State Semifinals Players To Watch: West Breakdown

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Weddington at Grimsley</strong> - These two state powers meet once again in the 4A West Final to determine who goes to the state championship game. There are some dynamic players on both sides to watch in this one, let's take a look:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["823700"],"_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-675c74b8cfc36"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Aiden has been widely regarded as the best defensive lineman in the Class of 2026 and has grown into a 6'5 and 255-pound absolute monster. His ability to push the pocket and create quick pressure on quarterbacks from either the defensive tackle or defensive end position is an impressive trait. Aiden has offers from about every school in the country, and he will be the focus of a good Grimsley offensive line up front. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1321106"],"_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-675c74b8cfcaf"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Kelson has become a very important playmaker in the Weddington passing game this season. The Warriors get the ball into Tate's hands in a number of ways, and he acts like a human joystick when gets into space. Tate's playmaking is important to help balance a good Weddington running game led by [player_tooltip player_id='1303785' first='Nick' last='Diamond'] and a good offensive line up front. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["284090"],"_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-675c74b8cfcf8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Our highly regarded #1 ranked quarterback in the Class of 2026 continues to lead a talented Grimsley offense deep into the state playoffs once again. This time, he will try to defeat a Weddington team and defense who really pressured and got after him in last season's playoff victory. With great arm talent, accuracy, and dual-threat ability, Brandon will see if he can replicate the game-winning touchdown pass he had in last week's victory over Hough in the state quarterfinals. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["620146"],"_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-675c74b8cfd3e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The impressive EDGE rusher had the play of the game last week in my opinion when he flat ran through a Hough offensive lineman to get a sack on Hough's final drive. That sack pushed Hough back 10 yards and forced them to use their final timeout, which ultimately forced them to throw a hail mary at the end of the game. Bryce is equally good at stopping the run, and he will command a lot of attention from Weddington's offensive line for sure. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>West Charlotte at Hickory</strong> - Expect to see a lot of points in this game as two offenses playing very well matchup here in the 3A West state final. The Lions have been road warriors the last couple of weeks with wins at Asheville Erwin and Dudley, while Hickory got past Crest and North Lincoln at home. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1321007"],"_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-675c74b8cfd83"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Jamouri has experienced exponential growth as a quarterback since I last saw him during the regular season live. He is making smart decisions with the football and is efficiently getting the ball into his playmakers' hands and into space. Jamouri is also making plays with his feet when he has to. Protecting the football will be key tonight as Hickory will try to disrupt the Lions with different looks to break their offensive rhythm. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["949642"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":1579466,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","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-675c74b8cfdf1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Michael has lived up to his ranking as our #1 linebacker in the Class of 2027. His instincts and tackling ability from the middle linebacker position have been so impressive that teams are having trouble running right at the Lions, something that most teams believe they can do to neutralize their blitzing schemes. Michael has a big challenge tonight in trying to slow down a Hickory team that can run and pass at high levels. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["527014"],"_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-675c74b8cfe4c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Anytime you start talking about Hickory, it starts and ends with their ultra-talented signal caller. Brady signed with Samford University on signing day, and they are getting a smart and accurate field general type of quarterback. Brady has some good scrambling ability, and with the Lions' aggressive defense, his talent to make throws on the run will be put to the test in tonight's game for sure. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1070861"],"_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-675c74b8cfea2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Jamien decided to switch from his early commitment at Wake Forest and is now committed to Duke University to play football on the college level. Being [player_tooltip player_id='527014' first='Brady' last='Stober']'s main target the last two years, his big-play ability is a major key for the Red Tornadoes to win at home tonight to return to the State Championship game. Two weeks ago against Crest, Jamien had 6 catches for 235 yards and 2 touchdowns, and Hickory fans would love a repeat of that performance tonight. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Brevard at Monroe</strong> - The 9-seed Blue Devils have made an impressive run in the state playoffs, last week knocking off a talented Forest Hills team at home. They will go on the road to take on the Redhawks, who got here with an impressive road victory last week against Shelby. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- 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":"Dillon Galloway","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'4u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"240","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2407","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Brevard","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"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-675c74b8cff78"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Dillon is probably the highest regarded player from a recruiting perspective for Brevard, as he signed with Appalachian State to play college football in the early signing period. Dillon is an extremely strong player with a 345-pound bench press and 510-pound squat max. Expect Brevard to run right at Monroe to neutralize the impressive speed they have on both sides of the ball, and Dillon will be a big part of that game plan. </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":"Braylon Thompson","_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":"5'10u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"160","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2408","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Brevard","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"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-675c74b8d0033"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Braylon is one of the main offensive threats for the Blue Devils - he had a big game last week in the win over Forest Hills. So far he has rushed for over 1200 yards and 18 touchdowns. In this game, using his north/south speed will be the best plan of attack as Monroe does a good job defensively of not allowing players to get to the outside with good team speed. If Braylon has a big game running the ball tonight, it is a good sign for the Blue Devils overall. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1199249"],"_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-675c74b8d007e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Our number 1 defensive back in the 2025 class initially committed to Clemson University, but Jordan then flipped his commitment to the University of Michigan, and he will play as a Wolverine next season on the college level. Jordan will be a major factor as usual in this game, as Brevard will run it a good bit offensively. His run support from the secondary will help limit good plays becoming big plays. Offensively, when they need a big play, expect the ball to show up in Jordan's hands. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1357139"],"_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-675c74b8d00c1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Zion "Bus" Lindsey will be an important piece on both sides of the ball for the Redhawks. Zion will get the ball in the running game when the Redhawks need the tough yards - he has 900 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns this season in a timeshare situation running the ball with teammates [player_tooltip player_id='1600177' first='Nymir' last='Kendall'] and QB [player_tooltip player_id='272704' first='Kaegan' last='Chambers']. Zion will also help out on defense when necessary. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Corvian at Mountain Heritage</strong> - The 5 seeded Cardinals have flexed their muscles in the playoffs, ending the 44-game winning streak on the road last week of Mount Airy, defeating them 14-7. Mountain Heritage has also had a great season, knocking off annual power Murphy last week. Mountain Heritage will host this game tonight. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1303838"],"_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-675c74b8d0105"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The Queen City Senior Bowl selection contributes for the Cardinals on both sides of the ball, playing quarterback and defensive back for the Cardinals. Andre is also a leader for the Cardinals - his playmaking ability opens up things offensively for talented teammates in Noah Best and [player_tooltip player_id='1537784' first='Cameron' last='Johnson'] in the running game. Andre committed to play football at Hampton University in the early signing period. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1003317"],"_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-675c74b8d0148"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Douglas is a talented player who was selected for the Queen City Senior Bowl and also committed to Elon University in the early signing period to play college football. Through the first 3 rounds of the playoffs, Douglas had 30 tackles including 10 tackles for loss and 2 sacks. Against Mountain Heritage, Douglas's run-stopping ability will be put to the test in order for the Cardinals to advance to the state championship game. </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":"[player_tooltip player_id='781232' first='Brandon' last='Quinn']","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'2u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"185","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2409","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Mountain Heritage","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"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-675c74b8d01e5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Brandon is a major piece of the Mountain Heritage team - especially offensively, as he has rushed for nearly 1800 yards on the ground this year and 28 touchdowns on the season. Brandon has also thrown for 11 touchdowns this season, but this team is made to pound the football. Looking at them formation-wise, they do a good job of overloading one side, and then they can counter it with quick passes to the weak side of the formation. Simply, if Brandon has a big game tonight, things are going well for Mountain Heritage. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->