Here are ITG Next’s top 10 performers from Week 1 of the 2026 Georgia high school football season.
Top Offensive Performances
Thomas County Central quarterback Aiden McPherson, a senior, had a strong debut in the Yellow Jackets’ season opener, accounting for seven total touchdowns, including six rushing and one passing, in a win over Colquitt County. McPherson had 11 carries for 196 yards and six rushing touchdowns while completing 11-of-16 passes for 163 yards and one touchdown.
Valdosta athlete Marquis Fennell scored four touchdowns, including a 54-yard punt return for a touchdown, two receiving touchdowns on 143 yards, and one rushing touchdown on 48 yards to lead Valdosta to a win over Jones County.
Coffee athlete Xavien Littleton, a sophomore, rushed for three touchdowns and caught one touchdown pass to pace the Trojans in their 49-14 win over Parkview.
Heard County running back Ethan Tisdale led his team with a six-touchdown performance against Central Carrollton. Tisdale rushed for 205 yards and two touchdowns while passing for 151 yards and four touchdowns to lead the Braves to a big Week 1 win.
McEachern athlete Casey Barner had two carries for 67 yards and one touchdown, four tackles, including one tackle for loss, an interception returned 24 yards, and one kickoff return for 36 yards to earn MVP honors in the Corky Kell + Dave Hunter Classic win over Kell.
Houston County running back Austin Stinson rushed for 311 yards on 23 carries and three touchdowns.
Top Defensive Performances
McEachern defensive end Marley Underwood returned an interception 80 yards for a touchdown and added four tackles, including one tackle for loss, in the Indians’ win over Kell. Following the game, Underwood received an offer from Georgia head coach Kirby Smart, who was in attendance.
Roswell edge rusher Jaxon Holly returned an interception 67 yards for a touchdown, shifting the momentum for the Hornets while they were trailing 14-0. He also had five tackles, including one tackle for loss, and one quarterback sack.
Top Special Teams Performances
Cook’s Jaquaz Sharpe returned a kickoff 87 yards for an early touchdown to help Cook upset Swainsboro 36-35 in overtime.
Marist punter and kicker Tyler Baradel made a 43-yard field goal, converted his only extra-point attempt, and recorded touchbacks on all three kickoffs to help the War Eagles defeat Woodward Academy 10-3.
