Week 2 Standout Players from WNY

This week, I was able to make it to 4 games - JV & Varsity - and recognize several standout players. I will highlight some teams and players that stood out to me this weekend; some players that are highly recognizable while a few that are still under the radar and others will be names to know in the next few seasons.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Sweet Home @ Hamburg</h2>   In a game that featured 6 lead changes, this divisional battle was filled with big play after big play. Sweet Home would take this one 47-42 and both teams will exit week 2 with a 1-1 overall record.   Player of the Game    In their Week 1 matchup against Orchard Park, [player_tooltip player_id='1283620' first='Daquan' last='Stone'] exited the game early with an injury after touching the ball just five times. But in his first game back, he showed the kind of playmaker he is. Stone scored the first touchdown of the game on the opening drive; a pass from [player_tooltip player_id='527730' first='Rocco' last='Panepinto'] which was followed by a 16 yard scamper in the endzone and a 4th quarter score that would give the Panthers an 8 point lead. His last touchdown was set up by a fumble recovery he had coming from his Linebacker position. All in all, Daquan finished the game with 2 rushing TDs, a TD reception, a 2-pt conversion catch and a fumble recovery.    Difference Makers    When I did my team preview on Sweet Home, I said [player_tooltip player_id='1344772' first='Quinten' last='Wilhelm'] will be a name to know and he proved that in this game. He played Strong Safety last year but has converted to Linebacker as a junior. He is also a viable option in the passing game and an asset to their special teams unit. Wilhelm did everything in this game. He caught an extraordinary toe-taping touchdown early in the first quarter, had a sack/fumble that the Panthers recovered late in the game and his 29 yard field goal with 1:53 left in the 4th put the game out of reach for the Bulldogs. On top of all that, he had several tackles and kicked two extra points (one of which was from 34 yards out after a 15-yard Sweet Home penalty).     Just as he did last week vs Orchard Park, [player_tooltip player_id='648809' first='Damari' last='Yancey'] scored 2 touchdowns - 1 through the air and the other was an electrifying kick return. Both of his TDs this week came when Sweet Home was down on the scoreboard and they needed a play. Yancey is a dynamic player that can be used in many different packages and is dangerous in the open field.    Breakout Player    It has to be a hard pill to swallow to score 42 points and lose a game. It has to even be more difficult when you, yourself was responsibly for 40 of those 42 points. That was the case for Bryce Terry, who threw 5 touchdowns, ran in another and scrambled in for two- 2 point conversions. Last season as junior, Terry had a modest season throwing for 1,168 yards and winning just one game. But this week two matchup showed how electric of a player he is and will be a force to deal with in the A2 division.    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Starpoint @ North Tonawanda</h2>   The Starpoint Spartans handed North Tonawanda pretty well, defeating the Lumberjacks 34-0.   Player of the Game    [player_tooltip player_id='806952' first='Anthony' last='Anselm'] displayed his 4.39 speed well Friday night catching 5 passes for 113 yards and 3 touchdowns. His crisp route running and excellent quickness was too much for the Lumberjacks defense.    Two-Way Playmaker    [player_tooltip player_id='806953' first='Joseph' last='Richardson'] displayed his versatility as the Spartans starting RB with 70 yards on the ground and a TD. He was also their best defensive player this game leading the team in tackles with 8 and added a forced fumble and took a fumble recovery 90 yards for another touchdown.    Breakout Player    Anselm couldn't have the game he had without the performance of QB Mike Grady. Grady played with precision completing 15 of 23 attempts for 248 yards and 3 touchdowns.    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Jamestown @ St. Joe's (JV)</h2>   A competitive JV game that saw some very good talent of the future as the St. Joe's Marauders beat Jamestown 22-12.   Player of the Game    [player_tooltip player_id='1814188' first='Brendan' last='Kiel'] was the best player on the field in this game. He started as the team's QB, throwing a 33 yard touchdown to give the Marauders a lead they would not relinquish in the 4th Quarter. But it was on defense where he made the difference recording 2 interceptions when he was put in at CB later in the contest. This is an excellent athlete whose future position at the next level is yet to be seen.    Class of 2028 QB to Watch    [player_tooltip player_id='1454294' first='Jackson' last='Grey'] kept Jamestown in the game for the first 3 quarters completing 10 passes of 15 attempts for 165 yards in that time. Grey showed a lot of toughness in the face of pressure with the willingness to step in the pocket and deliver a strike. Jackson has excellent arm strength as 2 of his passes went for more than 50 yards. There is a good chance [player_tooltip player_id='1454294' first='Jackson' last='Grey'] will be the Red & Green's starting QB in 2025. I would not be surprised if he gets called up this year.    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Dunkirk @ Lackawanna</h2>   Lackawanna took the opening kick 85 yards for a touchdown and never looked back as they shutout Dunkirk, 58-0.   Player of the Game    Lackawanna is notorious for their rushing attack but in their game against Dunkirk, Michael Moore displayed a strong arm throwing for 163 yards, 2 touchdowns and rushing for 2 more scores and recording 3-2 point conversions in just three quarters as he was pulled in the 4th.    Two-Way Stud    LeSean Braxton is a big body WR who caught a fantastic 25 yard touchdown pass in this game, along with a 2-point conversion. Later on in the third quarter, Braxton also recovered a fumble and took it in for a score. He also recorded 8 tackles from his LB position.    Player Scouts Should Take Notice Of    Jareese Gaines did not have a great statistical game but he showed explosiveness out of his breaks and fantastic route running ability. He was able to showcase his incredible athleticism on a great 30 yard catch. He is always open. He has great hands and collegiate scouts should take notice.

This week, I was able to make it to 4 games - JV & Varsity - and recognize several standout players. I will highlight some teams and players that stood out to me this weekend; some players that are highly recognizable while a few that are still under the radar and others will be names to know in the next few seasons.