside handoff that had him seeing open field early in the rep, he took this the distance for a score. Coleman would later catch a swing/screen for another score if I’m remembering correctly. This was my first time seeing the kid up close. He made an impression that stuck with me.
East Pennsboro @ York Suburban
Has to be the biggest oversight on this list. There aren’t 94 better ATHs, there aren’t 570 better prospects than East Pennsboro’s Keith Oates Keith Oates 6’0″ | 190 lbs | ATH East Pennsboro | 2024 State PA , period. I’ll own up to that, and will get it fixed. Nothing like watching a kid dominate on both sides of the ball, ultimately leading to a drastic ranking change. That’s what is in store for the two-way senior captain out of EPHS. Yes, recruitment might be a bit slower than the new me might’ve liked. I do think this kid’s skillset should garner attention from every D2/D3 in the state, especially local programs. Oates two-way prowess, both at MLB as well as at QB, should elevate his stock for coaches recruiting the area. Maybe some won’t like him at QB, yet those same schools would surely love him at LB. Here’s to hoping the young man sees a future full of options and opportunity. Kid flexes a 4.0 GPA, too. Stony Brook has shown interest in the form of a gameday visit recently. We’ll see how the cookie crumbles. All I know is, this kid proved me wrong back in Week Zero.
Highlights
York Tech @ James Buchanon
In a game chockful of mistakes, flags, cramps, Pearce Alleynce’s performance was a bright spot. There weren’t too many prospects to evaluate in this one, despite this game being one of the more competitive games featured in the weekend’s slate. Alleynce registered numerous pressures coming from his DT spot. Said pressure led to two sacks from what my notes say. The 6’2, 230-pound lineman showed off a lot of the same quality traits shown in his junior tape. Played center this game, which might be a new position for him instead of guard. He’s the sole reason I attended this game, he made it worthwhile in my opinion. Would need to put on substantial weight if he wants to stay working in the trenches at the next level.